Do you sometimes try to access your website only to encounter the annoying DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN message?
Well, there’s no need to worry, because such an error happens to almost everyone and usually gets solved pretty quickly. Whether you own a site, blog, business, or just trying to access some website, being aware of the meaning of this error and the ways to solve it will help you save time.
In this article, we’ll discuss what does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN mean, why it appears, and how to fix it even without having much technical skills.
Table of Contents
Meaning of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
The meaning of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN is quite straightforward – your browser can’t find the webpage that you are trying to access. Every single webpage on the internet is assigned an IP address, however, using numbers to remember the web address would be impossible for humans. Hence, the Domain Name System (DNS) converts the domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) into IP address.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN appears when the DNS fails to find the domain. In other words, your browser requested the DNS server for the location of the webpage, but the DNS couldn’t find it.
Most Common Reasons for DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
Knowing the reasons helps to find out the right way of how to fix it.
The list includes:
- Wrong DNS settings
- Expired domain name
- Wrong DNS records
- The domain is not linked to hosting
- Browser cache problem
- Damaged DNS cache on your device
- Problems with VPN or antivirus
- DNS server of your ISP fails to work properly
- DNS update was made recently and hasn’t propagated yet
Ways to Solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Problem
Implement each step listed below till the error goes away.
1. Check If the Website URL Is Correct
Sounds like an obvious solution, but typing errors do happen.
E.g.:
- harmonweeb.com
- harmonwebb.com
Rather than the right one.
You need to check for typing errors before attempting something more complicated.
2. Delete Your Browser’s Cache
The problem is that your browser uses some outdated DNS data.
To delete the Chrome cache:
- Launch Chrome.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- Tick off Cached images and files.
- Click on Clear Data.
Afterwards, restart your browser.
3. Flush Your DNS Cache
Your computer uses a local copy of DNS data to make browsing faster.
This copy sometimes gets outdated.
For Windows:
- Run command prompt in Admin mode and type there: Ipconfig /flushdns.
- And you will see: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
Then restart your browser.
4. Restart Your Router
If you have this problem due to your Internet connection and not your computer or mobile device,
Switch off your router for a few minutes and then switch it back on. You will get a fresh network connection.
5. Change the DNS Server Address
There may be some problems with your ISP-provided DNS server. Switching from your current DNS server to another DNS server address will solve the issue.
Some of the best options are:
Google Public DNS
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS
- 1.1.1.1
- 1.0.0.1
All of them are fast and reliable.
6. Check Whether Your Domain Registration Has Expired
Another reason for this error can be expiration of your domain name registration. It will become inaccessible to your browser after expiration.
Make sure to expire your domain before the due date. Read more on how to check the expiration status of your domain
7. Check the Validity of Your DNS Records
One of the most common reasons behind this error is incorrect DNS records.
Check whether your:
- A Record
- CNAME Record
- Nameservers
- MX Records (when needed)
Are all properly set.
If you have recently switched your domain name to a new hosting company, make sure the DNS records reflect those provided by your host.
See how to point a domain name to a hosting server here.
8. Be Patient While Waiting for DNS Propagation
If you have made any recent change such as:
- Nameserver changes,
- DNS record updates,
- Domain transfer,
These will not be visible right away.
It takes time ranging from several minutes up to 48 hours to complete the DNS propagation process. Some users may experience this issue in the meantime.
Watch video below on how to the nameservers on your domain.
Nothing can help but patience. Read more on how to transfer domain names effortlessly.
9. Turn Off the VPN/Antivirus Software Temporarily
Several VPN and antivirus programs cause conflicts in DNS requests. Turn off the software temporarily and reload the page. If the error goes away, you’ll find out which software is causing the problem.
Don’t forget to re-enable the antivirus software after troubleshooting.
10. Reach Out to Your Hosting Provider
If all else fails, the problem might be on the server side.
A good hosting company will determine within minutes whether the problem is caused by:
- DNS setting
- Nameserver
- Server setting
- Connection of domain name to server
- Hosting account setting
At HarmonWeb, our tech support team will help you fix the DNS problems quickly and prevent your website from going down.
Prevention of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
Although some DNS problems can be difficult to control, others can easily be avoided through sound management of your website.
Here are some tips:
- Make sure to renew your domain in advance before its expiry.
- Choose trustworthy DNS servers.
- Select a reliable web hosting company. See the most reliable and cheapest Nigerian hosting company here.
- Perform routine verification of your DNS settings after any modification.
- Always update your browsers and OS.
- Record your DNS settings before performing any modifications.
- Do not make any unnecessary DNS modifications.
Importance of Good Hosting
Most DNS problems originate from the poor quality of the hosting or inappropriate setting up of the server.
Good hosting gives you:
- Reliability in the DNS management
- Faster server reaction
- Guaranteed uptime
- Technical assistance from professionals
- Ease of domain management.
We at HarmonWeb offer you high-quality services of web hosting, domain registration, SSL certificates and excellent customer support that will help you maintain your website successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN a problem with the server?
No. This issue may occur due to your browser, computer, internet connection, DNS server, and website configuration.
2. Can an expired domain lead to the appearance of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?
Yes. With the expiry of the domain, DNS resolution will no longer work.
3. How long is DNS propagation?
DNS propagation takes just several hours. Sometimes, it can take up to 48 hours.
4. Does cleaning browser cache solve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?
In some cases, yes. This error may appear when the browser uses old DNS information, and then cleaning the cache may solve the problem.
Conclusion
The appearance of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error may frighten you, but it is often associated with a simple reason, including incorrect DNS configuration, expired domains, problems with browser cache, and recently made DNS updates.
With the above guidelines for troubleshooting, you will be able to find out the real reason for the error and fix it.
HarmonWeb’s domain registration offers you high-quality web hosting services with excellent DNS management and reliable domain services, and professional technical support. With a good host, not only your website will be operational but also DNS problems will stay far away.
