How to Fix “Server Host Name Cannot Be Resolved Please Check DNS Settings”

Hello Dev, have you ever encountered an error message in your browser stating that “Server host name cannot be resolved please check DNS settings”? If yes, then you are not alone. This error is a common issue when trying to access a website. It can be frustrating, especially when you need to access a website urgently. In this article, we’ll explore what the error message means and how you can fix it.

Understanding the “Server Host Name Cannot Be Resolved Please Check DNS Settings” Error

Before we dive into the solutions to fix this error, let’s first understand what it means. This error message usually appears when your computer or device is unable to locate the IP address associated with the domain name of the website you are trying to access. In simpler terms, it means that your computer or device is unable to translate the website address into the IP address needed to access the website.

The cause of this error can vary. It could be due to a problem with your internet connection, issues with your ISP’s DNS server, or your computer’s DNS settings. Let’s explore some of the solutions to fix this error.

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing you should do when you encounter the “Server host name cannot be resolved please check DNS settings” error is to check your internet connection. Sometimes, the error can be due to a poor internet connection. Try opening other websites to confirm if your internet connection is stable.

If you discover that the problem is with your internet connection, try resetting your router and modem or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.

Solution 2: Use Google DNS

If your internet connection is stable and you’re still encountering the error, the next solution is to switch to Google DNS. Google DNS is a free public DNS service that can help you resolve DNS issues. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Start Menu and search for “Control Panel.”
2. Click “Network and Internet.”
3. Click “Network and Sharing Center.”
4. Click “Change Adapter Settings.”
5. Right-click on your Network Connection and click “Properties.”
6. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
7. Check the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
8. Enter “8.8.8.8” as the Preferred DNS server and “8.8.4.4” as the Alternate DNS server.
9. Click “Ok.”

Once you’ve entered the DNS server addresses, click “Ok” again to save the changes. This should resolve the problem if it was caused by DNS issues.

Solution 3: Clear Your DNS Cache

If you’ve tried the first two solutions and you’re still encountering the error, the next solution is to clear your DNS cache. Your DNS cache stores information about the IP addresses of websites you’ve visited recently. Clearing your cache can help resolve issues with your DNS settings. Here’s how to clear your DNS cache:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing “Windows + X” and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press “Enter.”
3. Wait for the command to complete and then restart your computer.

Once your computer has restarted, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been fixed.

Solution 4: Reset Your DNS Settings

If none of the above solutions works, you can try resetting your DNS settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing “Windows + X” and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type “netsh winsock reset catalog” and press “Enter.”
3. Type “netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log” and press “Enter.”
4. Type “netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log” and press “Enter.”
5. Restart your computer.

This should reset your DNS settings to default and resolve any issues that may have caused the error.

FAQ

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses that computers can use to access websites.

How do I know if my DNS settings are correct?

You can test your DNS settings by using the “nslookup” command in Command Prompt. Type “nslookup [website name]” and press “Enter” to see if your DNS settings are resolving the website’s IP address.

Can I use any other DNS service besides Google DNS?

Yes, there are many other public DNS services you can use, such as OpenDNS and Cloudflare DNS. You can choose the one that works best for you.

Why do DNS settings get corrupted?

DNS settings can get corrupted due to malware infections, incorrect settings, or issues with your internet service provider’s DNS server.

Is it safe to use public DNS services?

Yes, public DNS services like Google DNS and OpenDNS are safe to use. They offer privacy and security features that can help protect you from online threats.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you resolve the “Server host name cannot be resolved please check DNS settings” error. Remember to check your internet connection, switch to Google DNS, clear your DNS cache, or reset your DNS settings if you encounter this error. If none of these solutions work, consider contacting your internet service provider or a professional for further assistance.