Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “Server IP/DNS Address Could Not Be Found” Error
If you’re encountering the “Server IP/DNS Address Could Not Be Found” error, you’re not alone. This issue is commonly linked to DNS (Domain Name System) problems, connectivity issues, or misconfigured network settings, which can prevent you from accessing websites. In this guide, we will walk you through several steps to troubleshoot and resolve this error effectively, ensuring your internet connection is restored.
Before we begin, make sure you have administrative access to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system as some steps require elevated permissions. It’s also beneficial to have a stable internet connection, even if it’s intermittent, to perform some of the troubleshooting steps.
Step 1: Access Network Connections
Start by checking your network settings. You can do this by searching for the network connections on your computer.
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
- Type in View Network Connections and click on it.
- Once in the Network Connections window, locate your active network adapter.
- Double-click on your network adapter to open its properties.
Step 2: Configure DNS Settings
Now, you’ll need to check and update your DNS settings. This can often resolve DNS-related issues.
- In the properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
- Ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically is selected.
- Below this, select Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter
8.8.8.8as your preferred DNS server and8.8.4.4as your alternate DNS server. - Click OK to save your settings.
Step 3: Flush DNS Cache
Next, you’ll clear the DNS cache, which can help eliminate outdated or corrupt DNS records.
- Open the search bar again and type in cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- When prompted, click Yes to allow changes.
- In the command prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns.
Step 4: Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings can help resolve deeper configuration issues that might be causing the error.
- In the same command prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock resetnetsh int ip reset- After executing these commands, close the command prompt.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to apply all the changes you made. This step is crucial as it ensures that all settings take effect properly.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you’re still experiencing issues after following these steps, consider checking the following:
- Ensure your router is functioning correctly and is not blocking your connection.
- Check for any firewall settings that might be interfering with your network access.
- Updating your network drivers can also resolve compatibility issues.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the “Server IP/DNS Address Could Not Be Found” error and restore your internet connectivity. If the issue persists, consider contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance. For more troubleshooting tips, feel free to explore additional guides on network issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates domain names into IP addresses so that browsers can load Internet resources.
Why do I get the DNS address could not be found error?
This error can result from various factors including misconfigured DNS settings, a faulty network connection, or issues with the DNS server itself.
How do I know if my DNS settings are correct?
You can check your DNS settings by accessing the network properties in the Control Panel and ensuring they are set to automatically obtain or are configured with valid DNS server addresses.