How to Fix “Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found” Error: The Definitive Guide

If you use Google Chrome to browse the web, then you must have faced the hated “server DNS address could not be found” error already. This error can make users very worried. But, don’t let it burden you. It’s a common occurrence and relates to the DNS server.

The browser must be able to get in touch with the server for a website to load. If there’s no connection, you will receive an error. In this article, we’ll talk about why this error may occur and how to solve it.

What Is Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found?

This Error may also appear as “DNS server is unavailable”, is a common error that serves as a warning and needs to be taken care of before things get out of hand.

It indicates the browser cannot connect to the DNS server, hence can’t find the address you’re looking for. The problem occurs on Microsoft Chrome, which is among the most famous browsers today, on Windows computers.

5 Easy Steps To Fix The Problem

“DNS Server IP Address Could Not be Found” may sound like a very complex issue, but it is quite easy to solve if you have access to the right information.

The problem is in your system and not the server, hence everything is in your own hands. Let’s have a look at five things you can do to solve the problem.

1. Check & Update Your Drivers

Outdated, corrupt, or incorrect drivers can cause you to face this error. Hence, your first step should be to run an automatic check on drivers and ensure they’re working correctly. If your system does not offer this, then you may perform a manual update.

Automatic Updates

You can use Driver Easy to perform the job. It’s a reliable program that can identify outdated or missing drivers and also update them accordingly.

We suggest you choose the “Update All” option so that all the old or incorrect drivers can be updated automatically.

Manual Updates

If automatic updates is not an option, then you may try to update the drivers manually. Head to the manufacturer’s site and search for the recent versions of relevant drivers and ensure you have the latest versions installed. If not, download and install the latest drivers from the site.

If you have trouble, you may either seek professional help or get in touch with the manufacturer to help you identify the latest drivers.

In most cases, updating the driver will solve the problem. If it doesn’t work, move to option #3.

2. Clear Chrome’s Host Cache

It is typical for Chrome host cache to corrupt or gets full. You may face errors in such a scenario, hence clearing the cache can be the right solution.

The problem is easy to fix. Open Google Chrome and copy and paste this into the address bar: chrome://net-internals/#dns.

You may also type the address as it is. Make sure there are no typos. Click enter, and you will immediately see a Configuration page. Find the “Clear Host Cache” button that’s right below the table and next to the Host Resolver Cache heading, which is highlighted in bold. Clicking the button will clear the cache.

Now, close Chrome and reopen it to see if things are back to normal. If yes, you can continue to browse, otherwise, move to option #3.

3. Go to Your ‘ETC’ Folder and Delete Files

This simple fix requires only a few seconds.

Access the ETC folder by going to your C Drive, Windows, System32, and Drivers. You may also copy-paste or type this address in the address bar to directly access the folder: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

Delete all the files you see in the folder and also clear the recycle bin.

Now, close Chrome and reopen it to see if things are back to normal. If yes, you can continue to browse, otherwise, move to option #4.

4. Change Your DNS Server Settings

It’s possible for the issue to be there due to your DNS servers and their configuration.

Have a look at your DNS servers and ensure they are properly configured. Press the R and Windows keys on your keyboard simultaneously. The system will prompt a Run command. Type Control Panel in the box and click Ok. The system will open your CP. If this sounds complicated, you may also open the Control Panel directly from the Windows Menu if you have Windows 10.

Now in the Control Panel, find the Network and Sharing Center icon and click on Change Adapter Settings button found on the left side of your screen. From this window, right click on the Local or Wireless Area Network Connection icon and choose Properties.

The screen will display a list of items used by the connection. Click on the ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’ button and view its Properties by clicking on the on-screen Properties button.

You will now see the General Tab. Select the Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically option if not already selected. Otherwise, select the Use the Following DNS Server Address option and click OK.

Make Sure Your DNS Settings Appear like This:

Preferred Address: 8.8.8.8.
Alternate Address: 8.8.4.4.

Now, open Chrome to see if things are back to normal. If yes, you can continue to browse, otherwise, move to option #5.

5. Renew and Clear Your DNS

The Windows OP automatically stores the IP addresses of sites you visit. This caching helps sites load faster when revisited.

While the purpose of the cache is to speed up the process, it may get corrupt and cause problems. The solution lies in clearing and renewing the cache.

Once again, open the Run prompt and type cmd in the box. Next, press ‘Control, Shift and Enter’ simultaneously to open up the Command Prompt.

You may also type or copy-paste ipconfig/flushdns and press Enter. Your cache will get flushed out if it’s corrupt or outdated. Next, type or copy-paste ipconfig /renew and once again press Enter. Now, type or copy-paste ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter.

You’re done. Restart your computer.

Now, open Chrome to see if things are back to normal. If yes, you can continue to browse, otherwise, you may have to consult a professional.

FAQ Section

What Is a Server DNS Address?

A DNS server, shortened for a Domain Name Service server, is a computer that collects a database of IP addresses and hostnames associated with the IPs. This information is used to translate or resolve queries.

DNS servers use special protocols and software to communicate with each other.

What Does It Mean When You Have a DNS Address Could Not Be Found” Error?

The error prevents you from browsing the site and indicates an issue with the system. It occurs when the computer fails to lookup the IP address associated with a domain.

How Do I Find My Server IP Address?

The Process Is Quite Straightforward:

1. Open the Run window by pressing Windows-R. Type cmd in the text box and hit Enter. This will open the command prompt.
2. In the text box, type ipconfig and press Enter. This will open a new window with some valuable information including your computer’s IP address displayed next to the IPv4 Address line.

How Do I Find My DNS Server Details?

Type or copy-paste ipconfig /all into the Command Prompt (without the quotations) and press Enter. This will run the command and display network-related information on your screen. You will find the computer’s primary DNS address under the ‘DNS Servers’ field.

How Can I Reset My DNS Server?

1. Open the Run window by pressing Windows-R.
2. Type or copy-paste ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

The Final Word

We’re hopeful the solutions above will help you get rid of the ‘DNS server not found’ error. Try each solution one by one and make sure to type all the commands carefully and without quotation marks.