How to fix the "DNS server not responding" error? - complete guide

DNS servers are a service that maintains the content of websites. It is also thanks to DNS servers that we can use the Internet and watch movies freely. However, what should you do if you get a "DNS server not responding" error on your computer screen? Check out our methods for solving this problem and use our complete guide!

"DNS server not responding” - what does it mean?

DNS (Domain Name Servers) are networked drives that are responsible for publishing websites, forums or displaying videos. The primary function of the servers is to translate complex IP addresses into easy-to-remember domain names. DNS servers are also responsible for displaying content and delivering emails.

In this network, DNS servers can be divided into:

• primary DNS server,
• secondary DNS server.

The primary DNS server stores file areas, i.e. information about the domain. This includes the domain configuration or records responsible for various services in the domain. The primary DNS server also communicates with secondary DNS servers, passing on information about the domain configuration.

The secondary DNS server stores copies of the domain configuration information. Unfortunately, these cannot be edited, they are only available for reading.

DNS server is not authoritative for zone - what does it mean?

The "DNS server is not authoritative for zone" message means that when attempting to connect to the site, the authoritative DNS was not found. A name server record (NS record) is responsible for determining the authoritative DNS server for a domain. The NS record helps to indicate where web applications, such as a web browser, can locate the IP address for a given domain name.

If there is a message on the screen: "DNS server is not authoritative for zone" then, in this situation, contact your web host. They should help you solve your problem. The message "DNS server is not authoritative for zone" is related to the configuration of the DNS servers, and the responsibility for configuration lies with the hosting provider.

How To Fix DNS Server Unavailable - complete guide

Once you have registered your domain, you usually designate the DNS servers that will display your website and send mail. Usually, the DNS servers work without fail, displaying your website content. However, one day you encounter the message: "DNS server not responding". What does it mean and what can you do in such a case?

First of all, do not panic and approach the situation calmly. There are many reasons for the "DNS server not responding" error, therefore we will go through the possible methods of solving this problem together. Check out the ways we have for solving a not available page.

1. Pay your bills on time

First of all, make sure you have paid your hosting account bill. This is the most common cause of a not available website. In the hustle and bustle of work and daily tasks, it is easy to forget to pay the bill for your hosting account. Check until when your hosting account is valid and whether it has by chance expired. Sometimes DNS server unavailable just means an unpaid bill.

2. Use a different browser

If you have verified the validity of your hosting account and it is active, try using a different browser - it may be that the unavailability of your site is due to your browser not displaying data for some reason. If your site is working on another browser, a good solution is to reset the browser you are currently using. It is also a good idea to clear your browser cache. The browser cache is the data that the browser stores locally on your computer. Sometimes this data can be out of date. Clearing the cache can help to download new data and display your page. 

Nevertheless, if the website is still not displaying for some reason, the problem may also lie with the server and the current hosting provider. Contacting your current hosting provider should help to determine the reason why the site is not working on a particular browser.

3. Check your computer

Verify your DNS configuration. Consult your network administrator or ISP for the correct DNS settings. Then, ensure that the DNS settings on your computer match this information.

Deactivate your anti-virus software. Antivirus software can block IP addresses or specific websites. The easiest way to check is to deactivate the programmes and try to connect to the Internet. If successful, re-check the DNS configuration in the antivirus software.

Update the drivers for your network card. Make sure that the drivers for your network card are up to date. If not, carry out a driver update and try to connect again.

4. Use a different device

Are you using a computer and the website is not displaying? Try to switch your device. You change your device and use a different network, and you find that the website works perfectly and everyone on the network can use it. What does this mean for you? It indicates a problem with...

5. Router reset

… your router. It may be that for some reason the internet is not allowing you to connect to your site. If a router reset helps, then the problem is solved. And if it doesn't? It's worth undertaking a cable disconnect and waiting about 30 seconds. After this time, it's worth reconnecting the router and performing a reset. As a precautionary measure, it's worth contacting your router provider and asking them to update your router.

Why do I keep getting the DNS active? What does it mean?

Why should you keep getting the DNS active? Keep getting the DNS active will help you avoid a not available website. Remember to pay your hosting account regularly as this is one of the most common causes for a not available website.

How to avoid DNS server unavailable?

After reading our complete guide, you will definitely know how to fix the "DNS server not responding" error. The DNS server unavailable error problem is quite common, but we have outlined some ways and methods that will allow you to overcome the not available servers.