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    DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error – Meaning, Causes, and Fixes

    Hvtimes NewsBy No Comments5 Mins Read
    DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
    DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

    The error message DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN usually appears when your browser, especially Google Chrome, is unable to find the website you’re trying to reach. In simple terms, it means that the domain name could not be resolved to an IP address.

    Let’s break it down:

    • DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is like the internet’s phonebook. It translates domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses.
    • NXDOMAIN means “Non-Existent Domain”.
    • The full message translates to: “The DNS lookup failed because the domain doesn’t exist.”

    But here’s the catch — the domain often does exist. So, the issue is usually on your side.

    Why Does This Error Occur?

    There are several possible reasons for encountering the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error:

    1. Incorrect DNS Configuration

    One of the most common reasons is that your device is using the wrong DNS server or a misconfigured one.

    2. VPN or Antivirus Interference

    Some VPNs or overly aggressive antivirus programs can block DNS requests or interfere with them.

    3. Typo in the URL

    It sounds obvious, but sometimes the error appears simply because the domain name was misspelled.

    4. Domain Doesn’t Exist

    In rare cases, the error may be accurate — the domain you’re trying to access really doesn’t exist or has expired.

    5. Issues With the Hosts File

    On both Windows and macOS, your system has a hosts file that can override DNS resolutions. If this file is modified incorrectly, it can block access to certain sites.

    How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

    Let’s go through several easy-to-follow steps to fix the issue. You don’t need to be a tech expert — just follow along!

    Fix 1: Restart Your Router

    This is the most basic yet effective solution.

    1. Turn off your router.
    2. Wait for about 30 seconds.
    3. Turn it back on.
    4. Reopen your browser and try accessing the site again.

    Fix 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

    Sometimes, Chrome’s internal cache causes DNS issues.

    Steps in Chrome:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
    • Choose “Cached images and files”.
    • Click “Clear data”.

    Now try revisiting the site.

    Fix 3: Flush DNS Cache (Windows & macOS)

    This clears out old DNS records.

    On Windows:

    1. Open Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start menu).
    2. Type the following command:
    bashCopyEditipconfig /flushdns
    1. Press Enter.

    On macOS:

    1. Open Terminal.
    2. Type:
    nginxCopyEditsudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
    1. Press Enter and enter your password if prompted.

    Fix 4: Change DNS Servers

    Switching to a reliable public DNS can help.

    Recommended DNS:

    • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

    On Windows:

    1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
    2. Click on your active network.
    3. Choose Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
    4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
    5. Enter the addresses above.
    6. Save and restart your browser.

    On macOS:

    1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
    2. Select your network and click Advanced.
    3. Go to the DNS tab.
    4. Click the “+” and add the new DNS addresses.
    5. Apply changes.

    Fix 5: Disable VPN or Antivirus Temporarily

    If you’re using a VPN or third-party antivirus, try disabling them temporarily. Then refresh the page. If the error disappears, consider changing the VPN or adjusting your antivirus settings.

    Fix 6: Reset Chrome Flags

    Experimental settings in Chrome (called “flags”) might cause conflicts.

    1. In your Chrome address bar, type:
    arduinoCopyEditchrome://flags/
    1. Click Reset all to default at the top right.
    2. Relaunch the browser.

    Fix 7: Check the Hosts File

    Sometimes, domains are accidentally blocked in your system’s hosts file.

    On Windows:

    1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
    2. Open the hosts file in Notepad (run as administrator).
    3. Look for any lines blocking your domain.
    4. Delete those lines and save the file.

    On macOS:

    1. Open Terminal.
    2. Type:
    bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
    1. Remove any suspicious lines.
    2. Press Ctrl + O to save, then Ctrl + X to exit.

    Bonus Tip: Try a Different Browser or Device

    If nothing works, try accessing the site from:

    • A different browser (Firefox, Safari, Edge)
    • Another device on the same network
    • A mobile phone with mobile data (to check if your network is the issue)

    If the site loads elsewhere, the problem is local to your device.

    Read More: Hvtimesnews

    FAQ

    What does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN mean?

    It means the DNS server could not find the domain you’re trying to reach — either because it doesn’t exist or because of a configuration issue.

    Is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN a virus?

    No, it’s not caused by malware. It’s a network-related error. However, sometimes antivirus programs can indirectly cause it.

    How can I permanently fix this error?

    Use reliable DNS settings (like Google or Cloudflare DNS), flush DNS cache occasionally, and avoid altering your hosts file unless necessary.

    Does this error happen only in Chrome?

    It’s most commonly seen in Chrome, but other browsers might display similar errors using different messages like “Server DNS address could not be found.”

    Final Thoughts

    The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is frustrating but usually easy to fix with a few simple steps. Whether it’s clearing your DNS cache, changing DNS servers, or simply checking your URL, there’s always a solution.

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