What Causes a DNS Error?

The DNS error, also known as the Domain Name Service error is one frustrating computer problem related to logging on to the Internet and surfing the web in general. When you receive the notice that you have a DNS error, there are a few possible things that could be the cause of the problem.

In the simplest terms, a Domain Name Service error typically occurs in one of these four circumstances:

• When you do not have Internet service at the time when you are trying to access the web
• If you do not have a working Internet connection that is presently operating or that will allow you to connect to the website you are trying to access
• If there is a problem on the other end, with the website you are trying to access.

So, how and why do these DNS errors occur?  There are a number of other possible common causes that might result in your receiving notice that your computer has a DNS error, and these causes can be easy to troubleshoot if you have some idea why they might be occurring.

Bad Website Address

In some cases, the old adage “it’s not you, it’s me” applies when faced with a DNS error. If the rest of your Internet is fine, the most likely answer to what is causing your DNS error could be any of these situations:

• You are trying to visit a website that has not paid its bill, or that is no longer in business. 
• There is no one providing service for that website.
• The files that make up that website may have been removed. 

If you receive a DNS error message when you try to access one particular website:

• You will want to make sure that the website that you were trying to visit is still a valid site, and is still in operation. 
• You will also want to check your spelling.  Perhaps you tried to visit www.ebayy.com or something similar, and of course there is nothing there to see, because the site does not exist. 

A DNS error will often be returned in these cases.

Connection Problems

In other cases, the problem really is on your end.  If you are getting a DNS error on every website, you'll need to try to do a bit more research to figure out what is causing your DNS error.

• If you are using dial up Internet, your connection may have been dropped, or you may be experiencing a temporary problem with your connection. 
• Perhaps it is too busy to receive new data at this point because of another operation that you are undertaking.  This can also happen with cable modems, FIOS, and wireless Internet. 
• With wireless Internet, loss of signal is often a very real possibility, especially if you are in an area that does not have a strong and consistent signal for you to use. 

Check your modem to make sure that your connection has not been lost before looking to blame other factors.

In other cases, you may need to check your Internet settings to ensure that you have not accidentally changed the IP address that you use to log on to the Internet, leading to the Internet not recognizing you as a valid client and blocking you from accessing pages through your home or office server.