Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Easy Fix for a DNS Error on IE


Origin of the Problem
Determine whether the DNS error is an external or a local problem with your computer. Test whether you can connect to other websites using destinations that are known to have server stability, such as CNN.com. If you find that you cannot connect to this site, the problem probably rests with something on your computer or in-house network. If you can reach CNN.com and other websites, but can’t reach your original destination, it’s possible that there is something wrong with the website, not your computer. Ask a friend to try to access this website too. If they receive a DNS error as well, the problem lies with the website. If your friend can reach the website, the trouble turns back to your computer.
Modem and Router Troubles
A persistent DNS error is a sign that your computer is not making contact with the Internet at all. Look at the network status icon near your desktop clock. Hover your mouse over the icon and note the report. If you see a message “Not connected,” or “Limited connectivity,” there is something wrong with your network, either on your computer or at your broadband service modem. Turn off your broadband modem. If you have a second router connected to this modem, turn it off as well. Unplug the broadband modem and wait 10 minutes. Restore your modem and watch for the status lights. If one of these lights does not come on after two minutes, call your broadband provider and request a live test on your modem. If the modem tests good, plug in your secondary router if you have one. If the “WAN” light fails to come on, your router may be bad. Troubleshoot it by visiting the manufacturer’s website or telephone tech support or replace it.
Ethernet Problems
If your modem and router test OK, the problem may be your computer. Go to “Start,” then “Control Panel,” then “System,” and then “Device Manager.” Look under the “Network Adapter” listing. If there is a red “x” or a yellow exclamation mark over your network adapter listing, the adapter has either gone bad, or the drivers are missing. Turn off your firewall and anti-virus programs. Reinstall the network adapter drivers and then reboot. If this doesn’t fix the problem, the ethernet card may be bad. You can replace an ethernet card on a desktop by installing a new PCI ethernet card. On a laptop, either replace the onboard wireless card, or install a new PCMCIA ethernet card.
Software Problems
If your computer hardware tests good, there may be a problem with your Windows settings. Turn off your firewall and your anti-virus programs. Go to “Start,” “Control Panel,” “Internet Options,” and restore your security and privacy settings to “default.” Check “Connections” and make sure your LAN settings are on “automatic detection.” Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Reboot your machine (with the firewall and anti-virus still turned off) and check for connectivity. Check your version of Internet Explorer. The IE 6 and IE 7 versions are out of date and should be updated to the latest version from the Microsoft Update website.
Infections
At this point, if your computer still reports a DNS error, it is highly likely your computer is infected. If you have been running an anti-virus program, it has obviously failed you. Remove it. Download copies of four free, safe and truly effective programs: C-Cleaner, Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, and Avast. Turn off your System Restore service temporarily. Run each program in sequence, using C-Cleaner before each new scan. Run the Avast program in “boot scan” mode last. After cleaning your machine, reboot and try to connect to the Internet again. If you still cannot connect, download and run a powerful free program, ComboFix. Any DNS error message that persists after this point is a sign of very serious trouble: see your local PC repair professional.

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