Introduction
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error occurs when Chrome cannot translate a website’s domain name into its IP address. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this common DNS error that prevents website access.
Common Causes
- DNS server configuration issues
- Network connectivity problems
- Corrupted local DNS cache
- Incorrect hosts file entries
- VPN or proxy conflicts
- Router/modem issues
- System-level DNS problems
- Firewall/antivirus interference
Quick Solutions
1. Flush DNS Cache
For Windows Systems:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Enter these commands:
powershell ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
For Mac Systems:
- Open Terminal
- Execute these commands:
bash sudo dscacheutil -flushcache sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
For Linux Systems:
- Open Terminal
- Run these commands:
bash sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches sudo service network-manager restart
2. Change DNS Servers
Google DNS Configuration:
- Primary DNS:
8.8.8.8 - Secondary DNS:
8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS Configuration:
- Primary DNS:
1.1.1.1 - Secondary DNS:
1.0.0.1
3. Basic Network Reset
Sequential Steps:
- Close all Chrome windows
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Power cycle router/modem:
- Unplug devices
- Wait 30 seconds
- Reconnect and wait for full restart
- Test on alternate network
Advanced Troubleshooting
1. Check Hosts File
Windows Systems:
- Launch Notepad as administrator
- Navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - Check for incorrect entries
- Remove suspicious lines
- Save changes
Mac/Linux Systems:
- Open Terminal
- Execute:
sudo nano /etc/hosts - Review all entries
- Save:
Ctrl + O - Exit:
Ctrl + X
2. Network Stack Reset
Windows Commands:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
powershell netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset - Restart computer after execution
Mac Commands:
- Open Terminal:
bash sudo ifconfig en0 down sudo ifconfig en0 up - Verify network connection
Linux Commands:
- Open Terminal:
bash sudo service network-manager restart sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager - Check network status
3. VPN/Proxy Verification
Systematic Check:
- Disable all VPN connections
- Clear proxy settings:
- Navigate to Chrome settings
- Search for “proxy”
- Remove all configurations
- Test website access
- If successful:
- Update VPN client software
- Reconfigure proxy settings
- Verify server configurations
- Re-enable services sequentially
Prevention Strategies
1. Regular Maintenance
Weekly Tasks:
- Clear browser data:
- Cached files
- Cookies
- Browsing history
- Update Chrome
- Verify DNS settings
- Check network status
- Review security software
2. Network Optimization
Essential Actions:
- Update router firmware monthly
- Document working configurations
- Regular speed testing
- Monitor network changes
- Maintain backup settings
3. Security Measures
Key Steps:
- Weekly malware scans
- Update security software
- Review firewall rules
- Check proxy settings
- Document configurations
Additional Resources
Recommended Tools
Network Diagnostics:
- Wireshark
- Network packet analysis
- Traffic monitoring
- Protocol inspection
- Fiddler
- Web debugging
- HTTPS analysis
- Network troubleshooting
Speed Testing:
- Speedtest.net
- Bandwidth measurement
- Server selection
- Fast.com
- Netflix’s speed test
- Real-world performance
Official Documentation
Pro Tip: Document all successful configurations and troubleshooting steps for quick reference in future issues.