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Experiencing website downtime due to nameserver issues can indeed be a frustrating ordeal. If you’re curious about the backstage workings of the web, you might have delved into our previous guide, “Understanding Nameservers: A Simple Guide to Navigate Your Website’s Backbone.”
In this section, we’ll walk you through common DNS errors and their solutions, offering step-by-step guidance to troubleshoot with confidence. Drawing insights from real-world scenarios and client experiences, we’ll explore specific issues such as Nameserver Propagation, NXDOMAIN, SERVFAIL, zone misconfigurations, and additional factors like registry or registrar suspensions.
What is Nameserver Propagation?
Nameserver propagation is the process by which changes to nameserver records are distributed across the entire internet. When you make changes to your domain’s nameservers, such as updating them to point to a new hosting provider, these changes need time to take effect globally. During this propagation period which typically spans from 1 to 48 hours, DNS information is updated across various servers and internet service providers, ensuring uniform access to your website.
The DNS Gap: Understanding the Waiting Period
The propagation process introduces what is commonly known as the “DNS gap” or “propagation delay.” This delay occurs because different DNS servers across the world update their records at varying intervals. As a result, during the propagation period, users might experience inconsistent access to your website. Some users will see the old version, while others will see the updated one.
Decoding NXDOMAIN Error: What Causes It and How to Resolve?
When your browser displays an NXDOMAIN error, it indicates that the domain you’re trying to reach does not exist. This can occur for various reasons, including typos in the domain name, expired domains, incorrect nameserver settings, or even registry/registrar suspensions.
Identification Steps
Verify Domain Spelling: Double-check the spelling of the domain in question to rule out any typos or misspellings.
Check Nameserver Settings: Ensure that the domain is using the correct and active nameservers. Incorrect settings can lead to NXDOMAIN errors.
Check Registry/Registrar Status: Confirm if the domain is under suspension, especially clientHold or serverHold status on WHOIS. Registrar or Registry-related issues can contribute to NXDOMAIN errors.
Resolution Steps
Correct Typos: If there are typos, correct them in the domain settings and try accessing the site again.
Verify Nameserver Settings: Confirm that the domain is pointing to the correct and active nameservers. If you need assistance with changing nameservers, refer to our step-by-step guide for detailed instructions. Update the settings if necessary to ensure accurate and functional nameserver configurations.
Address Suspension Issues: If the domain is suspended, follow up with the registry/registrar to resolve suspension-related concerns. This may involve resolving outstanding issues or fulfilling specific requirements. In this case, you can contact us using the form here for further assistance and guidance.
Error Indicators
- The browser shows “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” or similar messages.
- DNS lookup on tools like Google Public DNS returns an NXDOMAIN response.
SERVFAIL: Understanding the Error and How to Fix It
A SERVFAIL error indicates that there’s an issue with the nameserver’s ability to provide a valid response. This can be due to misconfigurations, server overload, temporary unavailability, or even registry/registrar suspensions.
Identification Steps
Check Server Status: Verify the status of the nameserver to ensure it’s operational.
Review DNS Configuration: Examine the DNS configuration for any errors.
Check for DDoS Attacks: Assess if there is a possibility of a DDoS attack causing server disruptions.
Check for Zone Configurations: Zone misconfigurations occur when there are errors in the DNS zone settings, leading to issues in resolving domain names.
Resolution Steps
Server Maintenance: If the server is down, wait for it to come back online.
Review DNS Configuration: Correct any misconfigurations in the DNS settings. If DNSSEC is configured for your domain, make sure the DS record is correctly configured.
Mitigate DDoS Attacks: If a DDoS attack is suspected, implement mitigation measures such as deploying a DDoS protection service, adjusting firewall settings, or seeking assistance from your hosting provider.
Address Zone Configurations Issues: Verify the status of the zone file with your hosting or DNS provider and address the issue if a misconfiguration is found.
Error Indicators
- DNS lookup on tools like Google Public DNS returns a SERVFAIL response.
- Inability to access the website due to server failure.
Simple Fixes for Common Hurdles
Sometimes, simple solutions can resolve access issues. Consider trying the following steps:
Restart Router
Power cycle your router to refresh the connection and resolve any local networking issues.
Use Public DNS
Switch to a public DNS service like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to bypass potential DNS-related problems. This involves changing your device’s DNS settings to use Google’s public servers. For a detailed guide on how to change DNS settings, you can refer to Google’s official support article. This step can help resolve DNS-related issues and provide a more stable connection to websites.
Clear Browser Cache
Cached data in your browser may lead to display issues. Clear your browser cache to ensure you’re loading the latest version of the website.
Try Different Network Providers
If you’re still facing issues, consider switching to a different network provider. Sometimes, Internet Service Provider (ISP) caches may cause delays in updating DNS records. You can switch to a mobile network, use a different Wi-Fi network, or even try a cellular data connection to see if the problem persists. This helps rule out potential issues related to a specific ISP’s cache, ensuring you have a fresh connection to access the website.
By understanding these specific DNS server-related issues, identifying them through systematic steps, and implementing the suggested resolutions, you will be well-equipped to troubleshoot DNS errors effectively.