Internet Problem - Troubleshooting DNS Error

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a DNS error encountered after setting up a new DSL connection. Participants explore various potential causes and solutions related to internet connectivity issues, including hardware settings, packet loss, and DNS configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports frequent DNS errors while browsing, despite the DSL connection appearing functional according to tech support.
  • Another suggests checking the DSL modem settings, questioning whether the participant had previously used dial-up successfully.
  • Participants discuss pinging google.com to assess packet loss, with varying results indicating intermittent connectivity issues.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of the DSL connection being affected by distance from the server, along with suggestions to replace cables or try different phone sockets.
  • One participant notes that even new cables can fail and emphasizes the importance of checking firewall or virus protection software.
  • Another participant suggests using the nslookup command to diagnose DNS issues, with results indicating potential DNS server problems.
  • There is a discussion about whether the DNS server settings are being configured correctly, with suggestions to check the output of the 'ipconfig /all' command.
  • Some participants clarify the distinction between DNS and IP issues, with one asserting that DNS problems can lead to timeouts when resolving domain names.
  • A later post mentions that a technician from AT&T identified a hardware issue outside the participant's home as the source of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the root cause of the DNS errors, with some focusing on hardware settings and others on DNS configurations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific solution until the technician's intervention is mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various troubleshooting steps and commands, but there is no consensus on the exact nature of the problem prior to the technician's visit. The discussion includes assumptions about the DSL setup and the potential impact of previous internet service types.

sean1234
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I recently set up a new DSL connection to this computer and am having a problem with the connection. I called the tech support at the company and they said the connection is fine and the appropirate lights on the DSL modem are all on. Yet when I move from page to page I frequently get the IE error page "Cannot find server or DNS Error" I reload the page and it opens properly. This is also present using Mozilla.
 
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sean1234 said:
I recently set up a new DSL connection to this computer and am having a problem with the connection. I called the tech support at the company and they said the connection is fine and the appropirate lights on the DSL modem are all on. Yet when I move from page to page I frequently get the IE error page "Cannot find server or DNS Error" I reload the page and it opens properly. This is also present using Mozilla.

It could be a number of things. But if i were to bet i would say check the settings on your DSL modem since both IE and mozzila don't work. Did you have dial up before DSL?? and did both IE and mozzila work??
 
what happens if you ping google.com for example, do you loose packets?

Do this from cmd prompt: (assuming you are using windows)

ping google.com -tLet it run for a bit.. and see if you have a high % of request time outs.
 
We previously had dial up; but I am using a different computer with the DSL, if that even matters.

I pinged google and received large blocks of replies with maybe 3 or 4 time outs in between.
 
how large is large? :smile:
 
11 X reply
1 X time out
19 X reply
1 X time out
17 X reply
2 X time out
 
I ran another one
4 X reply
4 X time out
~15 X reply
etc...
 
Not the best, but I don't think that will be the problem then.
 
Like i said i would easily check the settings on your modem.
 
  • #10
I am guessing you are on the edge of the range where DSL works. With DSL, my understanding is quality is affected by the range you are from the server. You may also want to try replacing cables (phone line, CAT 5 cable) or even try a different phone socket -- because there could be some problems there.
 
  • #11
The cables are new, but I guess I could go replace them. The modem they gave me doesn't have any settings other than on and off. I don't see why it would be anything on my computer since I have used DSL successfully on it at another location. But what on my computer should look at anyway?
 
  • #12
Even new cables can suck! Again, try a different phone jack too.

I also would like to know what virus protection/firewall software you are using.
 
  • #13
I think if you arent loosing too many packets, we can assume physical cabling is fine. I would suggest the problem is probably somewhere else.

What happens when you do this from cmd:

nslookup
>google.com

Can you copy and paste what happens when you do that
 
  • #14
It says

server:unknown
Address: 198.XXX.X.X

Non-authoritative answer
name:google.com
addresses: (it lists three)
 
  • #15
I can't copy it

but above it also said
can't find server name for address 198.XXX.X.X: non-existent domain
default servers not available
default server: unknown
 
  • #16
seems like you may have a dns problem, contact your ISP and ask the what your DNS server should be, and ask them to help you configure it.
 
  • #17
It sounds like your 'DNS server' parameter is not being set property. The default server should be set automatically.

If you enter (windows command prompt) 'ipconfig /all', you should see a setting there 'DNS servers', they should be set to something or other. Can you tell us what they are set to?
 
  • #18
I doubt it's an IP problem because of the fact that he can open pages sometimes. Step one would be to make sure you have reset all your browser settings to default and ensure they obtain dns and ip automatically. If you could post what ipconfig says for dns that would be nice. Also default gateway.
 
  • #19
I doubt it's an IP problem because of the fact that he can open pages sometimes.

Dns isn't IP, its how you resolve a Name (FQDN, fully qualified domain name) to an IP address. If you are having to recuse to obtain an IP address, you can have a time out, which would resolve the next time you try and get the FQDN.
 
  • #20
I wasn't saying DNS was IP. Just noting that it's not an IP problem.
 
  • #21
AT&T came out and discovered it was a problem with their hardware away from my house. Don't know exactly what they did to fix it.
 

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