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What to do if You are Unable to Restart DNS Client
Try out some confirmed solutions now
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The DNS server, short for Domain Name Server, is where the management, maintenance, and processing of Internet domain names occur. Or in simple terms, a DNS server assigns anIP addressto your PC so that you are easily recognizable on the world wide web. And it does so by translating the domain names toIP addresses.
However, often the server might stop running altogether or have other issues like web pages not getting loaded correctly.
That could be due to some error cropping up, though, in such a scenario, one easy and sure-shot method of getting things back on track is to restart the DNS Server, which is exactly what we discuss in this article.
How can I fix DNS client restart issues?
1. Via command line interface
Start command prompt:You can do this either by clicking onStartfollowed by selectingRunor by simply pressing theWindowsandRbutton simultaneously. When theRundialog box appears, typecmdand pressEnterto start theWindows command prompt.
Alternatively, you can simply typecmdin theCortana search box, right click on theCommand prompt appthat shows and selectRun as administrator.
Type the commandnet stop dnscacheand pressenter. This willstopthe service. However, it might take a few seconds for the command to take effect.
You will be shown the following messages:
Next, type the commandnet start dnscacheand pressEnter. This willrestartthe DNS server though again there might be a few seconds’ delay for that to happen. DNS Server runs as a service in your PC and the above command restarts the service.
The following message should confirm the above.
2. Via graphical user interface
LaunchControl Panel:You can do this by clicking onStart>Windows Systems>Control Panel. Alternately, you can also typeControl Panelin theCortana search boxand selecting accordingly from the search results shown. You can alsoright clickon theStartmenu and selectControl Menu.
UnderControl Panel, click onSystem and Security>Administrative Toolsand openDNSsnap-in.
From the list of options on the left, locate server, right-click on it and selectAll Tasks. Here, there areStartandStopoptions for starting and stopping the service, respectively.
3. Restart DNS Server on a remote server
This is done with the help of the utility named sc, which gets installed together with theOSso far asWindows Server 2003is concerned. To perform the start and stop DNS operations, here is what needs to be done.
To StopDNS.
C:> sc \matrix stop dns
SERVICE_NAME: dns
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 3 STOP_PENDING
(STOPPABLE, PAUSABLE, ACCEPTS_SHUTDOWN)
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x1
WAIT_HINT : 0x7530
To StartDNS.
C:> sc \matrix start dns
SERVICE_NAME: dns
TYPE : 10 WIN32_OWN_PROCESS
STATE : 2 START_PENDING
(NOT_STOPPABLE, NOT_PAUSABLE, IGNORES_SHUTDOWN))
WIN32_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
CHECKPOINT : 0x0
WAIT_HINT : 0x7d0
PID : 504
FLAGS :
This is all you need to do.
You can check if things have been resolved by launching any internet browser and entering a domain name in the address bar. If the page launches successfully, you know you have your issue resolved.
Meanwhile, here are some additional resources worth having a look at.
More about the topics:DNS,windows 10 fix
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
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