How To Fix the “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” Error

The internet an endless source of information and connectivity may occasionally leave us held on a barrier with error warnings. One such warning is the “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” issue can cause your online browsing to stop working.

In this post, we will explain to you how to diagnose and fix server cant be found error so you can get back online quickly.

Understanding the Error

Before diving into solutions let’s understand the problems behind the error message. Every device connected to the internet has a unique identifier called an IP address. When you try to access a website your computer does not understand domain names like example.com. It relies on the Domain Name System (DNS) which acts like a phonebook for the internet translating domain names into the corresponding IP addresses.

The “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” error indicates that this translation process failed. There could be several reasons for this failure:

1. A simple typo in the URL can lead to this error. Double-check the spelling!
2. An outdated or corrupted DNS cache on your device or issues with your ISP’s DNS server can lead to incorrect translations.
3. Temporary glitches in your internet connection or router configuration can disrupt communication.
4. In rare cases, the server you are trying to access might be down or experiencing problems.

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that we know the potential causes, let’s explore solutions starting with the simplest ones:

1. Basic Checks

• Sometimes a simple refresh can resolve temporary glitches. You can do this by pressing F5 or Ctrl+R in your browser.
• Double-check the URL for any typos in the domain name.
• A quick reboot of your computer and router can often clear temporary issues

2. Addressing Browser Issues

Your browser caches website data to improve loading speed. Sometimes this cache can become corrupted leading to errors. Clear your browsing history, cache, and cookies to see if it helps. To clear the cache on Google Chrome navigate to the “Clear Browsing Data” option.

If the error persists in one browser, try accessing the website using a different one to isolate the issue. This helps determine if the problem lies with your browser or the connection. If you are using a different browser refer to our guide on how to clear cache in all major browsers.

3. DNS Troubleshooting

Your operating system stores recently accessed DNS translations. Flushing this cache can clear any outdated or incorrect information. The method for flushing the DNS cache varies depending on your operating system:

To flush the DNS cache on Windows open a command prompt and type the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

To flush the DNS cache on Mac, open a Terminal window and type the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

For different Linux operating systems, the default DNS resolver on most distributions can use the following command:

systemd-resolve --flush-caches

This will clear out any temporary DNS records that may be causing the problem.

You can bypass your ISP’s DNS server and use a public DNS server like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS. These are often faster and more reliable.

4. Network and Connection Issues

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Try accessing other websites to confirm connectivity.
• Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them for a few seconds and then plugging them back in. This can clear temporary configuration issues.

5. Advanced Solutions for Windows Users

• Reset network settings: This resets your network adapter settings to their defaults, potentially fixing configuration issues. Be aware that this might erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• Update network adapter drivers: Outdated drivers can cause connectivity problems. Check for and install any available updates for your network adapter driver.
• Check firewall and security software: Sometimes, overly restrictive firewalls or security software can block access to certain websites. Try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable them afterward for security reasons.

Additional Considerations

Following are some additional considerations on server cannot be found error:

• If the server is overloaded or experiencing temporary issues try accessing the website again later.
• If you are a website owner and suspect the issue lies with the server consider contacting their support team for further assistance.

Conclusion

The “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” problem might be disruptive, but with a little troubleshooting, you can usually go back online. Remember that troubleshooting is a process of elimination. Begin with basic checks such as refreshing the page, checking for typos, and restarting your devices. If the problem remains, look into the browser settings, DNS sets, and network connections.

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