Looking for some assistance. Last Sunday I started receiving error messages when I tried to access Google. The error message states

"This site can't be reached. www.google.com's server IP address could not be found."

I understand what DNS does but have not been able to solve the issue even after following a number of suggestion on the net. I am using windows 10 and my wife is having the same problem with her MacBook Pro.

So far this only seems to be happening with the google website.

Any assistance is welcome. I am using DuckDuckGo in the short term but need access to google for shared email and calendars.

Thanks in advance!!

Have you tried a different browser? This almost sounds like a bug or something has dropped an entry in your lmhosts file or modified the proxy settings on the affected browser.

It doesn't work with internet explorer on my laptop either. Can't speak to my wifes MacBook. My main browser has been chrome.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc1911:

Looking for some assistance. Last Sunday I started receiving error messages when I tried to access Google. The error message states

"This site can't be reached. www.google.com's server IP address could not be found."

I understand what DNS does but have not been able to solve the issue even after following a number of suggestion on the net. I am using windows 10 and my wife is having the same problem with her MacBook Pro.

So far this only seems to be happening with the google website.

Any assistance is welcome. I am using DuckDuckGo in the short term but need access to google for shared email and calendars.

Thanks in advance!!

This is your router at home?

Do you know how to change / set / select the DNS server that you want to use? If not, check the manual for it; if you do not have a manual, you can probably find the procedure online, for your particular router.

Once you know how to do it, here is a list of some good choices for DNS servers.

'Nother thing, before you even change DNS settings, try clearing the cache in your browser. The fix might be that simple. Try a different browser, just to see if the problem is confined to one browser.

The DNS server(s) you're using have probably been selected by your ISP. Have you tried contacting them to ask them what's up?

This is your router at home?

Do you know how to change / set / select the DNS server that you want to use? If not, check the manual for it; if you do not have a manual, you can probably find the procedure online, for your particular router.

Once you know how to do it, here is a list of some good choices for DNS servers.

'Nother thing, before you even change DNS settings, try clearing the cache in your browser. The fix might be that simple. Try a different browser, just to see if the problem is confined to one browser.[/QUOTE]

Yes, it is my home router. I will pull up the manual online and find out how to change DNS Servers,

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
The DNS server(s) you're using have probably been selected by your ISP. Have you tried contacting them to ask them what's up?

I have not. I should probably do that before I go changing the settings in the router.

OK - I bypassed my router and plugged my laptop directly into the modem and still have the problem. I contacted my ISP and am going to drop off the modem for them to check out.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc1911:
OK - I bypassed my router and plugged my laptop directly into the modem and still have the problem. I contacted my ISP and am going to drop off the modem for them to check out.

It is either a routing issue (network) or a DNS (name resolution) issue.

From a command prompt> ping any IP address
ping 172.217.12.68
(which is www.google.com)
ping 199.255.145.143
(which is www.sigforum.com)

IF you get ANY reply at all then your network is fine.

DNS Test

ping www.sigforum.com
or
ping www.google.com

also query your DNS server
nslookup www.sigforum.com /4
or
nslookup (fill in any website) /4

IF you get a response then the DNS is fine.

Additionally clear your DNS cache.
command prompt> ipconfig /flush dns

Also delete any browser temp files in Internet Settings.

Close your browser, open then TYPE in the link not one from a link.

IF your DNS is not working (possible)
Manually change it in your IP Settings

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

Above are Google Servers (there are others)

Good Luck

Problem resolved!!!

I took the router in to my ISP and they reset some of the settings and everything is working fine now.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I'm going to save some of these directions for possible future use.

Best Wishes to Everyone for an awesome Thanksgiving!!