Question:

Could you provide insight into why I’m unable to access the website toppr.com? It was functioning correctly until recently, but now I’m encountering a DNS error stating, “This site can’t be reached. www.toppr.com’s DNS address could not be found.” I’ve attempted to diagnose the issue and even ran Windows Network Diagnostics, which initiated a DNS probe. What steps should I take to resolve this?

Answer:

Encountering a DNS error when trying to access a website can be quite perplexing, especially if the site was accessible until recently. The error message “This site can’t be reached. www.toppr.com’s DNS address could not be found” indicates that there is a problem with the Domain Name System (DNS) resolution process. This process is crucial as it translates the human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network.

Why Does This Error Occur?

The DNS error you’re experiencing can occur for several reasons:

–

Local DNS Cache Issues:

Your computer stores DNS response information to speed up the loading of websites you’ve previously visited. If this cache becomes outdated or corrupt, it can cause access issues.

–

ISP DNS Server Problems:

Sometimes, the issue might lie with your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers. If these servers are down or experiencing difficulties, they won’t be able to resolve domain names correctly.

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Network Configuration Errors:

Incorrect network settings on your device can also lead to DNS errors.

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Website or Hosting Issues:

Changes in the website’s DNS records or problems with the hosting service can prevent access to the site.

How Can You Fix It?

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the DNS error:

1.

Restart Your Router and Computer:

Begin with the basics. Restarting your router and computer can clear temporary glitches affecting your network connection.

2.

Flush Your DNS Cache:

Clearing your DNS cache removes any outdated or incorrect entries. On Windows, you can do this by running the command `ipconfig /flushdns` in the Command Prompt.

3.

Try a Different DNS Server:

If your ISP’s DNS server is the issue, switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS might resolve the problem.

4.

Check for Browser Issues:

Attempt to access the website using a different browser or a private browsing mode to rule out browser-specific issues.

5.

Disable VPN or Proxy:

If you’re using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it to see if it’s causing the DNS error.

6.

Contact Your ISP:

If none of the above steps work, contact your ISP. They might be aware of a larger issue affecting their DNS servers.

7.

Wait It Out:

If the website has recently changed its DNS records, it might take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This process can take up to 48 hours.

Conclusion

DNS errors can be a temporary hiccup or a sign of a more significant issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can systematically approach the problem and find a solution. If the issue persists, it may be time to seek assistance from a tech expert or the website’s support team.

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I hope this article helps you understand the potential causes of the DNS error and provides a clear path to resolving it. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!