How to Troubleshoot a Slow DNS

Domain Name Server (DNS) converts domain names, such as "www.google.com," into internet protocol (IP) addresses (e.g. 74.125.229.51). The computer relies on the DNS server to provide the proper IP address; while people use alphabetic domain names to navigate the internet, computer needs an IP address to know how to route to a website. To troubleshoot slow DNS, test the website you're attempting to access with the NSLOOKUP command; if the command is successful, but takes a long time getting the DNS information, use a static DNS server like OpenDNS to navigate to websites faster.

Instructions

1. Click "Start." Input "cmd" into the search box and press "Enter." Type "nslookup <website domain>" into the program, then press "Enter," to troubleshoot a slow DNS. Replace "<website domain>" with the URL for the domain (e.g. microsoft.com).

2. Wait for a response, then check the results for errors. A message like "DNS Request Timed Out" indicates that Nslookup was unsuccessful. If an error message appears, there might be a problem with your connection itself, rather than the DNS.

3. Click "Start." Click "Control Panel." Go to "Network and Internet," then to "Network and Sharing Center," if Nslookup is slow.

4. Click "Change Adapter Settings." Right-click "Local Area Connection" if you're on a wired connection; right-click "Wireless Network Connection" if you're on a wireless connection.

5. Select "Properties" from the context menu. Click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)." Click "Properties."

6. Click "Use the Following DNS Server Addresses." Input "208.67.222.222" into the "Preferred DNS Server" field. Put "208.67.222.220" into the "Alternate DNS Server" field. Click "OK" on each window.

References

• TechRepublic: Basic NSLOOKUP
• ZeroShell Net Services: OpenDNS