How to Force-Clean a DNS Cache

The Domain Name System cache is a specific area of your hard drive set aside for storing negative entries. If you are constantly working with websites, such as debugging and/or moving them around, problems like the "Cannot Find Server" error can occur if you don't clean out the DNS cache frequently. Forcing a cleaning of the DNS cache is not a difficult operation; you can do it by executing a command or restarting your computer, whichever is more convenient.

Instructions

1. Go to the "Start" menu, select "All Programs," choose "Accessories" and then click "Command Prompt." In Windows Vista, right-click on "Command Prompt" and choose "Run As Administrator."

2. Type "ipconfig /flushdns" into the Command Prompt window.

3. Hit "Enter" on your keyboard. Windows will now force the DNS cache to clean itself out. Any Web connectivity problems you were having should now be solved.

References

• Tech Recipes: Clear Windows DNS Cache
• Tech Recipes: Clear Vista DNS Cache