DNS Issue - Can't use domain names for websites only the IP Address

Deathtitan77 · 05 Jul 2013

So basically on my Toshiba laptop running Windows 7, I can't use domain names such as: google.com to go to the website. All I can use is the IP Address of the domain, such as: 173.194.37.104. That IP Address opens google.com. So, I was wondering if anyone here could be able to give me a solution to my problem.

MilesAhead · 05 Jul 2013

This link should explain how to look up and change, if necessary, your DNS servers. Also it's possible your ISP's DNS servers may be down. Also you can try flushing the dns cache. A google of "flush windows dns cache" should find the command.

Deathtitan77 · 05 Jul 2013

1. There is no problem with my ISP, just my computer.
2. The cmd command "ipconfig /flushdns" didn't really work.

Deathtitan77 · 05 Jul 2013

Alright, I have solved the issue. Here was how I solved it.
By using this guide right here:
Change TCP/IP Settings
And using Google Public DNS:
Using Google Public DNS

MilesAhead · 06 Jul 2013

Flushing the dns cache is to get out old information that may be invalid. Then if your dns server doesn't provide the correct ip address, you can take other action. Such as setting your dns server to the root of the internet domain name service. Or one of the alternatives, as you found.

Diagnosing the problem is usually about 90% of fixing it. Otherwise clairvoyance is required. :)

chev65 · 06 Jul 2013

Deathtitan77 said:

Alright, I have solved the issue. Here was how I solved it.
By using this guide right here:
Change TCP/IP Settings
And using Google Public DNS:
Using Google Public DNS

The TCP/IP settings didn't do anything as you were most likely already using DHCP, changing the DNS servers to Google's at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 is what fixed the problem as per Miles suggestion.