"DNS server isn't responding" madness

[MoAmyot]

Hi folks!

Yesterday I was browsing the web when, all of a sudden, internet stopped working. I ran a diagnostic when Windows came up with "DNS server isn't responding". I tried using the web on other computers in the house without success (tried both wired AND wireless).

Then, I connected my computer directly into the modem and it worked like a charm. I searched on Google for fixes and tried alot of them without success. So far this is what I've tried :

- Using OpenDNS
- releasing and renewing IP address
- Updating my router firmware (wich is a Linksys WRT310n V2)
- Setting the TCP/IPv4 DNS server addresses to 208.67.220.220

The router seem to be working fine since my computer is telling me that the signal is ''excellent'' so I'm kinda puzzled right now.

Any help would be appreciated because I'm about to throw the god damn thing into a volcano.

 

[fseal]

Well since all machines stopped at once, but taking the router out of the loop fixes it, it really seems like your router is blocking DNS specifically.

Try looking to see if maybe somehow port 53 tcp/udp have been blocked. Then specifically allow that port for TCP and UDP inbound and outbount (Or do it by "service name" if your router's UI does that).

Possible that the router got hacked from the outside and someone changed those settings.

 

[brady]

your router is your internal DNS server... The original error pointed towards the router as the issue.
If you bypass said router, your ISP will become your dns server.

Your router is also your default gateway... If the gateway link dies, you'll lose your DNS/DHCP and Internet.

Once you've updated your router's firmware, I would try using the router as your primary internal dns/dhcp/gateway.
If it's still failing, you just might have a dead router.

 

[fseal]

Usually DNS is just passed through the router (NATted) in home setups... Assuming it isn't explicitly blocked.

 

[MoAmyot]

My router isn't blocking the said ports and I've turned all every single fwalls on my computer and it still didn't work. I might aswell tell you that it's not the first time that I have issues with my internet. Sometimes I have to run the diagnostic in order to reset my internet because the "default gateway is not available". I have read somewhere on the web that it's a nvidia issue.

It might not be related but I figured the router might be dying slowly?

 

[fseal]

nvidia issue would be hard to believe...

Though an Adobe issue yes as a lot of Adobe products install a liece of Apple software that kills dchp on WIndows 7.

BUT, you said that it affects every machine behind the router at the same time so this definately seems router centric. I would normally also suspet your ISP but yousaid that with the router out of the picture your exact same DNS settings work fine right?

You could try pinging your DNS server from behind the router, just to make sure that it is there and you can reach it normally. (I.e. "ping 8.8.8.8" in a command window. Use your own DNS server address, that one is for the Google DNS server)

 

[MoAmyot]

I do have CS5 on my computer.

Yes, once my computer is connected straight to the modem everything is crystal clear.

I just pinged my router's DNS (208.67.220.220) and it replied me back.

I wish I had a spare router to try it out.

 

[fseal]

You might try doing a complete settings reset on the router. The install of the new firmware may not have done that. There may be a menu item to compeltely reset all settings. It may restore sanity, at least get you to a sane starting point...

 

[pricetech]

Look for a reset button. Doing a hardware reset is probably best.

Don't hold your breath though. I too suspect you need to replace the router.

They're not too expensive these days though. You can pick up a decent SOHO router for under $50.00 (US)

 

[MoAmyot]

The router was busted, bought a new one and everything is now perfect, thanks for the help guys!

 

[fseal]

Cool