It’s an extremely frustrating situation that can send even the best of us on a downward spiral. So, why do you see this message? Are there some quick fixes that are almost guaranteed to work? 

Wifi connected but no Internet: What exactly is happening? 

You may commonly see the Wifi connected but no Internet notification as a flash message with a warning triangle with a jet black exclamation mark on Windows computers. The same message takes the form of a black triangle on Android phones or iOS devices. You might also encounter one of these messages:

• Connected, no Internet access 
• Wifi has no Internet access 

All of these notifications are indicative of the fact that while your device is connected to the network via a router or a modem, there seems to be an issue that is hindering your access to the Internet. Reasons behind this? Plenty! 

The fault may lie at your end, wherein your wireless drivers might be outdated, or there might be pre-installed software on your computer or laptop like an antivirus that could be preventing you from accessing the Internet. On the other hand, in some cases, the issue may lie with your Internet Service Provider or your router/ modem. 

Before we start troubleshooting and start discussing the different ways to resolve the issue of “wifi connected but no internet,” it’s important to isolate where the fault is. In order to accomplish this, identify if you experience a lapse in connectivity or a whole bunch of users who’re all connected to the same network experience the same. This simple step can go a long way in fixing up the issue without a hassle. 

Wifi Connected but no Internet: Methods to consider in case your device is the only one encountering the issue 

All of the methods mentioned below works best when the message “wifi connected but no Internet” is localized to just your device.

1. Running the Windows Network Troubleshooter 

This is one of the simplest ways to determine where the issue lies. The Windows operating system comes with its own troubleshooting program that should be able to pick up lapses in a jiffy. All you’d need to do is navigate to the Settings icon on the screen and click on Network and Internet option. Scroll down to the Status in the left-hand menu and go to the Network Troubleshooter option. Click on it and see if the program is able to identify the issue at hand and if immediate rectification is possible. 

2. Turning off the Fast Startup option 

Most devices running on Windows 10 seem to have the Fast Startup option enabled by default. When this mode is active, your computer doesn’t exactly shut down completely. What it essentially does instead is switch out the user and goes into a mode of temporary hibernation. Windows claims that this can enable the computer to boot significantly quicker. But, this improvement comes at the cost of non-renewal of network settings. 

So, turning off the Fast Startup option should ideally resolve the “wifi connected but no Internet” issue if that’s the underlying cause. Turning off Fast Startup is rather simple. All you need to do is hold the Windows and the X key together and choose the Power Options next. 

This should take you to a separate portal from which you click on Additional Power Settings and pick Choose what the Power can do on the left side of the Menu. Further, select the Change Settings that are currently unavailable and turn off Fast Startup. Don’t forget to save changes and always reboot the device. 

3. Uninstalling antivirus software

Yet another overlooked reason for you to experience issues in connectivity could be conflicting applications that could have temporarily blocked access. So, a simple quick-fix is to disable such third-party software.  

More often than not, it’s usually Windows Firewall that is the culprit. So, head down to Control Panel and go to System and Security. Next up, click on the Windows Defender Firewall and disable it specifically for the network that you’re encountering trouble connecting to. You may need to do the same for any antivirus software or similar applications on your device that you think might have something to do with you receiving the message “wifi connected but no Internet”. 

4. Turning off IPv6

A large number of networks today run on Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), the latest in network protocol. While this is the more advanced of the list, it’s also notorious for causing network problems. So, you can always manually turn off IPv6 on your local network and switch to something more stable like the IPv4 protocol. 

This can be done either on your personal device or on the router that you’re using. In the case of a computer, find Network Connections from the Start menu and click on Change Adapter Options. The next step is to navigate to the wifi Adapter settings by opening the Network Adapter options. Click on Properties and disable IPv6. Reboot your computer to confirm and save changes.

The same can be done on a router as well. Find the Network Settings and disable IPv6 from the login menu. But, since the make of every router is different, the steps could vary from one device to another. 

5. Changing to a different wireless channel 

Your wifi router’s frequency does influence your overall speed. The 5 gigahertz frequency promises faster speeds than the traditional 2.4 gigahertz option. But, it does come with its frequent share of complaints in the form of connectivity issues. So, it might be worth a try to revert back to 2.4 gigahertz and temporarily disable the option for your device to switch to 5 gigahertz frequency automatically. 

6. Changing your Domain Name System (DNS) 

It’s highly plausible that your DNS settings may have been configured incorrectly during setup or, worse, could have been corrupted by malicious code.  In these cases, try changing the DNS server settings to see if there’s any improvement. 

You can do this by first opening the Run menu by holding the Windows and the R key together. Type in control/nameMicrosoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter. This should take you to a different window where you click on Wifi and go to Properties. Another window will appear in front of you, showing your IP address and DNS server. Choose Use the Following DNS Server Address and set the preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4 and confirm changes. 

7. Updating Network Adapter Drivers 

Most users often forget to update their network adapter drivers. This can cause a problem in connectivity as the computer, and the driver fails to work together effectively. To successfully update your drivers, head to the Search bar on your computer and open Device Manager. 

Click on Network Adapters from the long list of options that appear in front of you. Next, go to the Wireless option and click on the option that says Update the Driver. That should do it, but in some exceptional cases, you might need to manually install the drivers. You should be able to obtain these drivers directly from your manufacturer. 

 8. Verifying the validity of your IP address 

If all other steps fail, then your computer might simply have an invalid IP address. To check if your IP address is indeed valid or not, you’ll need to find the Network and Internet Settings from the network icon from your taskbar. 

From there on, go to Change Adapter Options and choose your network. From the window that appears, click on Properties and pick the entry named Internet Protocol Version 4. Now, verify if the IP addresses and the DNS server addresses are set to be obtained automatically. If not, then change it. 

Connected to the Wifi but no Internet Access: Fixes to consider in case all the devices connected to the network seems to face issues

The solutions that were mentioned before focussed on the scenario where the message Wifi connected but no Internet appeared only on your device. The ones listed below are for those situations where the message seems to be seen across all devices connected to the defunct network. 

1. Check whether the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider.

One of the possible causes for such a widespread issue in connectivity could be your Internet Service Provider themselves. If you suspect that’s the case, then try switching to cellular data and see if webpages are loading or not. If they are, the underlying issue could be an outage at the level of the service provider. 

Try contacting a friend or a family member that uses the same Internet Service Provider as you and ask if they have trouble connecting too. You can then lodge a formal complaint with the firm expressing your grievances or contact Customer Care for further help. 

2. Restarting your Router/Modem

If the issue isn’t at the level of the Service Provider, there’s a chance that the fault could lie in your router/modem. A simple way to tackling this issue is by restarting the device. First, turn off the router and unplug it from the power source. Wait for a minute or so and then plug the device back in and turn the device on. 

If you own both a router and a modem, plug in the modem first and turn on the router after 2 minutes. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnect all your devices. Check if they’re able to connect now and if the “wifi connected but no Internet” message disappears. 

3. Resetting your Network Settings

When all the other fixes fail to correct the issue, then resetting your network might be the last resort. You’ll now need to manually set up everything all over again. To do this, go to Settings from the Search bar on your Windows device. Choose the Network and Internet option and click on Status. This will open up a drop-down menu from which you will go to Network Troubleshooter and further click on Network Reset. Follow the step-by-step instructions to completely reset your Network Settings.

Connected to the Wireless Network but no Internet Access: Methods to consider in case of Android devices 

While the previous sections have revolved around personal computers and laptops, this section will specifically focus on Android devices. Some of the solutions with respect to the fault which lies in the router, or your Internet Service Provider will remain the same. The other steps worth considering are: 

1. Forgetting the wifi network and reconnecting 

This is rather an easy fix that involves clicking on Forget button under the wifi Network Settings on your phone and then reconnecting to the same network. What this essentially does is delete your saved preferences. So, when reconnecting, the IP address you’re assigned is different than the one from before. This should hopefully clear up the issue of “Wifi connected but no Internet” if that’s where the issue is.

2. Trying assigning a static IP address to your phone

In case your server fails to assign a specific IP address, you can always choose to manually get a static IP address assigned to your Android device. This step helps avoids cases of conflicts with respect to IP addresses. To do this, go to Settings and click on Wifi. You should see a list of all the available connections. Pick the one you’re using and press on the pencil icon on the side. Tap on Advanced Options from the drop-down menu that appears. Go to IP Settings and tap on Static. Punch in your static IP address in the field and press on Save. 

3. Re-configuring the right Address and Time Settings on your phone/tablet

Most users often forget that incorrectly saved Addresses and Time Settings can have a bearing on Internet connectivity. So, try checking if they have been configured correctly. All you need to do is open Settings and tap on System. Next, press on Date and Time and type in the correct particulars in case there’s an error.

4. Resetting Network Settings 

The Android operating system is built in such a manner as to remember all the changes you make to your Network Settings. This avoids the hassle of recreating the changes as the operating system takes care of that for you. But, if you’re experiencing trouble in connectivity, then it might be a smart option to reset your Network Settings. But, a word of caution- only attempt this method if you’re aware of how to reconfigure your Network Settings. 

To reset the Network Settings on your Android phone, go to the Settings application and click on System Settings all the way down at the bottom of the screen. Press on Reset Options and choose to Reset Wifi, Mobile, and Bluetooth.

5. Attempting a complete factory reset

Consider this method only if all the other steps fail to correct the issue. Since you’re reverting the phone to the state it was when you originally received it, you might potentially end up losing all your precious personal data. So, make sure that all your data, including documents, photos, and videos, have been backed up properly. 

Once you’re sure you’re ready to reset the device, go to the Settings app on your phone and head over to System. Tap on Reset Options and choose the option that says Erase All Data. The instructions that will follow should act as a guide to successfully completing the process. 

Wifi Connected no Internet: Possible solutions for iPhones/iPads 

The overall scheme remains the same across Android and iOS devices, but there might be some small changes. So, here are some solutions to consider if you’re constantly seeing the message “wifi connected but no Internet” on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Restarting your iPhone/iPad 

If you’ve worked out that the issue isn’t with the modem or your Internet Service Provider, then try restarting your iPhone. Here’s how to restart your iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, or iPhone 13.

Restarting iPhone:

• Method 1: First, long press either of the volume buttons and the side button simultaneously; you should start to see a power-off slider. Now, drag it down to the bottom of the screen and wait for 30 seconds or so. Your phone will power off now. To power it back up again, long press the side button on your device until you begin to see the Apple logo on the screen.

• Method 2: When you try to switch off your device, in some cases, the screen might be unresponsive or could get frozen. In those cases, you’ll need to force restart your iPhone. The method slightly varies from one model to another. Here’s how to force restart an iPhone X, iPhone11, iPhone 12, or iPhone 13. 

Hold the volume up button for a couple of seconds and release it quickly. Do the same for the volume down button and side buttons as well. You should now be able to see the Apple logo starting to appear on the screen.

Restarting iPad:

To restart your iPad, long press either of the volume buttons and the top button simultaneously. Just like in the case of an iPhone, a power slider should appear. Drag it down to the bottom of the screen and wait for 30 seconds or so for your device to shut down completely. To power it back up again, long press the top button until you start to see the Apple logo start to appear. In cases where the screen turns unresponsive, force restart your device the same way you would an iPhone. 

Alternatively, if your iPad comes with a home button, you can always press and hold it until the power slider appears. The rest of the steps are essentially the same. If the screen turns unresponsive, force restart your iPad by pressing and holding the top and Home buttons simultaneously. You should start to see the Apple logo on the screen. This is your cue to release the buttons. 

2. Resetting your Network Settings

The fundamental purpose behind the method is the same as that in a Windows or Android device. On your iPhone, navigate to the Settings app and tap on General, and then on Reset Network Settings. This will also delete all your previously remembered wifi Networks and passwords, VPN Settings. So, always consider this as your last resort since you’ll need to save up all the network preferences all over again. 

Conclusion 

Wifi connected but no Internet is one of the most common issues encountered by uses across a variety of platforms. Once you’ve localized where the problem is, try all of the methods suggested above. These steps range from a simple restart of your device to more complicated ones like flushing your DNS server addresses or performing a complete factory reset. One of them should ideally work in correcting the lapse in connectivity. But, in cases where you can’t, try contacting an IT professional and let them try troubleshooting the issue. 

The post Wifi connected but no Internet – What to do when you get this message? appeared first on Platform to Showcase Innovative Startups and Tech News.

In this article, we’ll be covering what “message blocking is active” essentially means and the reasons for that message popping up. We’ll also be suggesting some simple methods to fix this issue. 

what does message blocking is active mean?

When message blocking is active, any message you attempt to send is not received by the recipient. You might simply see the message “free msg: unable to send message blocking is active” popping up on your screen. 

This can happen due to a multitude of reasons but is usually because either the sender or receiver is a part of each other’s blocked contacts. Other than that, T-Mobile users seem to frequently encounter this problem. We’ll take a closer look into the reasons in the next section. 

Why is message blocking active?

Here’s a list of the possible reasons why the “message blocking is active” notification might show up.

• Blocklist

This is one of the commonest reasons for message blocking is active notification popping up. It’s essentially when either the sender or the receiver is a part of the blocked contacts lists of each other. You could try to verify this by contacting each other and see if the call goes through or not. Parental controls might also be inadvertently enabled in some cases. 

• Short Code issue

This seems to be the explanation as to why a lot of T-Mobile users are experiencing this issue. You will need the guidance of experienced technicians to solve this problem. 

• Service Outage

Again, not a fault from your end. You might be seeing the notification message blocking is active because of a lapse from your service provider’s end. You could try contacting your respective customer care service to identify if messaging services were mistakenly put on hold.

• Premium Message excess

In this case, you might have picked an option that doesn’t allow your phone to receive or send premium messages. Even though this feature is made use of by only a couple of messaging apps, it’s still an integral prerequisite for them to work effectively. 

• Unsuitable Plan

This happens when the plan you’ve subscribed to does not include messaging services. Contact customer care to identify if you’ve chosen the right plan or not. Even if messaging services are covered under your current plan, you might not have enough balance in your prepaid account to send a message. 

How to fix message blocking is active?

• Check coverage

Check if your network coverage is adequate. This is generally listed as a pictograph in the upper right-hand corner of your phone. If the coverage has been listed as None or if you can’t identify bars, then you might not be able to call someone or send and receive text messages. 

• Check if your phone is active

Go to the device settings on your phone and check if your phone is being listed as Active. If you’re seeing a Suspended or Still Porting in place of Active, then you might not be able to make calls or send and receive text messages. 

• Check  if messages are included in your plan 

First, ensure that on your account settings page, the option Can Send/Receive Text Messages is enabled. If that option is enabled, it’s likely that you’re seeing the message blocking is active notification because text messaging is not included as a part of your paid plan. 

• Check if there’s enough storage 

You will need at least 15% of free space in order to be able to send a text message. Free up disk space by getting rid of unnecessary applications, redundant documents, and old photos. 

• Check if you’re using the right country code 

If you’re on international borders, you might be encountering the issue of messaging being blocked simply because of entering the wrong country code. All you need to do is do a simple Google search to find out if you’re using the right country code.

• Try re-saving the contact

If you’ve tried all the above fixes and the issue still persists, it might have to do with a specific contact. You might have entered the wrong digit by mistake. So, delete the contact and re-save the contact with the right digits. 

• Unblock 

Like we’ve discussed before, you might not be able to send a message because your contact has been blocked by the other person or vice-versa. So, go to your contacts and check your list of blocked contacts. Unblock them if they’re on the list. Ask the other person to do the same. Call the receiver to verify if you’ve removed it from the blocklist. 

Blocking an unknown contact on your Android device:

Go to your Phone app and tap on the button that says More Options. Navigate to Call History and tap on the call from the number you intend to block. When you’re done selecting, tap on Block/Report Spam. This will successfully add the specific contact to the list of blocked numbers. 

Unblocking a number on your Android device: 

Go to your Phone app and tap on the button that says More Options. Navigate to Settings and scroll down to Blocked Numbers. You will see an Unblock option next to the contact that you wish to unblock. Tap on it to remove the contact from the blocklist. 

Block/Unblock a Contact on an iPhone: 

Tap on the Phone App from your Home Screen or from the App Library. Go to Recents and tap on the Info icon next to the specific contact. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to find an option that says Block this Caller. Tap on it to Block an unknown contact. You can Unblock a contact the same way. 

• Enable premium access 

It’s fairly simple to check if you’ve enabled premium access on your phone. Make your way to Settings and click on App Management. You should be able to see an icon labeled Messaging. Tap on it and navigate all the way down to Special Access. There should be an option to Allow Premium Access. Switch it on if it hasn’t been enabled yet. 

• Text Content 

There might be a chance that you’re encountering the “message blocking is active” issue because of all the non-text elements being added to your message. If that’s the case, then you resolve it by simply sending a plain text message without any images, GIFs, emojis, or attachments. The character limit for all standard messaging services is 160 characters. If this character limit is exceeded, then a plain text message might be converted into an MMS. 

• iMessaging 

There might be a chance that your number is registered as an iMessaging number even after you’ve made the shift from an iPhone to an Android device. Contact the Apple representatives to resolve this issue. 

• Reset your phone 

This is generally the last resort if all the above-mentioned fixes fail. Hold down the power button on your phone until it restarts. If your phone has a removable battery, then try taking it out and placing it back again. If your battery cannot be removed, then try removing the SIM card from the designated tray and putting it back again. 

Use Cases

• Message blocking is active error in Gmail

It’s not just the text messaging services that are affected by this problem, it may extend other means of communication like Gmail too. You might see the error pop up for a wide variety of reasons. Some of them are: 

• Entering an invalid Email address
• Entering a dot at the end of the Email ID by mistake 
• Typo in the Email (spaces in between for instance)
• Spam mail being sent continuously 

Steps for resolution 

• Check if the email address you’re entering is correct. Avoid adding a dot at the end of the email address
• Collecting personal information through spam mail can get you noticed by the Google algorithm. It might label you as malware and hence activating message blocking
• Use Google Groups to send a message to a large number of people 
• If all fixes do not work, then you might have to resort to calling up the helpline service

• Message blocking is active message on Google Hangouts 

Google Hangouts is the default messaging in most, if not all Google phones. You can send either a Hangout message or a standard SMS, but the only prerequisite is that your recipient’s number must be associated with their Gmail account. 

If you’re facing difficulties, try some of the basic troubleshooting steps that we’d mentioned earlier. Check if the cellular reception is adequate and if the Wi-Fi is working properly. If both these steps do not yield any results, then try signing out of the Hangouts app and sign in again. 

Signing out from your phone is a simple procedure. All you need to do is open the Hangouts app and navigate to the menu bar at the top left corner of the screen. Now, click on Settings and go to your Google Account, and tap on Sign Out. Log back into the app by tapping on Sign In when you open the app again. Be sure to verify your phone number and enable the option for your contacts to find you on Hangouts. 

• Free message blocking is active notification on T-Mobile 

Out of all the service providers out there, it seems like T-Mobile users seem to be the worst-hit. They might see the message blocking as an active message or action prompt pop up on the screen if the device hasn’t been updated. It could also happen if you happen to unknowingly exceed the character limit. 

Solutions for message blocking in T-Mobile devices

For Android phones

• Clear all the cache data from the Messaging app
• Verify you’ve entered the contact number of the recipient correctly 
• Try uninstalling and then reinstalling the messaging application loaded onto your device
• Restore back to default settings with respect to Access Point Names (APN’s)

For Apple phones

• Restore the Network Settings back to their original settings
• Update your phone to the most recently released version 
• Check if it’s an issue with the network by removing the SIM card and attaching it to a different device 

If none of the above-mentioned fixes work for either your Android/ Apple device, then try contacting the respective customer care centers for further instructions. 

• Message blocking is active error on iMessaging

Just like Hangouts being the default messaging app on all Google phones, iMessaging is the default messaging service on all Apple devices. Texts can be sent through the classic SMS platform in case your recipient is not a registered user of iMessaging or if you’ve inadvertently disabled iMessaging services. 

In case iMessaging is not working properly, consider resetting Network Settings. This will not affect your personal data by any means but instead deletes previously used Wi-Fi networks and APN’s. 

There’s also a chance that you might have missed out on any updates, so check that out by navigating your way to the Software Updates page on Settings. If all these steps still don’t restore your messaging services, then performing a factory restore might be the only way out. 

The steps to successfully performing a backup and restore might vary from one device to another, but the basic steps remain the same. 

Performing a backup and restore on an iPhone 

• Click on Settings on your home page
• Go to General Settings– this might take a bit of scrolling 
• Keep swiping down until you find Reset 
• Click on Erase all Contents and Settings 
• Backup your files and data- via iCloud
• Click on Erase Now– This when you might see a dialog box pop up. It will lead you to the first layer of security checks
• Enter your password and click on Erase iPhone
• Re Enter your Apple ID password and Confirm– this is when the second dialog box appears. The restart procedure should begin shortly once you’re done entering the security details.

It’s important to remember that a factory reset will delete all your personal information, including documents, third-party applications, music tracks, and accounts from your device. However, all of the data that was uploaded to iCloud will be available for download. A factory reset is your best bet at erasing all the local data stored on your device. 

• Message blocking is active error on Lycamobile 

It’s not just T-Mobile users that seem to be experiencing this issue. Lycamobile users have also reported facing the issue of message blocking being active. Like we’ve discussed before, you might see the notification pop up if your plans have expired prematurely or if you have forgotten to recharge your phone. 

Steps to resolve the error 

• Users have noticed that turning off Wi-Fi has resolved this issue and messaging seems to resume functioning
• Try removing the Lycamobile SIM card from your phone and placing it onto another device. This should clear up the problem if it had something to do with the SIM card in particular
• Verify that your Lycamobile text messaging service is set to the latest Lycamobile message center. You can check this by navigating to the Settings page and then making your way to Sending Profiles. Contact their toll-free number to get more details about the message center in case it hasn’t been updated recently
• The simplest fix is to buy a plan from their website. Plans begin for as low as $19

• How to fix message blocking is active on Metro PC’s 

One of the most common reasons for message blocking to be active on Metro PCs is because your plan doesn’t include international calling (calls from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, or Australia). Upgrading your plan should help in such cases. 

• If the issue is related to the SIM card, then removing it and placing it on another device shouldn’t make a difference. The only option might be a complete network reset
• Check if your recipient is up to date with their bill payments. Your message might not be received even if you’ve done everything right
• Contact your nearest Metro PC outreach center and request a fresh batch of smartphones or SIM cards. This is seen to resolve the issue in a large number of users

Conclusion 

Even with the advent of other popular messaging services, a significant number of users still rely on the good old text messaging services for communication. So, it’s naturally frustrating to see a notification message blocking is active when you try to send across a text message. 

There might be a multitude of reasons for this particular notification to pop up. Your network might be poor, or you simply might not have enough account balance to send the message. 

Another reason for a text not being received could be due to the fact that the recipient might have blocked your number. You could simply call up the person to check if they’ve blocked you. 

In some instances, you aren’t the one to blame. Lack of shortcodes on the part of your service provider could be the root of the issue. Contacting the sales operative should help in such instances. Remember, whatever be the root cause of the issue, there’s always a way to circumvent it. 

The post What does message blocking is active mean? Simple steps to resolve it appeared first on Platform to Showcase Innovative Startups and Tech News.

Solutions to Tackle the “DNS Server Not Responding” Problem 

While you might be pondering as to why you are faced with the forbidden “DNS server not responding” message, the pathologies are mostly from your end. Hardware issues, browser impotencies, router insufficiencies—the reasons are multifaceted. 

You need to keep in mind that some of the said methods can come with fair risks—such as steaming your router. You need to be very wary of the said methods and the risks they can bear, and proceed accordingly. While it is safer to do so with professional help, the following are pretty solid ways to overcome the “DNS server not responding” problem:

• Resolving “DNS server not responding” using the age-old method—Restarting the Router

You would want to get rid of the first possibility of the “DNS server not responding” issue by checking your hardware first. Pushing your router to restart should solve the issue. Before diving into the other differentials to state, you need to ensure that the most basic and logical grounds are covered. 

Since we are stating the obvious, you should look for an on/off button on your router. Toggle your router on/off once. Restarting the hardware aids in ameliorating any router issues, if any. In case your router does not have a button, you can disconnect it from your power supply—and restart it from there. 

There might also be an intricate issue with your router configuration. This may be the reason why your DNS server is not responding. In order to fix this, you need to open your router’s configuration web page. Try to find the ‘reset’ option from there. If you still get the message “DNS server not responding,” you can try to use one of the last resorts when it comes to hardware fixes. 

The other fix is to restore your router to its factory settings—this only requires a long press on the reset/power button. The duration of the said action can vary from 10-15 seconds or so. You need to keep in mind that the factory reset option would clean or wipe it off of any security measures such as passwords. You will have to re-assign the same. 

• Solving “DNS server not responding” with Safe Mode

Working as a diagnostic test of sorts, Windows Safe mode is always an option when you experience abnormal behaviour. Once you have established that the router is not the source of the problem, you can start your system with Safe Mode. It basically runs your system in the most basic of formats, allowing you to see what exactly is causing the DNS server to not respond. With Safe Mode, you will tend to limit files and resources that are using your system’s power resources, thereby making it possible for you to pinpoint where the issue might lie. 

There are multiple ways to access Windows in Safe Mode. You can go over to the power icon. While long-clicking on the power key, hold ‘Shift’ too and restart. If you have Windows 7 or earlier, you need to go over to ‘Power’ and click on ‘restart’, after which you will have to hold the F8 key. 

In order to fix the “DNS server not responding” issue, start with safe mode and see where the inconsistencies lie. For example, the issue could be in third-party software that could be plaguing the DNS. On this note, check especially for the networking or safety apps, because they tend to be the most notorious for doing so. In other cases, if there isn’t any prevalent issue, your system should work in Safe Mode. This is mostly diagnostic, so to state. 

• Driver Update to tackle “DNS server not responding”

You should also check for drivers because they are notorious for causing DNS servers to not respond. This is particularly seen in cases wherein you have not updated the same. The catch-22 situation here, though, is something else altogether—it is that you unironically need a stable internet to download or acquire the latest version itself. 

The other bypass is to acquire third-party solutions which allow you to update drivers offline. Be wary of measures here, such as compatible operating system versions (for instance, some run exclusively on Windows 10 while some are optimized for Windows Vista). 

After you have downloaded the version that you deem fit, you will have to restart your system and see if it is still displaying the same “DNS server not responding” message. 

Additionally, you can update drivers manually, but again, you will need access to the internet. You will have to go to the network adapter manufacturer’s website and get a copy of their latest (or compatible) drivers in your external drive or USB device. 

Once you place that in your problematic system, you will be asked as to which one you would like to install. Quite obviously, choose the one that does not require you to connect to the internet. After you have installed the version that you deem fit, you will need to restart. 

• Disabling Antivirus Might be the fix to “DNS server not responding” message 

Yes, you read it right. While your antivirus software is meant to mitigate any issues and nullify any breaches into your system, it might also be the key to resolving the issue concerning the DNS server not responding. 

Sure, it might sound counterintuitive, but temporarily disabling it might just be the key to solving the issue for the longer term. If you are not comfortable with the idea of exposing your system to the unfiltered environment (and understandably so), you can try switching to a different antivirus solution and see if that works. 

To be honest, though, your Windows Defender does a pretty good job at keeping such elements at bay. Anything additional is merely supplementing (which is a good thing). 

• Peer-to-Peer Toggles

The P2P feature in Windows systems is a new attribute. Essentially what it does is enable you to get updates on one system and help channel it to other ones on the network. This saves both bandwidth as well as (of course) time. 

The problem lies when the P2P starts expressing imperfections with the internet; being the reason why the “DNS server not responding” message does not go away. The solution to this is pretty simple, albeit requires a lot more clicks than you’d expect. 

You need to go to your ‘settings’ panel, followed by ‘update and security’. From here, locate the option for ‘advanced options’ and then toggle off the ‘allow downloads from other PC’ features. After this, try to connect to the internet and see if the “DNS server not responding” problem still exists or not. 

• Changing the Server to Solve “DNS Server not Responding” Issue

The more advanced steps require you to tackle the server directly. In this case, if you suspect errors in the DNS itself, you need to consider changing it altogether. Fortunately, Google has you covered. Google has its public DNS that you can avail, albeit manually. You’ll have to do it manually, though. 

Go to your start menu and right-click to get access to ‘network connections’. From here, select ‘properties’ from the drop-down menu. You’ll need to select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’ and click further on ‘Properties’.

After this, you will need to click on ‘Use the following DNS addresses’, following which you will have to enter 8.8.8.8 as the ‘preferred DNS Server’ and 8.8.4.4 as the ‘alternate DNS server’. Click ‘ok’ to save the aforementioned changes. This should help you fix the “DNS server not responding” issue. 

• Disable IPv6 to resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue

Internet Protocols (IP) is a communications protocol that pinpoints location configurations of your systems on networks. It directs, manages and routes internet traffic basically. IPv6 is the latest version of the said internet protocol. In this case, if the DNS server is not responding, you will have to disable IPv6. 

Disabling is the easiest part, though. You will need to access your system via the Network and Sharing Centre. Visit your control panel and click on ‘View Network Status and Tasks’ under ‘Network and Internet’. After this, click on your connection. 

In the aforementioned properties, you will have to locate ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)’ and unmark the checkbox in order to disable it. After this, you may click on ‘ok’ to save changes. This should help you fix and understand why your DNS server was not responding. 

• Entering MAC Address Manually

Possibly the lengthiest steps of them all, you will have to understand what a Media Control Address (MAC Address) is in the first place. A MAC address of a device is a unique identifier that is used by networks to be used as communication links. Essentially these are assigned by the network interface controller manager. This is further stored in the system’s RAM or by other various firmware mechanisms. 

In order to resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue, you will have to place your MAC address manually. Before that though, you will have to locate and find it using other command prompts. In any case, command prompts are basically line interpreter applications that are available in Windows platforms. They are generally used for very intricate tasks, ranging from locating files to performing advanced tasks—like troubleshooting and performing administrative functions. 

In order to use this prompt, you will have to enter valid commands with their associated metrics or parameters. However, in this case, you will have to use the said administrator privileges to access a certain ‘Elevated Command Prompt’. To open the same, go to ‘Search’ and type ‘Command Prompt’ and right-click on the ‘Command Prompt’ result. You will now have to choose to ‘Run as Administrator’ to run it with the said benefits. 

After this, you will be prompted to ask whether you will allow the prompt to make changes to your system. You will have to affirm it by clicking on ‘Yes’. You will now see Elevated Command Prompt appear. Here, the job gets a little trickier now. 

Type “ipconfig /all” and press ‘Enter’. You will be able to see a plethora of information about the configuration. Access’ Physical Address’ and take a note of it somewhere. You will see a list of information about the said configuration. You will have to locate ‘Physical Address’ and annotate it elsewhere, as you will need the same later on. 

Now, in your ‘Network and Internet Settings’ window, select the type of connection enabled (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and so on). You will have to locate and click on ‘Change Adapter Options’, and then get over to ‘Properties’. After this, simply click on ‘Configure’.

Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and select ‘Network Address’ under ‘Property’. Select ‘Value’ on the right-side pane, after which you will have to enter your MAC address. This happens to be the physical address that you noted a while ago. 

From here, click on ‘ok’ to save changes and see if your DNS server is still not responding. Hopefully, this should be one of the ultimate fixes.

• Logical Diagnosis—Connect to Other Devices

One of the most logical ways in which you can diagnose whether the issue is inherent or systemic is by using other devices. Acquire another device and see if it connects to the same connection or not. The reason why we mentioned this is because it would be asinine not to cover all ends when it comes to trying to understand why the DNS server is not responding. 

At the same time, it also happens to be the easiest fix when it comes to fixing the said issue. Say for instance, the devices connect, but you are still having issues connecting to an arbitrary website. Try using your mobile data in that case. If you are still having issues, the problem lies in the website and not your devices per se. 

The greatest problems can often be presented with the simplest solutions. If you do notice any discrepancy when it comes to connecting to the same router, you should consider restarting the device that is not being able to connect. If there is still a prevalent issue, you need to attend the device more intuitively. 

• Updating Your Router to Combat the “DNS server not Responding” issue 

Sure, switching it on/off can be a way to fix the DNS server not responding, but if that fails, try and see if you have been missing updates on your router. Firmware updates are a big deal for routers, especially in this day and age of improving ranges. 

You have to keep in mind the risks that come along with this, though. Updating the router can cause permanent and irreversible damage to it, and you will have to bear the said consequences in mind. If need be, contact your approachable IT support to deal with the issue with minimum risks. This should ideally help you with resolving the “DNS server not responding” issue if the source of the problem has been identified correctly. 

• Switching Browsers

The “DNS server not responding” message can be due to outdated browsers as well. In order to bypass this, you will have to update the same. In order to do this, all you need to do is use an alternative browser. If the issue is actually with the current browser, you should be able to access the internet with the alternate one. 

For instance, Chrome is notorious for hogging on your RAM and other internals, and this can affect the way your system is processing signals altogether. While it does not sound foolproof, you should always update to their latest versions. If not for better connectivity, definitely for better online security. 

After you do so, you will have to look for the latest version of the problematic browser that might be showing you the forsaken message. Ensure that you are updating to the latest offering by the manufacturer itself and not going through the hassle of side-ports. You should be able to resolve the said issue from here. 

To Conclude

The internet has become the source of knowledge in modern times. Not being able to access it is not only delirious but detrimental in some cases too. You cannot possibly afford lapses in this internet-plagued world, and “DNS server not responding” can be a pretty annoying thing you face. 

The said processes have their own ways of operation and have been rather simply explained for your convenience. The ideal way would be to diagnose the issue from logical standpoints and then proceed to more advanced techniques in order to bypass the said issue.

Either way, the aforementioned list should suffice, and you should soon overcome the DNS server not responding to the problem. 

The post How to Overcome the “DNS Server Not Responding” Issue  appeared first on Platform to Showcase Innovative Startups and Tech News.

As you look online for something and you wait for what feels like an age for the page to load, have you ever wondered if you could do a better job of providing broadband?

Whether this has been a fleeting thought as you watch the ‘buffering’ wheel spin or you have seriously been thinking of ways to create an Internet Service Provider (ISP) as a business idea, you may be surprised to find that it’s relatively straightforward to set up on your own.

If you think you would like to join some of the big names on the market, such as BT, Virgin and Sky, here is a look at how to get started.

Your Two Options

As well as giving you the opportunity to provide an essential service, creating your own ISP can be a profitable business for you. How much you earn from this depends upon whether you opt to be a virtual ISP or you’re starting from scratch.

Also, the one you choose will impact significantly on how expensive it is to set up. Take a look at the two paths you can follow and make your choice from there.

Option One: Start Your ISP From Scratch

Creating your ISP can be an expensive option. This route will require planning and investment from your end in order to make it a success.

Some of the key steps to take when pursuing this option is to choose somewhere from where you can set up the hardware needed. This will be the central point for your ISP and it is here that you will need to route wires and set up your equipment. Your servers, routers, computers and power generators should all be set up here, too.

Spend some time researching the specific equipment you will need and use reputable supplies, such as RS Components, to ensure everything is being set up in the best way possible. You will also need a cooling system to prevent overheating.

In addition, and high-quality connectivity. When choosing your connectivity, take your time to decide between Wi-Fi, fiber optic, and ethernet. As well as finding the most suitable connectivity for your ISP, it will need to suit your budget.

Option Two: Go Virtual

A virtual ISP (VISP) is a more affordable way to develop an ISP. This is because VISPs sell the services provided by established ISPs. Operating as a franchise, the VISPs are operating under the ISP’s brand, while the ISP is able to benefit from generating business in different locations. Generally, VISPs buy connectivity services from the ISP at cut-price rates and the VISP then marks up the price again as they sell them on to customers.

If being a VISP is an attractive option for you, look into the ISPs that you would like to work with and find out as much as you can before signing up. Many ISPs will charge you a setup fee and you may have sales targets to meet. However, this can offer the autonomy of providing an internet service without having to pay put for the equipment.

Which option will you choose?

The post The Route to Becoming an Internet Service Provider appeared first on Platform to Showcase Innovative Startups and Tech News.