The dns_probe_finished_bad_config error is one of the most annoying network-related problems that can disrupt your browsing experience. It occurs due to misconfigurations in your DNS (Domain Name System), which stops your browser from loading a page. The error may occur due to multiple factors, including network settings, incorrect DNS configurations, or even problems with your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

This article explores the common causes of dns_probe_finished_bad_config error and provides possible solutions to fix this error.

What is the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error?

What Causes the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error?

How to Fix the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error?

Conclusion

What is the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error?

This error means that your DNS was unable to resolve/translate domain names (like google.com) to their corresponding IPs. Servers store IPs behind domain names, and if the server is not able to retrieve them, along with other IPs, problems are to be expected.

Once this error occurs, you’ll see a prompt “This site can’t be reached“. It might disrupt your browsing, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious issue with your hardware or internet:

What Causes the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error?

Here are the most frequent causes to help you identify what might be wrong in your specific case:

• Incorrect DNS Configuration: Misconfigured DNS settings are the most common cause of this error.
• Outdated Cache: An outdated DNS cache stored in your system may create conflicts.
• Faulty Network Drivers: Corrupt or outdated network drivers could interfere with DNS communication.
• ISP Restrictions: Sometimes, the ISP-provided DNS servers may experience issues, causing a failure in name resolution.
• Third-party Software: Firewalls, antivirus software, or VPNs may sometimes disrupt DNS settings.

How to Fix the dns_probe_finished_bad_config Error

These are some of the solutions to help solve this error. Each solution takes a detailed instruction, making the process effective and streamlined:

Restart Your Router

At times, simply restarting your router can fix this issue. If your network settings or connection were temporarily causing issues, a reset can solve the problem.

Steps to Restart Your Router:

1. To turn off your router, simply hit the power button.
2. After that, wait for about 10-20 seconds to ensure the hardware completely shuts down.
3. Finally, quickly restart the router and open the website.

If you’re still facing the error, move on to more advanced solutions.

Flush Your DNS Cache

DNS cache information is very sensitive, and it is possible that outdated files can cause issues. Clearing the DNS cache ensures your system fetches fresh data when loading websites.

Steps to Flush DNS Cache:

1. First, launch the cmd (on Windows) to get started.
2. After that, type the command ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter for Windows users.
3. Try restarting your browser and see if the issue is fixed.

For Mac, type the command sudo dscacheutil -flushcache followed by pressing Enter.

Change Your DNS Server

One of the easiest ways to fix DNS problems is to change to a publicly available DNS server such as Cloudflare or Google.

Use Google DNS:

• Primary DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

Steps to Change DNS Server in Windows:

1. First, launch “Control Panel” > “Network and Sharing Center”.
2. Then, pick the option labeled “Change adapter settings.”
3. After that, right-click your active network connection > Click “Properties”.
4. Enable “Use the following DNS server addresses”. After that hit the “Advanced” button.
5. Finally, input the values above, click the “Add” button, and restart your browser.

For Mac, you can find similar DNS options under “System Preferences” > “Network” > your active network > “Advanced” > “DNS”.

Update Your Network Drivers

This error can occur if network drivers are outdated or malfunctioning, as they can interfere with proper DNS resolution. Updating these drivers may resolve the error.

Instructions For Updating Drivers on Windows:

1. First, hit the Win + X keys, then select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. After that, find and expand the section on “Network adapters”.
3. After that, right-click your active network device and click “Update driver”.
4. Next, select “Search automatically for drivers” to let Windows find and install the most up-to-date drivers online.

If you’re a Mac user, ensure all system updates are installed by visiting the “System Preferences” > “Software Update” section.

Temporarily Disable Firewalls or Antivirus Software

DNS traffic can occasionally be blocked by firewalls and antivirus software. Temporarily disabling them may help identify whether they’re causing the issue.

Instructions for Turning off the Firewall:

1. First, navigate to the Control Panel, then select Windows Defender Firewall under the section of System and Security.
2. After that, disable the settings of Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Finally, disable both private and public firewall settings temporarily and test your connection.

Once you’ve identified the underlying problem, enable again your firewall. If this method works, check your security software settings to whitelist DNS or network-related functions.

Verify System Host Files

The host file contains manual DNS configurations that may interfere with site access. Cleaning this file can resolve the error.

Steps to Check Host File in Windows:

1. First, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
2. Then, open the “hosts” file in Notepad (or any text editor).
3. After that, search for entries specifically you are accessing. Remove those lines.
4. Finally, save the file and restart your PC.

For Mac, access the “hosts” file via the Terminal and use sudo nano /etc/hosts to edit it.

 

Reset Chrome Flags (For Chrome Users)

Chrome has some flags that can be changed. These flags have experimental functions within the browser, and misconfigurations of some flags could cause DNS errors.

Reset Chrome Flags

1. First, launch Chrome and enter “chrome://flags” in the bar.
2. Then, hit “Reset all to default” in the top-right corner.
3. Finally, restart the browser and verify that the site loads properly.

Contact Your ISP

If none of the above methods work, the error may be caused by issues with your ISP’s DNS servers. Contact your ISP’s customer service team and inform them about the problem. They may either suggest advanced troubleshooting steps or fix the DNS configuration on their end.

That is all from the guide to fix the error.

Conclusion

This error is fixable with the solutions outlined above. Start with simpler fixes, like rebooting your router or clearing your DNS cache. Then, progress to more in-depth methods: changing the DNS server, updating network drivers, temporarily disabling firewalls or antivirus software, and verifying system host files if necessary. By exploring these solutions, you’ll be able to resolve the error and access your desired websites quickly.