A Server With Specified Host Name Could Not Be Found – A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings Dev! We understand that you must be facing some trouble while browsing the internet, and you have landed here to find a solution. In this journal article, we will guide you through the error message “A server with specified host name could not be found,” which is a common problem faced by many users.

What is “A server with specified host name could not be found” error?

Before we dive deep into the solutions, let’s first understand what this error message means. The error message “A server with specified host name could not be found” appears when the browser is unable to find the server for the requested URL. This happens when the browser is unable to establish a connection with the DNS (Domain Name System) server, which is responsible for translating the URL into an IP address that the browser can understand.

Now that we know what the error message means let’s look into some of the reasons why this error occurs.

Reasons for “A server with specified host name could not be found” error

1. Incorrect URL or server name

One of the most common reasons for this error message is an incorrect URL or server name. Double-check the URL and make sure you have typed it correctly. If you are not sure about the server name, try searching for it using a search engine.

2. DNS server issues

Another reason for this error message could be an issue with the DNS server. If the DNS server is down or not responding correctly, your browser will not be able to find the server for the requested URL. You can try changing the DNS server to a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS to see if that fixes the problem.

3. Network connectivity issues

A network connectivity issue could also be the reason for this error. If your internet connection is unstable or slow, your browser may not be able to establish a connection with the DNS server, resulting in the error message. Try resetting your modem or router, or contact your internet service provider to check for any issues with your connection.

4. Firewall or antivirus software

Firewall or antivirus software on your computer could be blocking the connection to the DNS server. You can try disabling the firewall or antivirus software temporarily to see if that fixes the problem. If it does, you can add an exception for your browser or the DNS server to the software to prevent it from blocking the connection.

5. Server issues

If the server for the requested URL is down or not responding, you will receive this error message. In this case, there is nothing you can do except wait for the server to come back online.

How to fix “A server with specified host name could not be found” error

1. Flush DNS cache

Flushing your DNS cache can help resolve DNS-related issues. To flush your DNS cache, open the Command Prompt and enter the command ‘ipconfig /flushdns’. This will clear your DNS cache, and your browser will create a new cache when you visit a website.

2. Check your hosts file

Your computer’s hosts file is used to map domain names to IP addresses. If the hosts file is incorrect, your browser will not be able to find the server for the requested URL. You can check your hosts file for any incorrect entries and remove them if necessary.

3. Change DNS server

As mentioned earlier, changing your DNS server can help resolve DNS-related issues. You can try changing your DNS server to a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS to see if that fixes the problem.

4. Disable firewall or antivirus software

If the firewall or antivirus software on your computer is blocking the connection to the DNS server, you can try disabling it temporarily to see if that fixes the problem.

5. Restart your computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can help resolve the issue. Restart your computer and try accessing the website again to see if the problem is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

That’s it, Dev! We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you resolve the “A server with specified host name could not be found” error. If you still have any questions or doubts, feel free to leave a comment below.