Encountering the “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” error can be frustrating, especially when trying to access an important website. This issue is common and often stems from network problems, DNS configuration errors, or browser settings. If you’re running a website, choosing a reliable hosting provider can help prevent such errors. Alternatively, upgrading to VPS hosting ensures better DNS management and server control.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, ensure your internet connection is active and stable. Restart your router and modem, reconnect to Wi-Fi, or try accessing another website to determine if the issue is network-related.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Over time, browsers store cached data and cookies that may interfere with loading web pages. To clear them:

  • In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
  • Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
  • Click Clear data, then restart your browser.

3. Restart Your DNS Client Service

A misconfigured or unresponsive DNS client service can cause this error. To restart it:

  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  • Scroll down and find DNS Client.
  • Right-click it and choose Restart.

4. Flush and Renew DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can prevent a website from loading. Flushing it can help:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
  3. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Change Your DNS Servers

Switching to a public DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare can improve connectivity.

  • Open Network and Internet Settings.
  • Navigate to Change adapter options.
  • Right-click your network and select Properties.
  • Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and choose Properties.
  • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
    • Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
  • Click OK and restart your connection.

6. Disable Proxy or VPN Settings

If you’re using a proxy or VPN, it may interfere with your network connection.

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
  • Turn off Automatically detect settings and Use a proxy server.
  • If using a VPN, disconnect and try accessing the site again.

7. Check Your Hosts File

The Windows hosts file can block certain websites. To check it:

  • Open Notepad as administrator.
  • Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
  • Ensure the website you are trying to visit is not listed.
  • If found, delete the entry and save the file.

8. Reset Network Settings

If the issue persists, resetting network settings may resolve it:

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  • Type the following and hit Enter:
    netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
  • Restart your computer and try accessing the website again.

Final Thoughts

The “Server IP Address Could Not Be Found” error is often caused by network, browser, or DNS configuration issues. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix the problem efficiently. If you’re a website owner, ensuring a stable hosting environment with a reliable provider like AvaHost can help prevent future connectivity issues.

By implementing these fixes, you should be able to access websites without interruption and maintain a seamless browsing experience.