# DNS troubleshooting checklist

> What "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN", "server IP address could not be found" and similar errors mean, and how to fix them.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/dns-troubleshooting-checklist/

These browser errors mean your computer couldn't find your domain in DNS:

- `DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN`
- "This site can't be reached. Server IP address could not be found"
- "Hmm. We're having trouble finding that site"
- `ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED`

> **Check your domain in one go:**
Our [Domain and DNS checker](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/tools/dns-checker/) shows which nameservers your domain uses, where your website and email records point, and what to fix.

Work through this checklist.

## 1. Is it just you?

Open the site on your phone using mobile data, or ask someone elsewhere to try. If it works for them, the problem is your network or computer:

- Clear your DNS cache and restart your browser. See [DNS propagation explained](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/when-can-i-see-changes-in-my-domain-if-i-just-edited-my-dns-records/).
- Restart your router.
- Disable any VPN, or switch your DNS to a public resolver such as `1.1.1.1` or `8.8.8.8`.

## 2. Is the domain active?

In the client area, check that the domain's status is **Active** and it hasn't expired. An expired or suspended domain stops resolving. See [Renewing an expired domain](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/renewing-an-expired-domain/) and [ServerHold and ClientHold explained](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/domain-suspended-serverhold-and-clienthold/).

## 3. Are the nameservers right?

Check the domain's nameservers. For Ruachost hosting they should be `nsa.ruachost.com` and `nsb.ruachost.com`. See [Checking a domain's WHOIS and nameservers](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/checking-a-domains-whois-and-nameservers/).

If you changed them in the last 48 hours, the change may still be spreading.

## 4. Does the record exist?

Look for an A record for `@` (and a record for `www`) in the client area **DNS Manager** or cPanel's **Zone Editor**. If it's missing, add it. See [Managing DNS records](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/dns-resource-records/).

## 5. Is DNSSEC set up correctly?

If you recently moved the domain or changed nameservers while DNSSEC was on, the old signatures can break DNS. Turn DNSSEC off, or [open a support ticket](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php). See [How to enable DNSSEC](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/how-to-enable-dnssec-from-your-client-area/).

## Other errors

- **The site loads, but shows the wrong website or a parking page:** see [I registered a domain but my website isn't showing](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/guides/domain-registered-but-website-not-showing/).
- **Only `www` (or only the domain without `www`) fails:** see [My domain works without www but not with it](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/domain-works-without-www/).
- **Changes you made aren't showing:** see [My DNS changes aren't working](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/domains/dns/dns-changes-not-working/).

For advanced checks with command-line tools, see [Troubleshooting DNS with dig and nslookup](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/networking/troubleshooting-dns-with-dig-and-nslookup/).