This article first appeared on Techieans.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG: It is very common to come across certain problems while browsing the internet. Some of the most common ones among these are the DNS errors that seem to crop up from nowhere, thus pulling a stop to your work. DNS errors usually refer to certain glitches in Chrome where your system fails to understand and execute the address it has been provided. We have already discussed an array of DNS related problems on our site and noted the different ways to resolve them. In this post, we will be dealing in particular with the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG issue in Chrome.
What is DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Problem in Chrome?
Of all the errors that you may have come across while running a search on your Chrome browser, the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG one is fairly common. No matter which Windows version you are on, it is likely that you have encountered this error a few times. When it occurs, your screen displays a message that says that the page you are looking for is not available, accompanied with the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG code displayed beneath it. While one or two attempts at reloading may solve the issue on its own, it may, at times, linger. But there’s no reason to fret, as the directions to fix the glitch are not too difficult.
Solutions to Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG in Windows (10/8/7)
First, we need to understand what causes the error. We have already told you that at the crux of the problem lies a DNS-related misinterpretation or faulty execution. Despite what you may be led to assume, the most common reason for this to happen is a botched internet connection. The heart of the error may lie in your router’s connection, or in your system itself. To fix the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG error, we have compiled a list of methods that you can try to weed it out. Note that while some of you may find the problem resolved with the first method itself, others may need to try the others. This is why we suggest that you start at the first one and proceed downwards in an orderly fashion.
Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Issue in Windows: Method 1
As we have said, at the core of the problem may lie something as simple as a faulty network connection. To ensure that this is not the case with your system (and also to fix it with one blow if this is the case), this method is the first thing you need to do. All you need to do is shut off and restart your router/ any source of the internet that you may be connected to. Keep the connection off for a while before restarting. When you turn your router back on, you will most likely see that the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG problem has disappeared. If not, proceed to the method below.
Solve DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Error in Chrome: Method 2
The next thing for you to try if the above method has unfortunately not worked for you is by reworking your system configurations. To troubleshoot DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG glitch in this way, follow the steps below carefully.
Step 1: Run Command Prompt on the affected PC. To do this, type Windows Key + R and type in CMD in the dialogue box. Press Ok.
Step 2: After Command Prompt opens up, type in the following commands one after the other. Be sure to press Enter after you type in each command.
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /all
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renewnetsh int
- netsh int ip set dns
- netsh winsock reset
Step 3: After you are done with these, exit the Command Prompt and Restart your PC.
If all is fixed at this stage, then good for you. If not, move on to change your DNS servers.
Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Problem in Windows: Method 3
If both the methods mentioned above have failed to work for you, then this is what you need to do. To proceed with this solution, follow the steps below while exercising caution, especially if you’re new to this.
Step 1: Launch your Network Connection window. You can do this by either,
- visiting the network icon on the bottom right corner of your screen and click> go to Open Network and Sharing Center> Change Adapter Settings, or,
- press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box > enter ncpa.cpl in the slot > Ok.
Step 2: Right Click on the network that is active on your computer, and choose Properties.
Step 3: Next, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the options listed, and click on the Properties button below.
Step 4: Now click on Use The Following DNS Server Addresses. Next, enter the figures provided below.
- Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
Step 5: Finally, save the changes you have made by clicking on OK. Your connections should be back on track with the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Chrome having been solved.
How To Avoid DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG in Windows PC?
The DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG issue is a rather common one, but in no way is it any less of a headache. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can prevent this error or any other DNS related error from occurring. Have a look at the simple measures below.
Have your antivirus software updated: Sometimes these errors occur due to an outdated version of any software that you may have installed that helps with screening the websites that you browse. In order to keep this from happening, you should keep it up to date.
Disable Firewall: By taking this simple action, you may prevent the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG issue from happening.
Keep Your Browser Clean: You should develop a practice out of cleaning your browser history, cache files and cookies at regular intervals to keep such unwanted issues at bay.
Keep Your System Clean: You can also keep junk from building up in your computer by regularly cleaning your Recycle Bin and temp files.
Following these simple steps will not only prevent the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG in Windows 10 or any other Windows version from happening, but also help your PC gain on the overall performance front.
Wrap Up
As we have said, the DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG Chrome issue is a relatively frequent one that people come across, and while it may be bothering, it doesn’t take a lot to fix it. Just follow the methods that we have listed here in an orderly manner and you will have your solution in no time at all. But as they say, prevention is better than cure. So keep your PC and browser clean and up to date and you should be able to avoid it from happening at all. Have any questions on your mind? Or has any of these methods not worked for you? Get in touch with us by dropping a comment.