Fix DNS Probe Finished Bad Config Error
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As you surf the internet, you are likely to have faced the DNS probe finished bad config error when opening some web pages. The cause for this issue is mainly a network connection error related to DNS configuration.
What Is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS is a vital part of the internet that maps website names with their IP addresses.
For example, our website several.com has an IP address of 45:154:166:31; it would be impossible to memorize that number every time you visit our website.
DNS maps that IP with our domain name, so whenever you search for several.com in the URL bar, the computer recognizes its associated IP address and sends you there.
DNS_PROBE Error Causes
Sadly, this error is not limited to one platform; you may come across it on your android devices or your PC web browsers, like Chrome or Firefox.
Without getting into all the technicalities, the DNS probe finished bad config is an error related to DNS connectivity and configuration.
This error's cause can vary between the following:
- Third-party software
- Faulty DNS configuration
- Internet Speed
- VPN
- Browser settings
How to Fix DNS PROBE FINISHED BAD CONFIG?
Check for browser updates
Before heading to the current methods, it is always best to check for any browser updates.
Most browsers have the check for updates section in either the settings menu or the 'more' drop-down menu.
If no Update now message appears, your browser then is up to date.
Clear browsing data
Sometimes clearing your browser data; history, cache, and cookies can fix your DNS probe finished bad config problem.
To clear your browsing data, go to your browser's settings from the three dots usually located in the top corners of your screen.
Or you can paste this to your URL:
For Chrome: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
For Edge: edge://settings/clearBrowserData
For Firefox: about:preferences#privacy
Change the period to delete browsing data from 'beginning time' or 'all-time.'
Flushing the DNS
You might be familiar with the Command Prompt; if not, it is simply a pre-loaded program in every Windows distribution. It is a utility you can use to control your system using codes.
One of the many commands you use in the cmd is for DNS flushing.
Follow the steps below to flush your DNS with a command prompt:
- Search for CMD on your start menu
- Right-click CMD and run as administrator
- Write the following command: ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter
- Wait for the cmd to do its things
- Reboot your computer
Resetting netsh Winsock
This is another fix for the DNS Probe Finished Bad Config error.
Using similar steps with the command prompt, you can apply this fix.
Run the CMD as administrator as described above, type netshwinsock reset and press enter.
Manually Assigning DNS address
To manually assign the DNS address, follow the steps below:
- Go to the start menu and search for the control panel
- Go to the 'open network and sharing center.'
- Press on the Properties tab
- On the pop-up box, click on Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)
- Click on its properties
- Click on use the following DNS server addresses
- Change their values:
- Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternative DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
- Tick the 'validate settings upon exit' box
- Click Ok
- Wait a few seconds for changes to take place
Restart your router
Resetting or restarting your router can fix the DNS probe finished bad config error that appears on your browser.
You do a restart by physically pressing the power button on the back of your device.
You can reset your router by inserting a pin into the small hole next to the power cable plug.
Change your VPN server
The DNS probe finished bad config error can be quite common if you are using a VPN.
Try changing the VPN server you are on to another country or turn it off altogether to fix the issue.
We also advise using a premium VPN, as they are less likely to have network connection errors and can protect you with their Kill Switch feature. If the connection suddenly drops, your IP address will not be exposed.
Here are the best VPNs you can subscribe to and use without experiencing any connectivity issues.
VPN Recommendations
1. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is one of the top VPN services that provide top-notch VPN security services and features.
CyberGhost has an extensive network of 6100 servers in 90 countries. As a result, it is great for streaming and provides stable speeds across servers. CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, a bit more than other VPNs offer if their features were not for your liking.
Read our full CyberGhost review here.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is the fastest VPN globally, with over 5400 servers worldwide, and it scores top points when it comes to the speeds they provide. NordVPN has a kill switch. A kill switch acts to sever your connection to the internet if your VPN connection fails, therefore protecting your real IP.
Read more about NordVPN in our full review here.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a great VPN pick for your wallet. Its pricing is relatively lower than other VPNs on the market, but it provides almost the same features they do, with the top security services you would expect from a well-established VPN.
Surfshark also has a no-log policy, keeping your anonymity to a maximum. In addition to its unlimited simultaneous connections, the chances of you facing the DNS Probe Finished Bad Config Error is very slim.
Read all about Surfshark in our full review here.