Error Message: "“DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG”.

[Bleedred]

I have a Lenovo T440s Thinkpad (Core i5).  When I try to get on the internet, I'm getting the error message in the Topic Title line.  My kids and wife can get on the internet no problem (they all have Apples).  The page noting the error directs me to a "details" section and notes that "the DNS lookup failed", typical when there is no connection to the internet (seems unlikely, since the rest of the family can connect?) or there is a misconfigured network (also unlikely, because the family can connect?).
 
One tip was to disable network prediction via chrome....but that didn't work either.  
 
Any advice?  

 

[j44thor]

Did you check your network adapter for issues?  If the internet is working for your family but not your PC then it would lead me to believe you are having some sort of network adapter or DHCP/DNS issue.  Assuming you have already rebooted, I would open a command prompt (run - CMD) and enter IPCONFIG/Release then IPCONFIG/RENEW.
 
If that doesn't work I would try IPCONFIG/FLUSHDNS 
 
Also make sure you are obtaining DNS server automatically.  I brought a work laptop home recently and had the same issue.  After a fair bit of troubleshooting I realized they recently switched my DNS to a fixed IP that naturally didn't work on my home network.  Once I changed it back to auto DNS I was on the net.
 
That is a bit lengthier but you can find instructions here

 

[Bleedred]

Thank you for the response, but it may as well have been in Farsi.   i.e.  I'm so remedial with this stuff, I don't really know what you're talking about, other than knowing what it means to reboot (which I have tried).   If giving a more detailed answer to effect the steps you suggest is too much a pain in the ass, I understand.  

 

[Harry Hooper]

From the link you were provided, see steps 1 & 2 to get to the network adapter settings, highlight the TCPIP/IPv4 entry and click on the properties button. You want to select the Obtain an IP Address automatically option on the top and the Obtain a DNS server address automatically on the bottom as shown in the image below. Click "OK" and close:
 

 
 
 
See if it works then, try a reboot if it doesn't.

 

[j44thor]

First step to try, right click on your network icon (bottom right) and click "troubleshoot problems" that will run some tests and attempt to repair the adapter automatically, works perhaps 20% of the time but an easy first step.
 
If that doesn't work click your start button (bottom left) and in the search box type CMD.  That will bring up an old school looking text box.  There will be some information displayed starting with C:\ at the end of that type IPCONFIG/RELEASE and hit enter.  Next type IPCONFIG/RENEW and hit enter.
If still nothing repeat the steps to open the command prompt CMD and type IPCONFIG/FLUSHDNS and hit enter.
 
One other question, I assume this is all issues with wireless connection, have you tried running a wired connection to the laptop having issues?  Would be helpful to attempt to isolate the problem.

 

[Bleedred]

I ran internet troubleshooting and it identified a Problem found:  "Windows can't communicate with the device or resource (primary DNS server)."   It was "unable to automatically fix the issue."  I also did what Harry suggested (obtain IP address and DNS servers automatically).  It didn't work.  I rebooted, still a problem.  
 
Next, I did J44s steps 
 
If that doesn't work click your start button (bottom left) and in the search box type CMD.  That will bring up an old school looking text box.  There will be some information displayed starting with C:\ at the end of that type IPCONFIG/RELEASE and hit enter.  Next type IPCONFIG/RENEW and hit enter.
If still nothing repeat the steps to open the command prompt CMD and type IPCONFIG/FLUSHDNS and hit enter.
 
Result:  "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver cache"
 
NOW WHAT??????????????

 

[j44thor]

Did you try both wired and wireless connection?  It would be helpful to help determine if it is a specific adapter issue or something larger.

 

[Bleedred]

I don't know how to try a "wired" connection.  I've always connected via wifi and don't think I have a wired option

 

[Bleedred]

I ran internet troubleshooting and it identified a Problem found:  "Windows can't communicate with the device or resource (primary DNS server)."   It was "unable to automatically fix the issue."  I also did what Harry suggested (obtain IP address and DNS servers automatically).  It didn't work.  I rebooted, still a problem.  
 
Next, I did J44s steps 
 
If that doesn't work click your start button (bottom left) and in the search box type CMD.  That will bring up an old school looking text box.  There will be some information displayed starting with C:\ at the end of that type IPCONFIG/RELEASE and hit enter.  Next type IPCONFIG/RENEW and hit enter.
If still nothing repeat the steps to open the command prompt CMD and type IPCONFIG/FLUSHDNS and hit enter.
 
Result:  "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver cache"
 
NOW WHAT??????????????

Am I supposed to do something now that I've "successfully flushed the DNS Resolver cache"?

 

[j44thor]

I don't know how to try a "wired" connection.  I've always connected via wifi and don't think I have a wired option

 
That laptop has an ethernet adapter.  You would need to plug a "cat5" cable (available at any electronics store/best buy etc. into your router and directly into the laptop.
 
If you successfully flushed the DNS I would suggest rebooting and if that doesn't work try renew/release IP config again.
If still nothing try a wired connection to see if you can better isolate the problem.

 

[Bleedred]

I'm F*cked.  None of that worked.  Thanks for trying

 

[Bleedred]

Where would I take a computer to have it fixed for such a situation (I live in Needham, but Greater Boston Area is fine)? 

 

[Orange Julia]

If and when Chat is up and running, any number of us might be able to walk you through it.
 
Do you use a VoIP phone system at home? If so, then the cable that looks like a phone jack going from cable modem to your phone modem thing (i have no idea what this is called)  is an ethernet cable and you can plug that (unplug from the phone piece) into the plug on your computer that looks like a phone jack goes.  That would be considered a wired connection. I think. Try it out.
 
Did you also try pulling the power plug from your cable modem for a few minutes and plugging it back in and letting it boot up and seeing if that makes a difference? Warn the family you're resetting the modem first, though.

 

[Bleedred]

If and when Chat is up and running, any number of us might be able to walk you through it.
 
Do you use a VoIP phone system at home? If so, then the cable that looks like a phone jack going from cable modem to your phone modem thing (i have no idea what this is called)  is an ethernet cable and you can plug that (unplug from the phone piece) into the plug on your computer that looks like a phone jack goes.  That would be considered a wired connection. I think. Try it out.
 
Did you also try pulling the power plug from your cable modem for a few minutes and plugging it back in and letting it boot up and seeing if that makes a difference? Warn the family you're resetting the modem first, though.

I'm heading out today for my colonoscopy prep (threads crossing!) and handing my laptop to our IT guys.  If they cannot fix it by Thursday when I return, I will be back here asking for help.   

 

[geoduck no quahog]

BTW - exact same issue with me (wired).
 
Reboot solved the problem. Otherwise - everything identical to Bleedred (it started 2 days ago).

 

[Alcohol&Overcalls]

FWIW (and probably too late), I've solved this problem for others by swapping to Google's DNS servers:
https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/?hl=en

 

[Bleedred]

FWIW (and probably too late), I've solved this problem for others by swapping to Google's DNS servers:
https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/?hl=en

I was told that mine was a "rootkit" whatever that is.  I had to have my entire system wiped clean.

 

[Harry Hooper]

I was told that mine was a "rootkit" whatever that is.  I had to have my entire system wiped clean.

 
 
OK, but what about your ThinkPad?

 

[Alcohol&Overcalls]

I was told that mine was a "rootkit" whatever that is.  I had to have my entire system wiped clean.

 
Yep, that's about worst-case scenario as far as these things go - you received good advice, and I hope things are back to normal!

 

[Bleedred]

 
Yep, that's about worst-case scenario as far as these things go - you received good advice, and I hope things are back to normal!

Thanks.  Things are reasonably ok, although I'm having trouble with chrome now for some reason.  I'm concluding that I'm either a moron or snakebit when it comes to matters of technology.  Probably some combination of both