Windows DNS Troubleshooting
Why you need to change your DNS settings:
Your router is currently blocking the BCS from working properly. This is a security feature that some routers have turned on by default.
Think of it like your router acting as an overly protective security guard - it's trying to keep you safe, but it's also blocking our legitimate testing tool from doing its job.
By changing your DNS settings to use Google's servers instead of your router's, you're basically asking a different "phone book" to look up the IP address the BCS needs. Google's phone book will let our testing tool work correctly.
The simple fix: Change your computer's DNS settings to use Google's servers (8.8.8.8) instead of your router's automatic settings.
How to Change Your DNS Settings on Windows
Step 1: Open Network Connections
- Press Windows key + R on your keyboard
- Type
ncpa.cpl and press Enter - A window called "Network Connections" will open
Step 2: Find Your Active Network Connection
Look for the network adapter that shows "Connected" or has a green checkmark. This is usually named something like:
-
Ethernet (if using a cable) -
Wi-Fi (if using wireless)
Step 3: Open Network Properties
- Right-click on your active network connection
- Click Properties
Step 4: Change IPv4 DNS Settings
- In the list, find and click on
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) - Click the Properties button
- Select
Use the following DNS server addresses - Enter these Google DNS servers:
- Preferred DNS server:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS server:
8.8.4.4
- Preferred DNS server:
- Click OK
Step 5: Change IPv6 DNS Settings (Important, if applicable)
- Back in the Properties window, check to see if the IPv6 setting is checked, if it is find and click on
Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) . If it's not then skip this step. - Click the Properties button
- Select
Use the following DNS server addresses - Enter these Google IPv6 DNS servers:
- Preferred DNS server:
2001:4860:4860::8888 - Alternate DNS server:
2001:4860:4860::8844
- Preferred DNS server:
- Click OK
- Click OK again to close the main Properties window
Step 6: Clear Your DNS Cache
- Press Windows key + R
- Type
cmd and press Enter - In the black window that opens, type:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press Enter
- You should see
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache
Step 7: Test the Change
- In the same black window, type:
nslookup bcs.visualware.com - Press Enter
- You should now see Google's DNS servers (like
8.8.8.8 ) listed instead of your router's address
You're Done!
Close all windows and try the testing tool again. Your computer will now use Google's DNS servers instead of your router's, which should allow the BCS to work properly.
If you're still having problems please contact us and provide screenshots for the steps taken above.
For help taking screenshots on Windows - using the snipping tool - click here.