Resolving Windows Network Host Issues

Sources:

• **

title: ## Contents 
style: nestedList # TOC style (nestedList|inlineFirstLevel)
minLevel: 1 # Include headings from the specified level
maxLevel: 4 # Include headings up to the specified level
includeLinks: true # Make headings clickable
debugInConsole: false # Print debug info in Obsidian console

Overview

About

The infamous No Such Host Is Known error is a common issue that occurs when your computer attempts to connect to a specific domain or website, but it cannot find the corresponding IP address for that domain in the Domain Name Server or System (DNS).

In simpler terms, your computer is trying to reach a web address, but it doesn’t know where that address is located in the vast expanse of the internet.

Common Causes

• Software application runs and attempts to make communication with an online API based URL and doesn’t find its hostname or server (DNS name error)
• Software application does not send its Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)

DNS Resolution Issues

The most common cause of this error is DNS resolution problems.

DNS is like the internet’s phone book, translating human-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When there’s an issue with this translation, you encounter the No Such Host Is Known error.

Incorrect URLs

Sometimes, the error occurs due to typographical errors when entering the URL in your browser. A simple mistake in the website address can lead to this frustrating error.

Firewall Security Software

Overly aggressive firewall or security software can also block your computer from accessing certain websites, leading to this error.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly.

2. Restart Your Router and Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

3. Clear DNS Cache: Clear your computer’s DNS cache to refresh the stored DNS information.

4. Disable Firewall Temporarily: Temporarily disable your firewall or security software to check if it’s causing the issue.

5. Check for Typing Errors: Double-check the URL you entered for any typing errors.

6. Use Google’s Public DNS: Switch to Google’s Public DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) in your network settings.

7. Update Network Drivers: Make sure your network drivers are up to date.

Prevention and Maintenance

To avoid encountering the ‘No Such Host Is Known’ error in the future, consider these preventive measures:

1. Regularly Update DNS Settings: Keep your DNS settings up to date to ensure smooth connectivity.

2. Keep Your Firewall and Security Software Updated: Ensure your firewall and security software are updated to their latest versions.

3. Use Reliable Websites and Links: Be cautious while visiting websites and clicking on links. Stick to trusted sources.

Commands

# check IP and respective DNS
ipconfig /all
 
# lookup hostname
nslookup

Example - PowerShell Module Installation

Install-PSResource: 'No such host is known. (www.powershellgallery.com:443)' 
Request sent: 'https://www.powershellgallery.com/api/v2/FindPackagesById()id="PowerShellAI"&$inlinecount=allpages&$filter=IsLatestVersion%20and%20Id%20eq%20"PowerShellAI"' 
Inner exception: 'No such host is known.'

---

Appendix

Note created on 2024-05-17 and last modified on 2024-05-17.

See Also

Backlinks

LIST FROM [[Resolving Windows Network Host Issues]] AND -"CHANGELOG" AND -"01-SLIPBOX/Resolving Windows Network Host Issues"

---

(c) No Clocks, LLC | 2024