Verifying Computer Settings for Domain Name System

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Before you begin troubleshooting, verify that your computer is configured properly and that Domain Name System (DNS) is set up and running properly.

Settings to Verify Before You Troubleshoot

Verify all of the following items:

Make sure you have administrative rights on the computer that you are troubleshooting

Install all critical updates and security updates for Windows Server 2003

Verify DNS client settings

Make sure you have administrative rights on the computer that you are troubleshooting.

You cannot modify DNS settings unless you are a member of the Administrators group on the computer that you are troubleshooting.

To verify that you are a member of the Administrators group that you are troubleshooting

  1. Open the Computer Management snap-in.

  2. In the console tree, double-click Local Users and Groups, and then click Groups.

  3. In the details pane, double-click Administrators and verify that your account name or a group to which your account is a member appears in the Members list.

Install all critical updates and security updates for Windows Server 2003.

Some updates might be required for DNS to function properly.

To verify that you have all critical updates and security updates for Windows Server 2003

  • Click Start, click Windows Update, and then follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

Verify DNS client settings.

Verify that the DNS client does not have an external DNS server, such as a DNS server from an Internet service provider (ISP), in its TCP/IP configuration. In most cases, the client should not use a DNS server from an ISP as either the preferred or alternate DNS server because the DNS server from the ISP is unable to resolve internal names. Using a DNS server from an ISP in the TCP/IP configuration of a client can also cause problems with conflicting internal and external namespaces.

To verify DNS client settings

  1. Log on to the computer with your Administrator account.

  2. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network Connections.

  3. In Network Connections, right-click the local area connection that you want, and then click Properties.

  4. In Local Area Connection Properties, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.

  5. If Obtain an IP address automatically is selected, type the following at a command prompt:

    ipconfig /all

  6. Review the DNS server settings and verify that they are correct.