dns not working after computer idle

[JeffCharles]

When my WinXP Pro desktop has been idle or off, web sites will not open
until I retry 5 or more times. This appears to be a DNS problem, as I
get a "Looking for.." message in Firefox and a "Finding..." message in
IE before it times out. Once I get access to any site, I get access to
all sites without a delay.

The other computers on my wireless network do not have this problem. I
have checked TCP/IP settings and they match.

Nslookup returns the following:

Server: nspue1.uninet.net.mx
Address: 200.33.146.209

DNS request timed out.
timeout was 2 seconds.

Once DNS starts working, I get the following message from nslookup:

nspue1.uninet.net.mx can't find nslookup: Non-existent domain

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

 

[Chuck]

When my WinXP Pro desktop has been idle or off, web sites will not open
until I retry 5 or more times. This appears to be a DNS problem, as I
get a "Looking for.." message in Firefox and a "Finding..." message in
IE before it times out. Once I get access to any site, I get access to
all sites without a delay.

The other computers on my wireless network do not have this problem. I
have checked TCP/IP settings and they match.

Nslookup returns the following:

Server: nspue1.uninet.net.mx
Address: 200.33.146.209

DNS request timed out.
timeout was 2 seconds.

Once DNS starts working, I get the following message from nslookup:

nspue1.uninet.net.mx can't find nslookup: Non-existent domain

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

Jeff,

When you're having the DNS errors, have you tried pinging a fixed IP address,
say your router?

Why not post "ipconfig /all" from the problem computer, and from another
properly working computer? Give us a chance to help you.

How do you get DNS to work? What do you do to get it to "get access to any
site"?

A problem with an idle computer might be the power setting on the NIC.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html

Do you do, or see, anything different when powering this computer up, as
compared to your other computers?

 

[JeffCharles]

Chuck,

Your first suggestion may have pinpointed the problem. When I ping my
router while I am having the DNS error it times out. At the same time
that the ping starts working, DNS starts working. I had not tried this
before, because the wireless status in the tool tray has been
indicating 54Mbs and good to excellent signal strength, even when I am
having the problem.

The way I get DNS to work is by trying to connect to a web page again
and again. Eventually, it kicks in, say after 5 to 10 tries. Once it is
working, it keeps working until I leave the machine idle. Even after
that, about half the time it works right away.

I had checked the power setting on my NIC and it was OK.

I haven't noticed any differences when I power up this machine compared
to my others.

The ipconfig /all results for this computer look the same as for my
laptop, except that the node type is Hybrid and on the laptop it is
Broadcast.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Chuck]

Chuck,

Your first suggestion may have pinpointed the problem. When I ping my
router while I am having the DNS error it times out. At the same time
that the ping starts working, DNS starts working. I had not tried this
before, because the wireless status in the tool tray has been
indicating 54Mbs and good to excellent signal strength, even when I am
having the problem.

The way I get DNS to work is by trying to connect to a web page again
and again. Eventually, it kicks in, say after 5 to 10 tries. Once it is
working, it keeps working until I leave the machine idle. Even after
that, about half the time it works right away.

I had checked the power setting on my NIC and it was OK.

I haven't noticed any differences when I power up this machine compared
to my others.

The ipconfig /all results for this computer look the same as for my
laptop, except that the node type is Hybrid and on the laptop it is
Broadcast.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff,

Node Type affects LAN access. DNS can be used for LAN address resolution, but
is generally WAN (Internet). Try connecting to a web page by IP address. Start
with AllNetTools or DNSStuff, to get the IP address for a URL.
All Net Tools: <http://216.92.207.177/toolbox>
http://216.92.207.177/toolbox
DNS Stuff: <http://69.2.200.183/>
http://69.2.200.183/

Does the laptop work OK even when this computer is not? Are they both connected
thru WiFi? Note that the "Connected ... 54M" bit means signal strength, ie
client radio to router radio. If the client doesn't authenticate, or if the
channel isn't available (maybe your neighbors WiFi is active), even with a 54M
"Connection", you'll not get network service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/wifi-will-never-be-as-fast-as-ethernet.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/wifi-will-never-be-as-fast-as-ethernet.html

Get NetStumbler, and run it on both computers. Diagnose the problem
objectively. See if anything interesting shows when your problem comes up.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/essential-tools-for-desktop-and.html#NetStumbler>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/essential-tools-for-desktop-and.html#NetStumbler