Wrong DNS server IP address when connecting wifi

[CFB3]

Until yesterday AM our household WIFI had been working well. We have four residents and multiple devices each and everything was OK. Yesterday, on my HP laptop the WIFI connected but would not resolve DNS. Only device having this problem. After investigation I determined that all the devices except mine were using a DNS server IP starting with 209. Mine was attempting to use one starting with 45. which could not be found.  Trouble shooter responded with a DNS error.

We have explored everything we know to explore including several minutes on phone with tech support of ISP. Multiple modem resets which I had also done and no answer other than replace the modem. So a new modem is coming but I am not convinced as it seems strange that one device out of several would have a problem. My experience says that the failing device should be considered. I saw one update for similar symptoms in this community and tried the suggestions there,  command mode resets and flushing DNS but that did not change anything. It seems like the DNS servers are hard coded. Neither I or the tech support could see anything wrong in the modem. I did run all my virus scans and nothing hit there.  I also tried editing the IPv4 DNS server to the working set used by the other devices but that did not fix anything.

Looking for other options should the modem replacement not change anything.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@CFB3 I have 3 methods to resolve this concern and I would suggest you try them with the old router before you get the replacement, although, if your ISP has determined it to be an issue with the modem, I'd say using the new model would be an easier way out of this, nevertheless, if you wish to give this a shot, here's what you'll need in your arsenal:

Method 1: Is a model reset, let's skip that since you've already done that multiple times.

Method 2: Configure the TCP/IP settings

Configure the TCP/IP settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select Start > Control Panel.
2. Select View network status and tasks under Networking and Internet.
3. Select Change adapter settings.
4. Press and hold (or right-click)  Local Area Connection, and then select Properties.
5. Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) > Properties.
6. Select Obtain an IPv6 address automatically > Obtain DNS servers address automatically > OK.
7. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
8. Select Obtain an IP address automatically > Obtain DNS servers address automatically > OK.

Method 3: Use the Ipconfig command-line tool

Use the Ipconfig command-line tool. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select Start, type command prompt in the Search Programs and files box, press and hold (or right-click) Command Prompt, and then select Run as administrator.
2. At the command prompt, type the following commands. Press Enter after each command.

   ipconfig /flushdns
   
   ipconfig /registerdns
   
   ipconfig /release
   
   ipconfig /renew

Keep us posted,

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Give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on the post you feel, helped you the most, 

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[CFB3]

Thanks for update.

After spending yesterday with my ISP and HP Tech Support, the problem was not resolved. The modem was replaced. Signal levels checked. ISP tech support convinced it was a laptop problem. HP that it was ISP problem. Still could not connect to DNS server.

This morning everything is working OK.  When I went to bed is wasn't.  I had a list of things to try including similar to last post but it is working OK as abruptly as it stopped working four days ago. It is working even though the DNS server IP in my properties is 45... and the DNS in my wife's is 209... and the DNS server IP in the modem is 209...

So, I learned a little through the process, got a new modem, ISP tech thought the signal strength to house could be better so they are working on that,  lost some productivity but hopefully will regain by end of week. PTL!

Thanks for suggestions.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@CFB3 PTL Indeed!

I'm glad it's worked out for you, Although, If your PC is receiving its DNS settings from a DHCP service on the router, then the DNS settings are whatever you or the ISP has set in your router.

You can manually change the DNS settings in your Windows machine and override what your router is handing to your PC using a dynamic address.

Either way, you must have DNS settings in your Windows machine in order to resolve host names over the Internet.

The difference is that you can override your router DNS settings if you wanted to use a different DNS server for example. Not much else for difference other than DNS server speeds of course.

For more details on how the DNS Server works and how to be safe: Click here 

(The above link is 3rd party and is not owned by HP, I've posted this only so that I may help you resolve this issue by going beyond my support boundaries, please ignore the ads and take only the free suggestions)

I hope that answers your query,  

If it did, simply select "Accept as solution", to help the community grow, 

And if you wish to thank us for our efforts, click on the thumbs up for kudos.

Have a great day ahead.

[CFB3]

After having a full day of successful use of my laptop, today I am back to where I was on Monday, all the same. Going to try the suggestions on last post.

[CFB3]

The ipv4 DNS was hardcoded to the bogus address.  Set it to dynamically obtain and all is well. The mystery of why it worked yesterday is still not understood. Moving on...

[Riddle_Decipher]

@CFB3 Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts, 

I'm glad you found the solution.

You can always click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos,

Take care and have an awesome week ahead.