When you encounter the error "the server with this IP is not authoritative," it signifies a problem with your Domain Name System (DNS) configuration. This means the DNS server you're querying isn't the officially designated server for the domain you're trying to access. Let's break down why this happens and how to troubleshoot this common issue.
Understanding DNS and Authoritative Servers
The internet works by translating human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142). This translation is handled by DNS servers. An authoritative DNS server is the ultimate source of truth for a particular domain's IP address. It holds the official DNS records for that domain.
When you type a website address into your browser, your computer queries a DNS server (often provided by your internet service provider or a custom DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS). If that server doesn't have the answer, it recursively queries other DNS servers until it finds an authoritative server. The "the server with this IP is not authoritative" error appears when the chain of queries ends at a server that doesn't possess the correct records.
Common Causes of the "Not Authoritative" Error
Several factors can contribute to this frustrating error message:
1. Incorrect DNS Server Configuration:
- Your device's settings: Your computer, phone, or router may be incorrectly configured to use a DNS server that doesn't handle the domain you're trying to access. Check your network settings and ensure you're using the correct DNS servers. Using public DNS services like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) can sometimes resolve this.
2. DNS Propagation Issues:
- Recent domain changes: If you recently made changes to your domain's DNS records (like updating nameservers or adding a new record), it takes time for these changes to propagate across the internet's DNS infrastructure. This delay, known as propagation time, can range from a few minutes to several hours, sometimes even longer.
3. Caching Issues:
- Outdated DNS cache: Your computer, router, or other network devices might be caching outdated DNS information. Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve the issue. The specific commands for clearing the cache vary depending on your operating system.
4. Problems with the Domain Registrar or Hosting Provider:
- Server-side issues: The problem might not lie with your configuration. There might be an issue with the authoritative DNS server for the domain itself. Contact your domain registrar or hosting provider to report the problem and see if they can assist in resolving any server-side DNS configuration errors.
5. Typos in the Domain Name:
- Simple mistakes: Double-check the domain name you're entering. A simple typo can lead to this error.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you resolve the "the server with this IP is not authoritative" error:
- Verify the Domain Name: Carefully check for typos in the domain name.
- Check Your DNS Settings: Ensure your device and router are configured with the correct DNS server addresses. Consider using public DNS servers.
- Clear Your DNS Cache: Flush your DNS cache to remove outdated information.
- Wait for Propagation (if applicable): If you recently made domain changes, allow sufficient time for propagation.
- Contact Your Registrar or Hosting Provider: If the problem persists, contact your domain registrar or hosting provider for assistance. They can investigate server-side issues and verify the correct DNS configuration.
- Use a DNS Lookup Tool: Utilize online tools to perform DNS lookups and trace the DNS resolution process. This can help pinpoint the source of the problem.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the "the server with this IP is not authoritative" error and restore access to the desired website. Remember, patience is key, especially when dealing with DNS propagation delays.
