INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND or DoD sites suddenly unreachable

windowsmacos

Symptoms

DoD pages that worked yesterday now fail with 'The DNS server might be having problems. Error Code: INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND' or similar DNS errors. Happens often overseas and on some US ISPs.

Likely cause

Your ISP's DNS resolver is blocking, hijacking, or failing to resolve .mil hostnames.

Fix

Change your DNS to Quad9 or Cloudflare. Windows 11: System tray > right-click Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Network and Internet settings > active connection > Properties > scroll to 'DNS server assignment' > Edit > switch to Manual > toggle IPv4 on > preferred 9.9.9.9 (Quad9) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare), alternate 149.112.112.112 or 1.0.0.1. Windows 10: System tray > right-click Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Open Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > right-click connection > Properties > IPv4 > Properties > 'Use the following DNS server addresses'. Mac: Apple > System Preferences > Network > select connection > Advanced > DNS tab > + > enter 9.9.9.9 or 1.1.1.1. Wait ~5 minutes for the new DNS to take effect. If the ISP forces its own DNS at the router, change DNS on the router instead. A VPN (militarycac.com/vpn.htm) is a fallback.

Sourced from militarycac.com. Rewritten for clarity.

Didn't work, or need it tailored to your setup?

Ask the AI assistant