Overview
If you encounter the error message "Unable to determine IP address from host name" when trying to access a website, this indicates that the domain does not resolve correctly. This article provides a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot DNS resolution issues, including how to check whether the problem is local or upstream.
Pre-requirements
- Access to a terminal or command line interface.
- Basic understanding of DNS and how it functions.
- cPanel server IP address for testing.
Steps to Troubleshoot DNS Resolution Issues
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open your terminal or command line interface. |
| 2 | Use the dig command to query the cPanel server directly for the IP address of the affected domain. |
| 3 | Run the following command: |
|
|
| 4 | Check the output. If it returns the expected IP address (e.g., 198.51.100.24), it indicates that the server and its firewall are functioning correctly. |
| 5 | If the expected IP address is not returned, the issue may be local to your server. |
Linux CLI Commands for DNS Troubleshooting
- Check DNS Resolution:
Use the following command to check DNS resolution from your local system:
dig +short domain.tld - Query Specific DNS Server:
To specifically query your cPanel server:
dig +short domain.tld @198.51.100.24
Gotchas to Avoid
- Firewall Issues: Ensure that your firewall settings allow DNS traffic.
- Propagation Delay: Remember that DNS changes may take time to propagate.
- Upstream DNS Issues: If the issue persists, it may be related to upstream nameservers, not your server.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively identify and resolve DNS resolution issues that lead to the "Unable to determine IP address from host name" error. Understanding whether the problem is local or upstream is crucial for efficient resolution.
