DNS errors - coda

[DaSOB]

A short time back I posted here about repetitive DNS errors I was getting (I'm on Cox, use Win98 and IE6). I tried everything - disk scans, reloading IE6, wearing out my System Configuration utility trying to root out corrupt system files, sacrificing a sheep or two to the computer gods (not really!!), etc. I pinged and I ponged, frequently getting timeouts or Unknown Host Name errors. Nothing helped. My low frustration tolerance had long ago kicked in, then kicked back out, and my mind had reached a numbed state of no-op loops. I had, with slack-jawed, apathetic resignation, accepted that I (or my 'puter) was eternally condemned to endless DNS errors and automatous clicking on "Detect Network Settings".

Well, today, quite suddenly and without any fanfare, the DNS errors magically went away. And my surfing has sped up noticeably. Did the computer gods finally have mercy, or did Fortuna's wheel finally turn favorably for me (O, Fortuna, velut luna, status variabilis)? Or, perchance, could it be that Cox, or somebody along the cyber-route, may have repaired, resurrected, plugged in, fumigated, or otherwise made whole their DNS servers. Not being extremely knowledgeable in the more arcane aspects of routing, I can't say. But the R-complex in my brain feels an animalistic satisfaction somewhat akin to that experienced after a successful mating. So I gladly accept the gratuitous amelioration of my trevail with no questions asked.

I do want to thank the kind folks who offered their insight and assistance to me. May your CPU's never lock up at 100%, and may your hard drives never go floppy!!

Sam Brooks (DaSOB)

[Paul Komski]

My guess is that it was something to do with your ISP.

e.g. One pop mail account I had with an ISP took about 40 secs to log onto. 6 other pop mail accounts logged onto almost immediately. I queried that the problem was with their servers. I was told everything was OK. I then collected ping logs for a week or so and sent them to the ISP. Only then did they acknowledge that something might be wrong. It was fixed within the next 48hrs.

So my guess is that some configuration with the servers was wrong and that someone has only just twigged it or been prompted into action.

[DaSOB]

I did have a lot of problems with Outlook not being able to connect with my POP server, too, but that still happens occasionally. That, however, is not such a big deal, because I just poke the F5 key and it connects right up.

Whatever happened, I'm glad it did. Thanks again!!