Is anyone using Google Public DNS to get to DU?

[Skinner]

I'm trying to come up with a simple fix so people experiencing problems can access DU. Using a free public DNS server should solve these DNS problems we're having if it hasn't resolved properly.

I tried OpenDNS and that is working.

I tried Google Public DNS, and that is working for every site I visit EXCEPT DU. It's the strangest thing.

http://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/

So, I'm trying to figure out if this problem with Google Public DNS is on my end, or is something related to Google, or something related to our web host.

Anyone?

[steve2470]

1. my thread might help a few....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x531414

The suggested IP addresses of the DNS servers are: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 for OpenDNS

and...

8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google Public DNS

Configuration directions depend on your operating system, of course. I have a router, so I configure it.

Configuration instructions for XP are here.

Configuration instructions for Vista are here.

Google also has good overall instructions for Ubuntu, Mac OS, and Windows 7 here.

By using the OpenDNS DNS servers and one of the Google Public DNS servers, I've had no trouble all day. FWIW.

[madfloridian]

4. Some who try that say it messes up their router settings.

Esp. those who like me are not tech savvy.

I am using a proxy server, still can not access the site otherwise.

[steve2470]

6. if you have a router, you have to change your DNS in those settings

I leave my OS alone, and only change my router DNS settings.

[madfloridian]

8. I am not trying any of that.

Too easy to mess it up.

[nc4bo]

24. I didn't even bother changing my router settings, just went through Windows

Internet Connection properties>internet protocol> skipped the 1st box for changing IP addresses and down to DNS server. Clicked >Use the following DNS server addresses, entered working addy (4.2.2.2 in my case), clicked >OK> and that's it. Did a quick ipconfig /all to make sure it was set and have been enjoying DU ever since.

I really didn't feel like messing with my router at. all. either. Now when I'm done and/or DU comes back to normal, I'll just change the setting back to >Obtain DNS server address automatically.

Nothing to mess up.

[madfloridian]

28. Thanks, that sounds hard to mess up even for me.

:)

[nc4bo]

31. Very difficult to make a mess.

Trust me, I know how to make a fine mess of things when playing around with settings and such :rofl:

Good Luck MF - hope it works - hope something works!

[Tansy_Gold]

30. My sentiments exactly

I use my home computer for work, connecting to another server. (They just had an IP address change and had some problems with that, so I'm (edited to add NOT NOT NOT) going to mess with it now that it's working again.) I also have a laptop that accesses through the router, and the BF's laptop.

Could someone explain in plain, simple, non-tech English what happened, why it happened, and when it's going to be fixed? or is there no way to fix it other than us changing our computers?



TG, not tech savvy

[madfloridian]

32. AMEN to what you said. Just tell us what is going on in simple terms.

I am not going to change my computer.

[steve2470]

33. I'll attempt here:

What happened: DU's internet provider (on their end) messed something up.

Why it happened: Only they know why.

When it's going to be fixed: DU's provider already fixed it. The internet DNS servers are NOW the problem.

The fix: Either a SAFE proxy or yes, changing your DNS settings. Also, just waiting for things to correct.

on edit: corrected "the fix" part.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. It didn't work for me

I had to use the 4.2.2.2 which fixed me up fine.

[Tansy_Gold]

3. Still having problems

Can get on via my home computer using proxies (as in, right now), but I really don't trust them.

Was able this morning to access directly with no problems on my laptop at a wifi location.

I'm not tech savvy so I don't know how this shit works.


TG in central AZ east of Phoenix

[krispos42]

5. It's been working for me without a hitch.

If it helps any, I'm in Connecticut on Cablevision's high-speed internet service, OptimumOnline.

[madfloridian]

7. I have seen postings from several who tried it and it did not work.

I have not yet tried that, and a little leery of using a proxy.

[madmax]

9. I didn't see this post. Having that problem. nt

[HappyMe]

10. I don't know how useful this will be...

(have patience, I'm no 'puter whiz) I have not had any trouble getting here at all.

I have time-warner internet/cable and google is my home page.

[madfloridian]

11. I have the same and can not get on except through proxy.

[steve2470]

12. OpenDNS gets me here just fine, Skinner

http://www.opendns.com

208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220

[a la izquierda]

13. I am...

and I'm sort of a computer moron. It was really easy to set up and the web seems to move a little faster.

[hlthe2b]

14. Maybe you could recommend the most reliable proxy

I use sprint 4G wireless device to access, so I don't think I can change the DNS, regardless.
I've been using a Canadian proxy: http://fiberprox.net but someone pointed out how risky they can be for stolen email addresses, passwords and spyware, so I am a bit concerned, though I don't use my DU-associated email, login info for other uses (that I can remember, at least)

[dave29]

15. Not to confuse things...

but I use openDNS and was still having trouble from time to time loading pages yesterday. I have noticed this from time to time while using chrome as my browser regardless over the last several months. However, restarting my router seems to resolve the issue. So I am not sure what's up. Something very strange indeed

[Tindalos]

16. It's working fine for me at work.

I had to connect via a free proxy when I was at home this morning, but I can get directly to the site now I'm at work. I haven't tried google, so I can't help you there.

:shrug:

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

17. I am on the Google Public DNS...

... I could go to any site but DU. Did some googling, tried the OpenDNS server, it blocked some sites (cough cough) so I put the Google 8's and 8.4's in along with DNS cache flush. In XP just click on Start ==> Run ==> type in ipconfig /flushdns . Close your browser (or perhaps do that before doing the ipconfig /flushdns) and all should be well.

I think perhaps the dns flush is the missing part in your puzzle, as you did not mention doing so.

Good luck should you accept this mission.

Captain Over

[kentuck]

22. I think Google has temporarily stopped their googleads?

One site I visit had pop-up google ads which stopped popping up? I had no idea why? But if the google ads are in the program, it could be that they are not activated? Just a hunch...

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

29. I tried something on that order...

...I even shut off the Ghostery extension in Firefox (it allows you to block "web bugs" or third party pop ups/ads) and it made no difference.

Good hunch, though.

Captain Over

[tabatha]

18. Here is something weird with me.

I have two computers. On one of them, DU loads fine; on the other it does not.

I am running the free proxy server on the one that does not, but also used it last night on the one that does work.

I removed DU cookies on both.

The one that is working was on later last night than the other.

One is WiFi (works) and the other is direct connection to a router.

ON EDIT: I just read about ipconfig /flushdns, used it on the computer that did not work, and it all works fine now. THANKS! for that tip.

[madfloridian]

19. How does using OpenDNS change router settings, etc?

I signed up for a free account, but I do not want to have to go back and have problems later on. This is the only site I am having problems with.

[hunter]

20. Google DNS works for me while my ISP's default didn't.

I'm in California.

I changed the DNS on my router -- did a whois of du and saw DNS had been updated.

Good Luck!!!

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

25. I noticed that, too...

... about the DU update at whois and figured that had something to do with it, hence my googling down the DNS work arounds. :smoke:

[nc4bo]

21. Yes. 4.2.2.2 working for me when all else (but proxy) fails. nt

[pintobean]

23. After about 22 hours, I just got on with no problems

and no changes to my settings. An hour ago, I was still getting the 'server not found' message.
AT&T dsl in St. Louis, Mo.

[Lucian]

26. I just cleared my cookies and now the site is working.

[steve2470]

27. Elad's instructions on changing your "hosts" file to get to DU easier:

1) Edit your computer's "hosts" file (windows: \WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts Mac: /etc/hosts)
2) Add the following line:

216.158.28.198 www.democraticunderground.com democraticunderground.com

3) Save the file (make sure it saves as "hosts" and not "hosts.txt")

from: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=530009&mesg_id=534290

[hlthe2b]

34. I need more instruction than that...

I found the file, tried to open and edit using notepad, but then there was no way to get it to save, except as a text file.

Please give more specific editing of these config type files for windows xp and for windows 7. Thanks for me and others that may be more tech-challenged.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

35. That's the problem I am having.

[steve2470]

36. you can save as plain text

Just make sure on the line where the name of the file is, it only says "hosts" and not "hosts.txt"

Weird I know, but it makes a difference.



In Windows 7, it looks exactly like that. It looks very similar in XP and Vista, also.

on edit: corrected to say "hosts"

[CrownPrinceBandar]

37. I did exactly that and its still not able to resolve the DNS..........

Thanks for trying tho.

[hlthe2b]

39. Tried that... cleared cache and cookies--still nada

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO frustrated.

Here is what the host file looks like

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

127.0.0.1 localhost
# 216.158.28.198 www.democraticunderground.com democraticunderground.com #



__________________________________________________________________________
Can you help?

[steve2470]

40. yes, remove the # symbol in front of 216.158.28.198

and make sure there is at least one space between the 8 and the www.

I would also remove the # after the .com

Hope this helps.

on edit: The # symbol tells the computer to ignore that line. You want the computer to see it and use it.



This is what my hosts file looks like.

For DU purposes, delete the entire line that says 127.0.0.1 isellsl.ath.cx

[hlthe2b]

42. Still a no go...

Here is what it looks like now:

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
216.158.28.198 www.democraticunderground.com
216.158.28.198 democraticunderground.com

[steve2470]

43. hmmm

Ok I'm out of my league now.

Only other thing to suggest is this:

Click Start, then Accessories, then Command Prompt

Black window opens up.

type this without quote marks after the > symbol: "ipconfig /flushdns"
Hit Enter key.

Then tell me what it says, please.

[ChromeFoundry]

47. You cannot save this file unless

you start Notepad as an Administrator... (Vista and Windows 7)

This can only be done by:
Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Notepad (right-click)
Select option : "Run as Administrator"
(you may be prompted for Admin credentials if you are not logged in with an Admin account)

then in Notepad:
File -> Open
Filename: "%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\etc\hosts"

make your edits and choose File -> Save


Saving this in the method will save the file as "hosts.txt" since notepad automatically appends the .txt extension.
The only way to use Save As and have Notepad not append a .txt extension is to quote the file name... eg: "hosts"... but you need to have admin rights to save over this protected file.

[LaurenG]

38. *

[Chichiri]

41. I believe I'm using Google Public DNS

And it's working fine for me.

[MineralMan]

44. If it helps any, I've had no trouble yesterday or today, using

Comcast's default DNS server from the Minneapolis St. Paul area. Normally, when I have DNS trouble, I try the Google server, but I haven't experienced any difficulties with DU for over 48 hours.

[snagglepuss]

45. Here in Toronto, it's off and on. I have bottom of the barrel PC skills so will

wait for a permanent fix should it go down again. If I did try changing DNS, should the need arise, are the instructions applicable to Windows 98?

[ChromeFoundry]

46. You need to clear any cached DNS requests.

This is how DNS is supposed to work. Your client is obeying the TTL (Time-To-Live) received on its last request.
There are a few things that you can do...

If your router is set up to forward DNS Lookups (your DHCP client will request DNS lookups from your router- example:192.168.1.1), you will need to change your DNS server to one that is resolving correctly and reboot your router to clear cached lookups.

If your client is getting the DNS Server address from your router configured by your ISP, you will need to either change your DNS Server to one that resolves the address correctly. All Browsers cache addresses internally per session. Close all your browsers and open a new one (or reboot your workstation).

I would not recommend having users change their Hosts file... just have them visit an alternate address, and bookmark it for a day or so:
http://www.democraticunderground.net/

For windows users, you can test your configured DNS Server's name resolution to DU with the following command from a command window:

NSLOOKUP democraticunderground.com

you should get the following addresses:
====
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: democraticunderground.com
Addresses: 216.158.28.198
216.158.28.196
====

As of right now OpenDNS and GoogleDNS are resolving correctly:
====
Server: google-public-dns-a.google.com
Address: 8.8.8.8
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: democraticunderground.com
Addresses: 216.158.28.198
216.158.28.196
====
Server: resolver1.opendns.com
Address: 208.67.222.222
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: democraticunderground.com
Addresses: 216.158.28.196
216.158.28.198
====

[Tansy_Gold]

48. I have changed DNS host, cleared cache and cookies

Still having major problems.

Have seen several different host addresses listed, have tried several of them.

216.158.54.197

216.158.28.198

etc.

I can get into DU almost instantaneously, and do some navigating, but navigation is very very slow and often results in "page not found" messages. Sometimes I can reply, sometimes not.

Avatars are coming up as red X's. While this may not be important, maybe it's a symptom of something else???? :shrug: I sure as hell don't know.

[Rosco T.]

49. Working perfectly for me, since the kerfuffle started yesterday.

[calimary]

50. I had to use some outlandish http://www.freeproxy.ca/ detour to get here,

and then to keep inputting "democraticunderground.com" at least twice when different windows came up.

Someone posted on the Democratic Underground Facebook page that there was a way to edit your computer's hosts file (have no idea what that means) and Mac something-or-other and add this and insert that and input this over here and all this stuff that I do NOT understand. Don't even get me started on adjusting cookies or whatever the word is. The only cookies I understand come with CHOCOLATE chips, not computer chips!!! I dunno from cookies. I'm a techno-phobe enough as is.

I'm not even sure HOW I finally got here and I don't dare try to leave or log out or dismiss the tab at the top - because I don't know if I can get back in. To this moment, I still cannot get in the regular way that has served me since 2001.

HUGELY frustrated and STILL PISSED OFF about it. It was more than 24 hours before I could get in again, and I went to the DU Panic Room place in Yahoo, and the DU Facebook page, and went by directions from another DUer who offered help - but that help didn't work either. NOTHING worked. I really tried. I kept refreshing and rebooting, I even turned my computer completely off about 20 - 25 times trying to reboot that way. NOTHING.

It's been EXTREMELY frustrating!!!!!!!!!

And as for "Google Public DNS" - I couldn't even begin to comment about it. I have NO idea what on earth that is.