OpenVPN DNS Resolution Error: Network and Configuration Issues

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OpenVPN DNS resolution errors can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to connect to a VPN. This issue often stems from network and configuration problems.

A common cause of OpenVPN DNS resolution errors is a misconfigured DNS server. This can happen when the DNS server is not properly set up or is not reachable.

If your DNS server is not reachable, OpenVPN will fail to resolve domain names, resulting in connection issues. This can be due to network congestion or a faulty DNS server.

To resolve this issue, you can try adjusting the DNS server settings in your OpenVPN configuration file. This may involve changing the DNS server IP address or enabling DNS resolution on your VPN server.

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Firewall and Network

Local firewalls can block connections to the OpenVPN server, and firewall rules can hinder DNS connections on the system. Antivirus programs can also hamper VPN functionality.

To troubleshoot, our support experts temporarily disable security applications and antivirus programs one by one to determine which application is blocking connections and fix its settings.

Credit: youtube.com, OpenVPN DNS Fails to Resolve (2 Solutions!!)

The following should be allowed in the firewall: Loop backup interface or hostname itself, interface created by OpenVPN, and UDP packets on port 53 for DNS queries.

Here are the specific firewall settings to allow:

  • Loop backup interface or hostname itself.
  • Interface created by OpenVPN.
  • UDP packets on port 53 for DNS queries.

Ports required for OpenVPN communication should also be included in the router settings.

Firewall Restrictions

Firewall restrictions can cause issues with OpenVPN connections. One of the common reasons for this error is a customer's local firewall blocking the connection to the OpenVPN server.

Firewall rules can also block DNS connections on the system. This can be a problem because it prevents OpenVPN from functioning properly.

To resolve this issue, our Support Experts temporarily disable the security applications and the Antivirus program one by one to determine which application is blocking the connections and fix its settings.

Here are the specific settings that need to be allowed in the firewall:

  • Loop backup interface or hostname itself.
  • Interface created by OpenVPN.
  • UDP packets on port 53 for DNS queries.

In addition to that, we ensure that the ports required for OpenVPN to communicate are included in the router settings.

Restart Network Stack

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To restart the network stack, you'll need to access the Command Prompt. Enter Command Prompt in the pursuit box and right-click on it in Cortana to select Run as administrator.

You'll then need to input two specific commands in the Command Prompt: netsh Winsock reset list and netsh Winsock reset catalog. Press Enter after each command to execute them.

After entering these commands, close the Command Prompt and restart Windows. This will effectively reset the network stack and may resolve any connectivity issues you're experiencing.

Client Configuration

Client Configuration issues can cause DNS resolution errors. A misconfigured OpenVPN client plan can lead to these problems.

One common mistake is the "DNS Lookup Failed on Host OpenVPN" error, which can be caused by a single wrong entry in the client configuration. This can be a result of a model OpenVPN arrangement like the one below:

  • client
  • dev tun
  • proto TCP
  • remote vpn.xx.xx.xx.xx.com 1194
  • resolve-retry unlimited
  • remote-cert-tls server
  • no-bind
  • persist-key
  • persist-tun
  • auth-user-pass
  • pkcs12 D:\\{cert}.p12

Changing the protocol from TCP to UDP can sometimes fix the issue.

Splitting Across Zones

Credit: youtube.com, DevOps & SysAdmins: How can I split a DNS zone and forward unknown queries?

To configure split-DNS in Access Server, you need to sign in to the Admin Web UI and click Configuration > VPN Settings.

Enter a single domain or list of comma-separated domains for DNS Resolution Zones.

Not all OpenVPN clients support split-DNS, but you can achieve the best results with OpenVPN Connect v3.

You can query your DNS settings using the scutil command-line utility on macOS, netsh on Windows, or PowerShell on Windows.

To use split-DNS with DNS resolution zones, the DNS server is assigned to the network adapter as the only top-level zone for DNS resolution.

All DNS queries get redirected to the server at 1.2.3.4.

Here's a summary of the steps to configure split-DNS:

  1. Sign in to the Admin Web UI.
  2. Click Configuration > VPN Settings.
  3. Enter a single domain or list of comma-separated domains for DNS Resolution Zones.
  4. Click Save Settings and Update Running Server.

Client Plan

Testing your client plan is crucial for a smooth VPN experience. It's essential to ensure that your client plan is correctly configured to avoid any issues.

A misconfigured OpenVPN client plan can cause problems like "DNS Lookup Failed on Host OpenVPN". This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to connect to your VPN.

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A model OpenVPN client plan looks like this:

  • client
  • dev tun
  • proto TCP
  • remote vpn.xx.xx.xx.xx.com 1194
  • resolve-retry unlimited
  • remote-cert-tls server
  • no-bind
  • persist-key
  • persist-tun
  • auth-user-pass
  • pkcs12 D:\\{cert}.p12

A single wrong entry in this list can impact the functioning of your VPN organization. In such cases, our Server Specialists can help you fix the issue by reviewing and correcting the OpenVPN client plan.

Incorrect Host File Entry

An incorrect host file entry can cause issues with your OpenVPN connection. This is because the host file entry is used to map hostnames to IP addresses.

The host file entry is usually found in the /etc/hosts file of your system. Ideally, the localhost entry should be in this file, so that the localhost name can be resolved.

Missing localhost entry or typo mistakes in this file will create problems. Our Support Engineers get the /etc/hosts entry details from the customers and make sure that the first entry is given as follows:

  1. 127.0.0.1 localhost

This ensures that the localhost name can be resolved correctly. If the entry is missing or incorrect, it can cause issues with your OpenVPN connection.

Server Configuration

Credit: youtube.com, DevOps & SysAdmins: OpenVPN DNS resolution not working

To configure split-DNS in Access Server, sign in to the Admin Web UI, click Configuration > VPN Settings, and enter a single domain or list of comma-separated domains for DNS Resolution Zones. Click Save Settings and Update Running Server.

Not all OpenVPN clients support split-DNS, and there are differences in behavior between versions of OpenVPN. You can achieve the best results with OpenVPN Connect v3.

You can query the DNS server settings on your computer using the scutil command-line utility on macOS or netsh on Windows, or PowerShell on Windows.

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Configure Access Server

To configure Access Server, you'll need to sign in to the Admin Web UI. Click Configuration > VPN Settings to get started.

You'll then need to enter a single domain or a list of comma-separated domains for DNS Resolution Zones. This is a crucial step, as it allows your server to resolve domain names correctly.

Not all OpenVPN clients support split-DNS, and there can be differences in behavior between versions of OpenVPN. You can achieve the best results with OpenVPN Connect v3.

To verify your DNS settings, you can use the scutil command-line utility on macOS or netsh on Windows.

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Server Configuration

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Server Configuration can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I'm here to help you navigate it. One of the common issues that can arise is DNS server problems. This can be caused by DNS spoofing in certain countries that censor websites, leading to a dead link.

To fix this, you can try changing your DNS servers to ones outside the country. There are many free DNS servers available, such as Google and OpenDNS. For example, you can use Google DNS servers, which are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

To update your DNS servers, you'll need to access your system's network settings. On a Mac, you can do this by going to System Preferences > Network > Select the connections through which you connect > Advanced > DNS > DNS servers > Update the new DNS servers > OK > Apply.

Alternatively, you can also update your DNS servers on a Windows system by following these steps: Right-click the Start button and select Run, then input 'ncpa.cpl' in the Open box. From there, you can select the Internet Protocol Version 4, and press the Properties button.

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DNS Resolution Issues

Credit: youtube.com, Fix: VPN Connection Failed Due to Unsuccessful Domain Name Resolution [Solution]

DNS Resolution Issues can be frustrating, especially when trying to establish an OpenVPN connection.

A DNS resolution issue occurs when your client system can't resolve the hostname, meaning it can't find the IP address associated with the domain name. This error is usually caused by a misconfigured DNS server or a problem with the hostname itself.

If your DNS server doesn't know the domain you're trying to resolve, it's possible that a local DNS server in your network can only resolve local names or is limited to a particular DNS zone.

Try running a tcpdump to see if the DNS server is responding to queries. If it's not, you may need to configure the DNS server to forward DNS queries to a public DNS server.

Incorrect hostname entries can also cause DNS resolution issues. Our Support Experts confirm whether the host is active using the ping command and check the DNS connectivity of the hostname using dig and nslookup commands.

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Here are some common causes of DNS resolution issues:

  • Incorrect hostname entries
  • Misconfigured DNS servers
  • Local DNS servers that can only resolve local names or are limited to a particular DNS zone
  • DNS servers that can't be reached
  • Firewall or antivirus programs blocking the connection

To resolve DNS resolution issues, try the following:

  • Check your DNS server settings and ensure they're properly configured
  • Use a public DNS server like 8.8.8.8 or 80.67.14.78
  • Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus program
  • Use the explicit IP address instead of the domain name

PowerShell and Commands

You can use PowerShell to troubleshoot network configuration and DNS resolution policy.

The command Get-NetIPConfiguration displays the network configuration, which can help identify any issues with DNS resolution.

To see the DNS client server address, use the command Get-DnsClientServerAddress.

Get-DnsClientNrptPolicy and Get-DnsClientNrptRule commands are also useful for troubleshooting DNS resolution policy.

Bessie Fanetti

Senior Writer

Bessie Fanetti is an avid traveler and food enthusiast, with a passion for exploring new cultures and cuisines. She has visited over 25 countries and counting, always on the lookout for hidden gems and local favorites. In addition to her love of travel, Bessie is also a seasoned marketer with over 20 years of experience in branding and advertising.

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