DNS query failed error when an email message is stuck in the Draft folder in Exchange Server 2013

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Exchange Server 2016 Enterprise Edition, Exchange Server 2016 Standard Edition, Exchange Server 2013 Enterprise, Exchange Server 2013 Standard Edition

Original KB number:   3007623

Symptoms

Assume that you have a computer that is a member of an Exchange Server 2016 or Exchange Server 2013 environment. You do not have the Register this connection's addresses in DNS check box selected on the DNS tab of the Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box of TCP/IPv4. In this situation, email messages remain stuck in the Drafts folder.

Additionally, when you check the transport queue, you see an error message that resembles the following:

4.4.0 DNS query failed. The error was: DNS query failed with error ErrorRetry.

Cause

This issue occurs because the DNS service cannot be used if the Register this connection's addresses in DNS check box is not selected in an Exchange Server 2016 or Exchange Server 2013 environment.

Resolution - Method 1: Select the Register this connection's addresses in DNS check box

On your computer, select the Register this connection's addresses in DNS check box on the DNS tab of the Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box of TCP/IPv4.

Resolution - Method 2: Enable the DNS service by using a registry key

Important

This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, see How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

  1. Select Start, select Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then select OK.
  2. Locate and then select the following registry subkey:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netbt\Parameters
  3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Type EnableDNS, and then press Enter.
  5. In the Details pane, right-click EnableDNS, and then select Modify.
  6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then select OK.
  7. Exit Registry Editor.
  8. Restart the Microsoft Exchange Transport service.