DNS Tools and Settings
Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2
The following tools are available to help troubleshoot and manage DNS.
Dnscmd.exe: Dnscmd
Dnscmd is used to view the properties of DNS servers, zones, and resource records. In addition, Dnscmd is used to modify all aspects of the DNS Server service, including creating and deleting zones and resource records. Dnscmd can also be useful for developing scripts for configuring a DNS server. For more information about dnscmd.exe, see Dnscmd.
Dnslint.exe: DNSLint
DNSLint is a Microsoft Windows tool that can be used to help diagnose common DNS name resolution issues. It can be targeted to look for specific DNS record sets and ensure that they are consistent across multiple DNS servers. It can also be used to verify that DNS records used specifically for Active Directory replication are correct. For more information about dnslint, see Dnslint Overview.
Dnsmgmt.msc: DNS Console
The DNS console is used to administer the DNS Server service. It can be used to modify all aspects of the DNS Server service, including creating and deleting zones and resource records, and forcing replication of events between DNS server physical memory and DNS databases. The DNS console can also be used to perform diagnostics on the DNS infrastructure of a network. For more information about using the DNS Manager console, see Managing Servers and Zones.
Eventvwr.exe: Event Viewer
You can use Event Viewer to monitor events recorded in event logs. Typically, a computer stores the Application, Security, and System logs. It can also contain other logs, depending on the computer’s role and the applications that are installed on it. For example, DNS servers write DNS-related events, such as any errors that occur while attempting to start the DNS Server service, to log files that can be read using Event Viewer. For more information, see Check DNS event log.
Ipconfig.exe: Ipconfig
Ipconfig displays all current TCP/IP network configuration values and refreshes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and DNS settings. Used without parameters, Ipconfig displays IPv6 addresses or the IPv4 address, subnet mask, and default gateway for all adapters. For more information, see Renew DNS client registration using the ipconfig command.
Netmon.exe: Network Monitor
Network Monitor comes in two versions: the Network Monitor that is provided as part of the Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 operating systems, and the Network Monitor that is part of Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS). The version of Network Monitor that is included with the Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 operating systems only captures data about network packets being sent to or from the server on which you run Network Monitor; it also captures data about network broadcasts that are received. The Network Monitor that is included with SMS enables you to monitor all network packets on a network segment. For more information, see Information about Network Monitor 3.
Nslookup.exe: Nslookup
Nslookup is used to query DNS servers and to obtain detailed responses. The information obtained using Nslookup can be used to diagnose and solve name resolution problems, verify that resource records are added or updated correctly in a zone, and debug other server-related problems. For more information, see Nslookup.