FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to Fix INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND Error in Microsoft Edge

How to Fix INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND Error in Microsoft Edge

If you tried opening a website on Microsoft Edge and got the error code INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND, read this article to fix it.

inet_e_resource_not_found

The full error message states the following:

There was a temporary DNS error. Try refreshing the page. Error Code: INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND

The INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND error message usually states that there's a temporary DNS error, the page could not be found, or the connection to the DNS server has timed out. Many users report this problem when trying to access one of Google's pages. Nevertheless, this error can also occur when attempting to access other websites.

Error code INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem with Microsoft Edge, and, in many cases, this error does not seem to have a specific cause, i.e., there could be several different reasons for the issue. In this article, we provide possible solutions to this error.

Video Showing How to Fix INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND Error

Table of Contents:

Repair Microsoft Edge

First, attempt to repair the Microsoft Edge app using its settings. This repair option is often used when the app is not working correctly.

Type "edge" in Search and right-click the "Microsoft Edge" result. Then select the "App settings" option from the contextual menu.

repair microsoft edge app step 1

Now scroll down and find the "Repair" button. Click it and relaunch the Microsoft Edge app.

repair microsoft edge app step 2

[Back to Table of Contents]

Run a Winsock Reset

Try to reset the Winsock Catalog by using several 'netsh' commands. netsh is a command-line scripting utility that allows you to, either locally or remotely, display or modify the network configuration of a computer currently running.

Netsh also provides a scripting feature to run a group of commands in batch mode against a specified computer.

You will first need to open an elevated Command Prompt. Type "command prompt" in Search and right-click on the "Command Prompt" result. Choose "Run as administrator" to run it with administrative privileges.

When you select "Run as administrator", a User Account Control prompt will appear asking if you allow the Command Prompt to make changes to your computer. Click "Yes".

run a winsock reset step 1

Type these two commands and press Enter after each:

"netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt"
"netsh winsock reset".

Close Command Prompt and restart the computer.

run a winsock reset step 2

[Back to Table of Contents]

Use InPrivate Window

Microsoft Edge InPrivate window removes most private data components to not remain after the current session (when you close the Incognito window). In InPrivate window, no other users of your computer can see your activity. Your saved bookmarks and downloads, however, are saved. This mode does not save cookies, site data, browsing history, or information you enter into forms.

Try to visit websites in a new InPrivate window by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner and selecting "New InPrivate window" from the drop-down menu.

All new tabs in that window will be opened using InPrivate mode. Check if you still receive the "INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND" error when trying to visit a specific website.

use inprivate window

[Back to Table of Contents]

Change UAC Settings

User Account Control (UAC) is a Windows security feature that prevents the Windows operating system from making unauthorized changes. These changes could otherwise be made by users, applications, or even viruses. User Account Control is responsible for ensuring that any changes made by an administrator obtain approval first.

When you attempt to make important changes, Windows User Account Control verifies if you actually want to allow a particular app to make changes to the device. At this point, you must give permission. Otherwise, changes are not approved or executed. You might be able to fix the "INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND" error by changing the UAC settings.

Type "user account control" in Search and click the "Change User Account Control settings" result.

change uac settings step 1

Choose when to be notified about changes to your computer. We recommend setting the slider to the third position from the bottom (or second from the top). You will then be notified only when apps attempt to make changes to your computer.

Click "OK" to effect the changes and exit the User Account Control Settings window. Check if this resolves the problem.

change uac settings step 2

[Back to Table of Contents]

Change DNS Settings

This method shows how to change Domain Name System (DNS) settings and use the Google Public DNS, a free alternative DNS service offered to internet users everywhere. The public DNS service and servers are maintained and owned by Google. It functions as a recursive name server providing domain name resolution for any host on the Internet.

We recommend that you use Google DNS for a faster and secure connection. Furthermore, using Google DNS might resolve the "INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND" error.

To change your DNS server to Google's DNS server, go to Network Connections settings. Right-click the Start menu and select the "Network Connections" option, or go to Settings and click "Network & Internet".

change dns settings step 1

In the Network & Internet settings window, select your connection type (in our case, "Ethernet") on the left pane and then click "Change adapter options" on the right pane.

change dns settings step 2

Right-click on your network connection and select "Properties" from the contextual menu.

change dns settings step 3

Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click the "Properties" button.

change dns settings step 4

The Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window will appear. Select the "Use the following DNS server addresses" option and assign 8.8.8.8 as the "Preferred DNS server" and 8.8.4.4 as the "Alternate DNS server".

Save the changes by clicking "OK", and restart the computer. Then reopen Microsoft Edge and try to access the Internet. Check if the "INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND" error persists.

change dns settings step 5

We hope that one of the methods solved the problem and you visit websites without receiving the INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND error. If you know of other solutions to this problem not mentioned in our guide, please share them with us by leaving a comment below.

[Back to Top]

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Rimvydas Iliavicius

Rimvydas is a researcher with over four years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He attended Kaunas University of Technology and graduated with a Master's degree in Translation and Localization of Technical texts. His interests in computers and technology led him to become a versatile author in the IT industry. At PCrisk, he's responsible for writing in-depth how-to articles for Microsoft Windows. Contact Rimvydas Iliavicius.

Our guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.