How do I verify/configure my DNS Settings in Windows 2000/XP?

Learn how to verify and configure DNS Settings in Windows 2000/XP.

Configure DNS Settings in Windows 2000/XP

Please print and read all directions before changing any settings.
  1. Open the Start menu by clicking the icon at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Select Settings-> Network Connections (on some start menus, you may need to select Connect to or Control Panel->Network Connections).
  3. Right click the icon under LAN or High-speed Internet to verify settings for your DSL connection or under Dial-up to verify settings for your AT&T dial connection (Dial-up will only appear if you have a dial-up connection).
  4. Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
  5. Select the General tab if verifying DSL settings or the Networking tab if verifying Dial-up settings.
  6. Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the This connection uses the following items: list to open the TCP/IP Properties Window.
  7. Make sure Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected. If Use the following DNS server addresses is selected, first delete any information that appears in the Preferred and Alternate DNS server fields then select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  8. Click OK to close the TCP/IP Properties window.
  9. Click OK to close the Connection Properties window.
  10. If you made changes to your settings, restart the computer to ensure the computer is using the new settings; then, make sure you are connected to the Internet, open your browser, and go to the website of your choice to test the settings. If you can access the website, your settings are working correctly. If not, see Alternate Settings.
  11. Please repeat these instructions to verify/change the settings for all FastAccess DSL and AT&T Dial Internet connections. Make sure you are connected via your dial-up connection when testing the settings for that connection in Step 10.

Alternate Settings

The preferred settings above should work for most configurations; however, if you get an error when trying to access the website in step 10, your computer configuration may require different settings. Please make the following changes for both FastAccess DSL and AT&T Dial Internet connections as appropriate.
  1. Go back to step 7 and select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  2. Enter the IP addresses specified for your state in order in the Preferred and Alternate DNS Server fields:
    • GA - 205.152.37.23, 205.152.144.23
    • FL - 205.152.144.23, 205.152.132.23
    • AL/KY/NC/SC - 205.152.37.23, 205.152.132.23
    • LA/MS/TN - 205.152.132.23, 205.152.37.23.
      For example, if you are in GA, enter 205.152.37.23 in the Preferred DNS server field and 205.152.144.23 in the Alternate DNS server field.
  3. Click OK then restart your computer. If the alternate settings are working properly, you should now be able to access the website in step 10.

If you have both a FastAccess DSL and AT&T dial-up connection, make sure you can access the website from both connections.

Additional Information

DSL/Dial Customers
If the DNS settings in the DSL Modem/Router have not been checked, verify them now.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call 888.321.2375 for DSL, or 800.436.8638 for Dial.

DIA Customers
If you have questions or need assistance, please call 800.317.3343 and choose option 2, then option 1.
Last updated: December 7, 2022