DNS nslookup error Server: Unknown

[Jimmy_Carter]

Hi, I had set up a VM in Hyper v with ws2025 and configured it as a DC with DNS. I configured the DNS; however, if I run nslookup, I get a Server Unknown error.
Thanks in advance.

[Ryaan J.]

Make sure that the Preferred DNS Server is set to your server’s IP address (not an external DNS like Google’s 8.8.8.8)

First, run this ipconfig /all to check your DNS Configuration.

Check if your DC’s FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) is properly registered:

1. Open DNS Manager (dnsmgmt.msc).
2. Expand Forward Lookup Zones and ensure:
   • Your domain name (e.g., mydomain.local) is listed.
   • The NS (Name Server) record includes your server.
   • There’s an A (Host) record for your DC pointing to its IP.