DNS_ERROR_RCODE - 9504 (0x2520)

DNS error, check rcode.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The DNS_ERROR_RCODE error, with the numeric code 9504 and hex code 0x2520, indicates a failure in a Domain Name System (DNS) query due to an invalid response code. This error is returned by the Windows API when a DNS client or resolver encounters a response that does not conform to expected standards.

Error Details

This error typically occurs during the resolution of domain names to IP addresses, where the DNS server returns a response with an unrecognized or unsupported RCODE (Response Code). The RCODE is part of the DNS protocol and specifies the status of the query. Common RCODEs include NOERROR, FORMERR, NXDOMAIN, etc., but any value outside these standard codes will trigger this error.

Usage Context

This error can be encountered in various scenarios, such as when a client application attempts to resolve a domain name using the Windows DNS API functions like DnsQuery or GetHostByName. The presence of an invalid RCODE suggests that either the query itself was malformed or the response from the DNS server is not compliant with the expected standards.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should consider several aspects:

  • Reviewing Operation Context: Ensure that the domain name being queried is valid and correctly formatted.
  • Validating Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed to the DNS query function are correct and within acceptable ranges.
  • Confirming Object Types: Check if the object types involved in the query (e.g., domain names, IP addresses) are consistent with expected values.

Related Errors

  • DNS_ERROR_NO_NAME_SERVER: Indicates no name servers available for a domain.
  • DNS_ERROR_BAD_PACKET: Indicates an invalid DNS packet format.
  • DNS_ERROR_RCODE_FORMAT_ERR: A specific error indicating the RCODE is not recognized, often due to malformed queries or responses.

FAQ

Q: What does DNS_ERROR_RCODE mean?

A: It indicates a failure in a DNS query due to an unrecognized response code. This can occur when the DNS server returns a non-standard RCODE.

Q: How can I resolve this error?

A: Ensure that all parameters are correctly set and that the domain name is valid. Check for any network issues or DNS server misconfigurations.

Summary

The DNS_ERROR_RCODE error signifies an issue with a DNS query where the response code from the DNS server does not conform to expected standards. Developers should focus on validating input parameters, ensuring correct formatting of queries, and checking network connectivity when troubleshooting this error.