Knowledge

DNS_ERROR_RCODE_REFUSED - 9005 (0x232D)

DNS operation refused.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The DNS_ERROR_RCODE_REFUSED error code indicates that a Domain Name System (DNS) operation was refused by the server. This typically occurs when the DNS query is not allowed or cannot be processed due to specific conditions on the server side.

Error Details

This error is returned by the Windows API when a DNS query fails with an RCODE value of 4, which corresponds to the REFUSED response in the DNS protocol. The REFUSED response code indicates that the server refuses to answer the query for reasons not covered by other RCODE values.

Usage Context

This error can occur in various scenarios where a DNS client attempts to resolve a domain name or perform other DNS-related operations. Common contexts include:

  • Attempting to resolve a domain name using DnsQuery API functions.
  • Performing DNS lookups through the Windows resolver service.
  • Using DNS-related APIs that interact with the DNS server.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should consider the following aspects:

  • Review the context in which the DNS operation was performed to ensure it aligns with the expected usage.
  • Verify that the domain name or query parameters are correct and valid.
  • Check if there are any server-side restrictions or configurations that might be causing the refusal of the request.

Related Errors

  • DNS_ERROR_RCODE_FORMERR (9002, 0x231A): Indicates a malformed DNS message was received by the server.
  • DNS_ERROR_RCODE_NOERROR (9000, 0x2318): Indicates that no error occurred and the query was successful.

FAQ

Q: What does DNS_ERROR_RCODE_REFUSED mean?

A: It indicates that a DNS operation was refused by the server due to specific conditions or restrictions.

Q: How can I troubleshoot this issue?

A: Review the context of the DNS query, verify domain name and parameters, and check for any server-side configurations that might be causing the refusal.

Summary

The DNS_ERROR_RCODE_REFUSED error code is a specific technical indicator used by Windows APIs to denote that a DNS operation was refused by the server. Developers should focus on validating input parameters and ensuring proper usage context when encountering this error.