Note: As of 4/2/10 this no longer works and you have to opt out. See »Windstream DSL FAQ »Windstream DNS Redirection. How do I opt out? for instructions.

If you are aware or not Windstream is using Redirecting DNS to Ad Supported Search Result Pages (a search result page looks like this if you have not seen it yet) that are powered by Yahoo! Search on their Network as announced a while back in the News Link below:

»Windstream DNS redirection

What it does is break some TCP/IP utilities and it serves Search Pages with Ads on them if you mis-type or fat-finger a Domain Name. It also can slowdown how fast DNS resolves so by bypassing the Redirecting DNS you may notice that pages load quicker and new sites are found faster.

The quickest way to bypass this is to setup your Windstream Router (4200 or 5200) to use DNS IPs that you assign on the Router DHCP Server page as that will automatically update all the PCs that you connect to the 4200 or 5200 Router. It is better than having to go into each PC and manually change DNS IPs especially if you are using a Switch with multiple PCs at your home.

Note: If your Windstream Router is in Bridge Mode then refer to your Aftermarket Router's User Guide for the steps to setup the DHCP Server Page with custom DNS IPs.

I highly suggest 4.2.2.1 as the Primary DNS IP and 4.2.2.2 as the secondary DNS IP. You can also choose whatever you prefer or even use Open DNS which is explained here. »www.opendns.com/

Supposedly Windstream setup two DNS IP that are clean and do not perform the normal DNS Redirections. You can also use those if you wish. They are listed in the News Link below:

»Windstream Offers 'Clean' DNS

This is the page in the 4200 or 5200 that you make the changes. It only takes a minute or two to setup the change and save it.



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by Doctor Olds edited by sashwa
last modified: 2010-04-02 18:40:01