Change the Client-Side DNS Caching Timeouts

Windows contains a client-side Domain Name System (DNS) cache with stores recent domain lookup entries. If you are experiencing caching or lookup problems you can disable or change the cache timeout.

Open your registry and find the key below.

To change the DNS cache timeout for positive responses (where a lookup was successful).

Windows 2000 - Create or modify the DWORD value called "MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit".

Windows XP and .NET Server 2003 - Create or modify the DWORD value called "MaxCacheTtl".

Set the value to equal the required timeout in seconds the default is 86400 (1 day).

To change the DNS cache timeout for negative responses (where a lookup failed).

Windows 2000 - Create or modify the DWORD value called "NegativeCacheTime".

Windows XP and .NET Server 2003 - Create or modify the DWORD value called "MaxNegativeCacheTtl".

Set the value to equal the required timeout in seconds the default is 300 (5 minutes).

Restart Windows for the changes to take effect.

Settings:
System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters]
Name: MaxCacheEntryTtlLimit, NegativeCacheTime
Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value: Time in Seconds