DNS 3 NXDOMAIN vs 20 BADNAME
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Both DNS 3 (NXDOMAIN) and 20 (BADNAME) belong to the DNS Response Codes (RCODEs) category. 3 indicates that non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace. Meanwhile, 20 means that duplicate key name. The key name in a TKEY negotiation is already in use or conflicts with an existing key.
Description
Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
When You See It
The domain has no DNS records at all — either it was never registered, has expired, or you have a typo in the hostname.
How to Fix
Double-check the domain spelling. If you own the domain, verify your registrar settings and ensure the nameservers are correctly delegated.
Description
Duplicate key name. The key name in a TKEY negotiation is already in use or conflicts with an existing key.
When You See It
A TKEY key establishment failed because a key with the same name already exists on the server from a previous session that was not properly cleaned up.
How to Fix
Use a unique key name for each TKEY session (e.g., append a timestamp or random suffix). Delete stale keys on the server if they are no longer needed.
Key Differences
DNS 3: Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
DNS 20: Duplicate key name. The key name in a TKEY negotiation is already in use or conflicts with an existing key.
You encounter 3 when the domain has no DNS records at all — either it was never registered, has expired, or you have a typo in the hostname.
You encounter 20 when a TKEY key establishment failed because a key with the same name already exists on the server from a previous session that was not properly cleaned up.
When to Use Which
For 3 (NXDOMAIN): Double-check the domain spelling. If you own the domain, verify your registrar settings and ensure the nameservers are correctly delegated. For 20 (BADNAME): Use a unique key name for each TKEY session (e.g., append a timestamp or random suffix). Delete stale keys on the server if they are no longer needed.