DNS 3 NXDOMAIN vs 17 BADKEY
Both DNS 3 (NXDOMAIN) and 17 (BADKEY) 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, 17 means that key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
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
Key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
When You See It
Your TSIG-signed query or update references a key name that the server does not have in its keyring, so it cannot verify the signature.
How to Fix
Ensure the TSIG key name matches exactly (case-sensitive) on both client and server. Add the missing key to the server's configuration if it is a new key.
Key Differences
DNS 3: Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
DNS 17: Key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
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 17 when your TSIG-signed query or update references a key name that the server does not have in its keyring, so it cannot verify the signature.
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 17 (BADKEY): Ensure the TSIG key name matches exactly (case-sensitive) on both client and server. Add the missing key to the server's configuration if it is a new key.