DNS 2 SERVFAIL vs 19 BADMODE
Both DNS 2 (SERVFAIL) and 19 (BADMODE) belong to the DNS Response Codes (RCODEs) category. 2 indicates that server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query. Meanwhile, 19 means that bad TKEY Mode. The TKEY mode field contains a value not supported by the server.
Description
Server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query.
When You See It
The recursive resolver could not get an authoritative answer — commonly caused by DNSSEC validation failures, unreachable upstream nameservers, or misconfigured zones.
How to Fix
Try a different resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) to isolate the issue. If you control the zone, check DNSSEC signatures, SOA serial consistency, and nameserver reachability.
Description
Bad TKEY Mode. The TKEY mode field contains a value not supported by the server.
When You See It
Your client attempted a TKEY key exchange using a mode (e.g., Diffie-Hellman, GSS-API) that the server does not support or has not been configured for.
How to Fix
Check which TKEY modes the server supports and configure your client to use a compatible mode. GSS-TSIG (mode 3) is the most widely deployed.
Key Differences
DNS 2: Server failure. The name server encountered an internal error while processing the query.
DNS 19: Bad TKEY Mode. The TKEY mode field contains a value not supported by the server.
You encounter 2 when the recursive resolver could not get an authoritative answer — commonly caused by DNSSEC validation failures, unreachable upstream nameservers, or misconfigured zones.
You encounter 19 when your client attempted a TKEY key exchange using a mode (e.g., Diffie-Hellman, GSS-API) that the server does not support or has not been configured for.
When to Use Which
For 2 (SERVFAIL): Try a different resolver (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) to isolate the issue. If you control the zone, check DNSSEC signatures, SOA serial consistency, and nameserver reachability. For 19 (BADMODE): Check which TKEY modes the server supports and configure your client to use a compatible mode. GSS-TSIG (mode 3) is the most widely deployed.