DNS 3 NXDOMAIN vs 8 NXRRSET
Both DNS 3 (NXDOMAIN) and 8 (NXRRSET) 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, 8 means that rR Set that should exist does not. A required resource record set is missing from the zone.
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
RR Set that should exist does not. A required resource record set is missing from the zone.
When You See It
A DNS UPDATE prerequisite expected a certain RRset to exist (e.g., an MX record), but the zone does not contain it.
How to Fix
Create the missing RRset in the zone before retrying the update, or change the prerequisite to not require its existence.
Key Differences
DNS 3: Non-Existent Domain. The queried domain name does not exist in the DNS namespace.
DNS 8: RR Set that should exist does not. A required resource record set is missing from the zone.
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 8 when a DNS UPDATE prerequisite expected a certain RRset to exist (e.g., an MX record), but the zone does not contain it.
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 8 (NXRRSET): Create the missing RRset in the zone before retrying the update, or change the prerequisite to not require its existence.