Turns out this is a setting that DLink have helpfully added in their router firmware. The solution is to go to the router settings, find setup/internet/manual internet connection setup and unclick "Enable Advanced DNS Service".

is there any other way to do this? im using wireless connection and the landlord that provides the internet is not here and the modem is locked up. please advise if there is a way to remove this from the computer. Thanks so much.

Thanks

Sorry if I'm late, but the best way to remove it is to do this.

Doing that also speeds up web browsing and adds security features.