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Host Records

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Hollie M.
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Short Link: exact.help/host-records

This article will show you how to you can forward, redirect or point your domain using host records when using our nameservers. The instructions below are for modifications via the ExactHosting client area, but please note, domains hosted on cPanel will not have the ability to manage host records here. If you do not see the DNS Manager available and do not host on cPanel with us, please contact support for further help.

Access to the DNS Manager

1. Log into the ExactHosting Client Area.

2. Underneath the header reading "Welcome Back" click on "Domains".

3. Next to the domain you wish to manage select the drop down next to the wrench icon and click on "Manage Domain".

4. Choose the option for DNS Management under the Manage menu to the left side of the page.

dnsmanage.png

 

 

Elements of a Host Record

To enter a Host Record, you will need to fill in each of the fields on each row. Which means a complete Host Record will include a Host Name, a Record Type, and Address.

1. Host Name - Represents a unique prefix used to label the host record.

2. Record Type - A record type is the type of entry that will be entered in the Address field.

3. Address - The address is the destination for where you want your Host Name to resolve to.

 

To Remove Host records, simply delete the characters in the address and host name field, and select Save Changes.

 

*There are three standard Host Names that you should configure for your main website:

  • www: Points www.example.com to the Address specified.
  • @ (none): Points the domain with no www. (e.g., if you typed example.com instead of www.example.com). This is also known as the "bare" domain or "blank" record.
  • * (all others): Points [anything].example.com to the address specified (e.g., uuu.domain.com or website.domain.com).

 

Host Records Defined

  • A (Address): Points the host name to an IPv4 address (e.g., 209.59.190.103)
  • AAAA (Address): Points the host name to an IPv6 address (e.g., 3ffe:1900:4545:0003:0200:f8ff:fe21:67cf).
  • CNAME (Alias): Points the host name to another hostname (e.g., rhino.ch-server.com).
  • MXE (Mail Easy): Allows configuration of mail delivery to a server based on IP address
  • MX record: Points to the mail server.  You must have a MX record for email service to work.
  • URL Redirect: Forwards the host name directly to the website specified.
  • URL Frame: Forwards the host name to the website specified, but keeps your domain in the address bar.
  • TXT: Used to set a text host record, such as an SPF record

 

Sub Domains

A subdomain is a division or alias of your domain that can be used to direct separate website or domain elements than the bare domain. Typically, subdomains are used if there is content that is distinct from the rest of the site.

For example, you have an online store that is hosted through a 3rd party Ecommerce platform on shop.yourdomainexample.com. You would create the subdomain host record as:

Host Name Record Type Address
shop A (Address) 192.168.0.1

 

SPF Record

SPF [Sender Policy Framework] records are TXT records that work by specifying the servers that are authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain. Having a valid SPF record can help in preventing email address forgery or spoofing.

If you are using ExactHosting Enhanced Email, the SPF record should be:

Host Name: @

Record Type: TXT

Address: v=spf1 include:_spf.hostedemail.com ?all

 

More details on SPF record syntax can be found here.