DNS management

The Domain Name System (DNS) is how you tell a domain to direct to a specific web host.  DNS translates domain names to IP addresses so web browsers can load a site.

• Structure of a host record
• Types of DNS records
  
  • SPF Records
  • Sub-domains
• Identifying domain nameservers
  
  • Updating Nameservers
• Adding a record in DNS Management
• cPanel zone editor
  
  • Adding a record
  • Edit a record
  • Delete a record
  • Additional record types

Structure of a host record

A host record is comprised of three parts, telling which host to direct to a domain.

• Host Name - Represents a unique prefix used to label the host record.
• Record Type - A record type is the type of entry entered in the Address field.
• Address - The address is the destination for where you want a Host Name to resolve.
  

There are three standard Host Names that you should configure for a stable connection to a host.

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Types of DNS records

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SPF Record

Sender policy framework (SPF) are TXT records that work by specifying the servers 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.exacthosting.com ~all

More details on SPF record syntax.

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Subdomains

You can create subdomains to help organize and navigate different main website sections within a domain.

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Identifying domain nameservers

The nameservers a domain is currently using are an essential part of DNS management.  This will determine where you can edit the DNS records and have them take effect.  

Note: If the domain uses these nameservers, the DNS is managed in cPanel via the zone editor.

Note: If the domain is using these nameservers, the DNS is managed inside the account.

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Updating nameservers

Nameservers are specialized servers meant for handling requests regarding the location of a domain name's services, such as email or a website. It's important to note that nameservers can only be managed where the domain is registered. If you need to make a nameserver change and your domain is not registered with ExactHosting, contact your domain provider. 

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Underneath the header reading "Welcome Back," click on "Domains."
3. Select Active next to the domain name.
   
4. Choose Nameservers.
   

5. There are two available options for nameservers.  After selecting, press Change nameservers to save.

   1. Use default nameservers

   Default Nameservers are the nameservers ExactHosting offers through our registrar Enom.

   2. Use custom nameservers

   Custom nameservers would be servers used by a 3rd party hosting company if you have custom servers registered for your domain. 
   Note:  Enter at minimum two nameservers

   

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Adding a record in DNS Management

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Click on Domains.
   
3. Select Active next to the domain name.
   
4. Choose DNS Management under manage.
   
5. Enter your DNS records. A new field will appear at the bottom after selecting Save changes.
   Note: If you need to delete a record, clear the fields of that record and Save changes.
   

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Adding records in cPanel zone editor

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Select Services.
   
   
   
3. Press the Active button to access the admin section.
   
4. On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
   
5. Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
   

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Adding a record

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Select Services.
   
   
   
3. Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
   
4. On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
   
5. Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
   

6. Select the button you wish to add next to the domain.
   

7. Enter the record you want to add and press Add record to save.

   

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Edit a record

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Select Services.
   
   
   
3. Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
   
4. On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
   
5. Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
   

6. Click Manage next to the domain you want to modify.
   

7. Click Edit next to the record that you wish to edit.
   

8. The field will open and allow updates.  Press Save record to finish.
   

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Delete a record

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Select Services.
   
   
   
3. Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
   
4. On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
   
5. Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
   

6. Select Manage next to the domain you want to modify.
   

7. Click Delete next to the record that you wish to remove.
   

8. Press Continue in the confirmation dialogue box.
   

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Additional record types

If you do not see the record type you want to add, select Manage for more options.

1. Log into Exact Hosting.
2. Select Services.
   
   
   
3. Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
   
4. Under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
   
5. Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
   
6. Select Manage next to the domain.
   
7. Press +Add record.
   
   
8. A new field will appear; adjust the record type in the dropdown.
   
9. Press Save record to finalize.
    

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