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
- Identifying domain nameservers
- Adding a record in DNS Management
- cPanel zone editor
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.
@ | Points the domain with no www. This is also known as the "bare" domain or "blank" record. |
* | Points [anything].example.com to the address specified. |
WWW | Points www.example.com to the Address specified. |
Types of DNS records
A (Address) | Points the hostname to an IPv4 address (e.g., 209.59.190.103). |
CNAME (Alias) | Points the hostname to another hostname (e.g., rhino.ch-server.com). |
MX record | Points to the mail server. You must have an MX record for email service to work. |
URL Redirect | Forward the hostname directly to the website specified. |
URL Frame | Forwards the hostname to the website specified but keeps the domain in the address bar. |
TXT | Used to set a text host record, such as an SPF record. |
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.
Subdomains
You can create subdomains to help organize and navigate different main website sections within a domain.
Host Name | shop |
Record Type | A (Address) |
Address | Hosting IP address |
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.
Exact Hosting nameservers |
ns1.exacthosting.com |
ns2.exacthosting.com |
Note: If the domain is using these nameservers, the DNS is managed inside the account.
Exact Hosting nameservers |
dns1.name-services.com |
dns2.name-services.com |
dns3.name-services.com |
dns4.name-services.com |
dns5.name-services.com |
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.
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Underneath the header reading "Welcome Back," click on "Domains."
- Select Active next to the domain name.
- Choose Nameservers.
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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
Adding a record in DNS Management
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Click on Domains.
- Select Active next to the domain name.
- Choose DNS Management under manage.
- 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.
Adding records in cPanel zone editor
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Select Services.
- Press the Active button to access the admin section.
- On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
- Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
Adding a record
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Select Services.
- Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
- On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
- Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
Select the button you wish to add next to the domain.
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Enter the record you want to add and press Add record to save.
Edit a record
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Select Services.
- Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
- On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
- Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
Click Manage next to the domain you want to modify.
Click Edit next to the record that you wish to edit.
The field will open and allow updates. Press Save record to finish.
Delete a record
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Select Services.
- Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
- On the left column under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
- Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
Select Manage next to the domain you want to modify.
Click Delete next to the record that you wish to remove.
Press Continue in the confirmation dialogue box.
Additional record types
If you do not see the record type you want to add, select Manage for more options.
- Log into Exact Hosting.
- Select Services.
- Press the green Active button to access the admin section.
- Under Actions, select Login to cPanel.
- Within cPanel, press the Zone editor.
- Select Manage next to the domain.
- Press +Add record.
- A new field will appear; adjust the record type in the dropdown.
- Press Save record to finalize.
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