Managing DNS Records and Nameservers

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses so browsers can locate and load websites. This article explains how DNS records are structured, where DNS is managed depending on your domain's nameservers, and how to add, edit, or delete records using either the Exact Hosting client area or cPanel's Zone Editor.

How DNS works at Exact Hosting

DNS records direct traffic for your domain — pointing the website to a server, routing email to a mail provider, and verifying ownership through TXT records. Where you manage these records depends on the nameservers your domain currently uses.

Nameservers can only be changed at the registrar where your domain is registered. If your domain is registered elsewhere, contact that provider to update its nameservers.

Before You Begin

• An active Exact Hosting account. You need access to the Exact Hosting client area to manage DNS or nameserver settings.
• The destination address for your records. Have your hosting IP address, mail server hostname, or any verification strings (such as SPF values) ready before you begin.
• Knowledge of which nameservers your domain uses. This determines whether you manage DNS in the client area or in cPanel.

Structure of a Host Record

Each DNS record contains three parts that together tell DNS where to direct traffic for a hostname.

Standard host names

Configure these three host names for a stable connection to your website.

Types of DNS Records

SPF records

Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is a TXT record that lists the servers authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. A valid SPF record helps prevent email spoofing and forgery.

If you use Exact Hosting Enhanced Email, configure the following SPF record:

Subdomains

Create subdomains to organize separate sections of your website (for example, a store at shop.example.com).

Identify Your Domain's Nameservers

The nameservers your domain uses determine where you edit its DNS records.

Step 1: Update Your Nameservers

Nameservers handle DNS lookups for your domain's services, such as email and websites. Use the steps below when you need to point your domain at a different DNS provider or restore Exact Hosting's defaults.

1. Log in to the Exact Hosting client area.
2. Under Welcome Back, click Domains.
3. Click Active next to the domain you want to update.
4. Choose Nameservers.
5. Select one of the following options, then click Change nameserversto save:
   • Use default nameservers. Uses Exact Hosting's default nameservers through our registrar, Enom.
   • Use custom nameservers. Uses nameservers from a third-party provider. Enter at least two nameservers.

Step 2: Add a Record in DNS Management

Use DNS Management in the client area when your domain uses the dns1–dns5.name-services.com nameservers.

1. Log in to the Exact Hosting client area.
2. Click Domains.
3. Click Active next to the domain.
4. Under Manage, choose DNS Management.
5. Enter your record details, then click Save changes. A new blank row appears so you can add more records.

Step 3: Open the cPanel Zone Editor

Use the Zone Editor when your domain uses the ns1.exacthosting.com and ns2.exacthosting.com nameservers. The following steps open the Zone Editor and apply to the procedures that follow.

1. Log in to the Exact Hosting client area.
2. Click Services.
3. Click the green Active button next to your service.
4. Under Actions on the left, click Login to cPanel.
5. In cPanel, click Zone Editor.

Step 4: Add a Record in cPanel

1. Open the Zone Editor using the steps above.
2. Next to the domain, click the button for the record type you want to add (for example, + A Record or + CNAME Record).
3. Enter the record details, then click Add Record to save.

Add additional record types

If the record type you need is not listed as a quick-add button, use Manage for the full list.

1. Open the Zone Editor using the steps above.
2. Click Manage next to the domain.
3. Click + Add Record.
4. In the new row, choose your record type from the dropdown and enter the record details.
5. Click Save Record.

Step 5: Edit a Record in cPanel

1. Open the Zone Editor using the steps above.
2. Click Manage next to the domain you want to update.
3. Click Edit next to the record you want to change.
4. Update the fields, then click Save Record.

Step 6: Delete a Record in cPanel

1. Open the Zone Editor using the steps above.
2. Click Manage next to the domain.
3. Click Delete next to the record you want to remove.
4. Click Continue in the confirmation dialog to finalize the deletion.

Next Steps

• Set up private nameservers. Brand your DNS with hostnames based on your own domain. See Managing Private Nameservers.
• Clear your local DNS cache. If recent record changes are not showing on your computer, flush your DNS cache. See Clearing Your DNS Cache.
• Verify propagation. Use a third-party DNS lookup tool to confirm your changes are live around the world.

Questions? Contact Exact Hosting Support.