HostGator: How to change DNS zones (MX, CNAME, and A records)

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Shared:

With cPanel 11.25, you now have access to make some of these changes. Note: This feature will take effect only if you are using HostGator's name servers.

• In cPanel, you have an icon under "Domains" called "Simple DNS Zone Editor". This feature allows you to create and edit A and CNAME records.
• You can also create and edit your MX records with the icon under "Mail" called "MX Entry". Here are the rules for Local, Backup, and Remote.
• You can even customize your SPF records using the icon under "Mail" called "Email Authentication".

If you want HostGator's help with making these changes, then please contact HostGator via phone, live chat, or email support*hostgator.com with your account details, and be prepared to verify your identity for the protection of your account.
Note that cPanel refuses to display any record with a comment at the end. It tells the user that there are no MX records and it is defaulting to the main A record, but this is not true. It is legitimate to have comments at the end of your records, but cPanel will not understand.
Reseller:

You can add and modify any of the DNS zone records, with no restrictions. Note: This feature will take effect only if you are using HostGator's name servers or private name servers which are registered with HostGator IPs.

• Go to WHM and click Edit DNS zones, under DNS Functions.

If you don't feel comfortable, we can help make the changes for you and confirm that your other DNS settings are correct. Please be prepared to verify your identity for the protection of your account.
Important

1. You must always make your DNS zone changes where your name servers point.
2. DNS zone changes are not instant; they do require time for propagation. Most records need 0-4 hours, but name server records need 0-24 hours.
3. It is important to check the NS records and make sure they match exactly the nameservers you are using at your domain registrar (also known as "fixing the glue"). If they are not an exact match, your website may experience intermittent downtime.

How do I check? Please go to WHM and, under DNS functions, click Edit DNS Zone. Select the domain name having problems and hit the Edit button. Look for the records that say: domainname.com. 86400 IN NS ns1.hostgator.com.domainname.com. 86400 IN NS ns2.hostgator.com.The last part of each line is the value which must match. If you have decided to use your own private nameservers, then these records should be changed to show those private names. (Also, in the DNS zone, these values must have a dot/period added at the end, as in the example.)
Here is some information to help you understand DNS zones.
Your name servers' job is to find the server and correct DNS zone in order to get the following information.
The NS records in the DNS zone must match the nameservers you are using.
The A record points your domain to an ip address. (e.g. mydomain.com -> ip address)
The CNAME record points your subdomain to another domain name, like www and mail. (e.g. www.domain.com -> domain.com)
The MX records control where your emails are received. If you want your mail hosted on another server, then this is what you will need to change. (e.g. domain.com -> server)


http://support.hostgator.com/