Add the first domain name to your dedicated server

When you add the first domain name to your dedicated server, you need to create host/glue records. These help other ISPs find where the domain name is hosted.

Don't worry if you haven't done this before: the step by step guide below shows exactly what you need to do.

Once you have added the first domain name, or you'd prefer to use an external DNS service, you can add subsequent domain names as normal, without creating host/glue records. How to add a domain name to your dedicated server.

Add the domain to your dedicated server

Step 1: Log into your dedicated server's Matrix control panel and click Domains in the Server section of the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Click the Add New Domain button.

Step 3: Enter the domain name in the Domain name text box and use the check boxes to choose which services you want it to run.

Important: You must select "Add initial DNS entries".

Step 4: Ensure the Create a new user to own this domain radio button is selected and enter a username and password for the new user. This will create a Windows or Linux user, under which any services for that domain will run.

Creating separate users for each domain name greatly increases the security of your server.

Step 5: Click Add and, if successful, you will see the domain name added to the domains list, along with a message saying that the domain name has been added as your server's primary domain.

Step 6: Click DNS in the Services section of the left-hand menu.

Step 7: Click Configure DNS.

Step 8: Your domain name will be listed in the Edit Existing Zone section. Select it and click the Edit button.

Step 9: The Addresses (A) section lists each of the IP addresses used by your domain and its sub-domains. Make a note of the IP addresses assigned to ns1 and ns2.

Step 10: Click Reboot/Shutdown under Server in the left hand menu.

Step 11: Click the Reboot button, then the OK button to confirm.

Why you need host/glue records

Your dedicated server provides full DNS management, which requires that you set up at least two nameserver addresses.

When you add the first domain name to your dedicated server, the Matrix control panel automatically uses it in your server's nameserver addresses.

Example: If your domain is yourdomain.co.uk, your dedicated servers' nameservers would be ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk.

This would cause a problem if you didn't use another method to tell ISPs where your domain name is hosted. If someone visits www.yourdomain.co.uk, their ISP will ask ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk where to find yourdomain.co.uk. However, the ISP can't find ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk because it's their job to show where yourdomain.co.uk, and all its sub-domains, are hosted.

Glue records (for UK domains) and host records (for international domains) are held by the domain registry and tell ISPs where to find your ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk.

For all subsequent domain names that you add to your server, simply use ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk as normal.

It may take up to 72 hours for all ISPs to become aware of the changes you have made. During this time, email, website and other requests sent from some ISPs will not work and you may not be able to use ns1.yourdomain.co.uk and ns2.yourdomain.co.uk as the nameservers for other domains.

UK domains only - add glue records

 

Step 1: Click nameservers in the Domain registration settings section.

Step 2: Use the text boxes to enter the primary and secondary nameservers you want the domain to use. You may need to ask your web host for these.

Step 3: Click Show all registration settings in the Domain registration settings section.

Step 4: Click Glue records in the left-hand menu.

Step 5: In the Primary nameserver text box, enter the sub-domain for your primary nameserver (e.g. ns1), then enter the nameserver's IP address in the Primary IP address text box.

Repeat for the secondary nameserver.

Step 6: Click Continue, then Finish to confirm. It can take up to 72 hours for the changes to become fully effective.

Step 7: Send an email to dedicated@eserves.com and ask them to register your name servers with the Global Registries. If you do not complete this step you will not be able to use your nameservers with international (gTLD) domain names.

International domains only - add host records

 

Step 1: Click nameservers in the Domain registration settings section.

Step 2: Use the text boxes to enter the primary and secondary nameservers you want the domain to use. You may need to ask your web host for these.

Step 3: Click Show all registration settings in the Domain registration settings section.

Step 4: Click Host records in the left-hand menu.

Step 5: Specify the sub-domain used for the domain name's primary nameserver and the IP address of the server it is hosted on.

Step 6: Click Continue, confirm the details, then click Finish.

Step 7: Repeat steps four and five for your additional nameserver.

Note: It can take up to 72 hours for the world's ISPs to recognise the change to your domain.

 

Hosting with Eserves | Professional Web Hosting | Dedicated Hosting Servers | Web Host Members Area | Website Hosting Support | Web server
Privacy Policy | Legal - All Rights Reserved.  Copyright © 2005 Eserves, Inc. - Professional Web Hosting Services & Dedicated Server Solutions.