How to set domain name servers
Monday, October 16, 2006
When you purchase domain names and hosting separately, you need to tell them how to talk to each other. This is done be setting your domain name servers (DNS setting). You will receive an e-mail from your web host confirming your hosting, and this will contain the addresses of the nameservers. These typically look like ns1.webhostnameserver.com and ns2.webhostnameserver.com. Instructions are provided below for 1&1 and GoDaddy, both of which are our recommended domain sellers .
With 1&1:
- Log into your 1&1 account at http://admin.1and1.co.uk; you can do this quite soon after registering your domain, by using your domain name in the account name field, and using the password you chose during registration.
- Click on 'Manage Domains'.
- You will see your domain name(s) listed - click on the box to the left hand side of the domain you want to change.
- Click on the down arrow on the DNS button and choose 'Edit DNS Settings'.
- In 'Basic DNS Settings' select 'My name server' from the dropdown list.
- In 'Advanced DNS Settings', you'll see 'Primary name server' appear.
- Type in the first nameserver as it appears in the e-mail from your webhost.There is no www or http at the start.
- Underneath, choose 'My secondary name server' from the drop down box.
- Type in the second nameserver as it appears in the e-mail from your webhost. The is no www or http at the start.
- Click 'save' and don't forget to logout.
- It will take a while for the information to be updated.
- Do this as soon as possible after purchasing your domain name and hosting - until you do this, your website will point to a 1&1 page.
- Log into your GoDaddy account.
- Click on 'My Account' that appear under your name on the right hand side of the page.
- Click on 'Manage Domains'
- You will see your domain name(s) listed - click on the box to the left hand side of the domain(s) you want to change.
- Click on the 'Set Nameservers' button in the choices above the list of your domain names.
- The screen will refresh and you'll see a new panel on the right hand side of your screen.
- Select 'Custom Name Servers'
- Type in the nameservers exactly as they appear in the e-mail from your webhost. There is no www or http at the start.
- Click on 'Save Changes' and don't forget to logout.
- It will take a while for the information to be updated.
- Do this as soon as possible after purchasing your domain name and hosting - until you do this, your website will point to a GoDaddy page.
