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      Mastering DNS Management in DirectAdmin

      ZOYA KOTHARI
      DNS Management

      Managing DNS settings is a critical task for controlling how your domain interacts with the internet. DirectAdmin simplifies this process with a user-friendly interface that allows you to manage records effectively. Here’s how to navigate and utilize DNS Management in DirectAdmin:

      Accessing DNS Management

      1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
      1. Navigate to the DNS Management section from the dashboard.
      2. Select the domain you want to manage.

      2. Understanding DNS Record Types

      DirectAdmin supports various DNS record types, each serving a specific purpose:

      • A Record: Maps a domain to an IP address (e.g., example.com → 192.168.1.1).
      • CNAME Record: Redirects one domain to another (e.g., www.example.com → example.com).
      • MX Record: Directs email traffic to specific mail servers.
      • TXT Record: Stores text-based information, such as SPF or DKIM for email authentication.
      • NS Record: Specifies the authoritative nameservers for the domain.
      • AAAA Record: Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.
      • SRV Record: Defines services and their locations for the domain.

      3. Adding or Modifying DNS Records

      1. In the DNS Management section, locate the record list for your domain.
      2. To add a new record:
        • Choose the record type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.).
      1. Enter the required details, such as name, value, TTL, and priority (if applicable).
      2. Click Add to save.

      To edit an existing record:

      • Find the record in the list and click Modify.
      • Make the necessary changes and save.

        4. Removing DNS Records

        • Select the checkbox next to the record you want to delete.
        • Click Delete Selected to remove it.

        5. Configuring Nameservers

        To use DirectAdmin as your DNS host:

        1. Go to the Domain Setup section.
        2. Configure the default nameservers provided by your hosting provider.
        3. Update these nameservers in your domain registrar’s control panel.

        6. Propagation Time

        After making changes to DNS records, allow up to 24-48 hours for global propagation. Use tools like DNS Checker to monitor progress.

        7. Troubleshooting DNS Issues

        • Non-Resolving Domains: Check nameserver configuration and A records.
        • Email Issues: Verify MX and SPF records.
        • Website Downtime: Ensure A or CNAME records are correctly pointing to the hosting server.

        8. Advanced Features

        • Wildcard DNS: Set up *.yourdomain.com to route all subdomain traffic to a specific IP.
        • Custom TTL: Adjust TTL settings to control how long DNS records are cached.
        • Backup and Restore: Export DNS configurations as backups before making significant changes.

        By mastering DirectAdmin’s DNS Management features, you can ensure your domain resolves efficiently, optimize email delivery, and maintain overall website stability.