Common DNS Issues and Troubleshooting

 

What Are the Common DNS Record Types and Their Functions?

1. A Record (Address Mapping): This record maps a domain name to its corresponding IPv4 address. It is crucial for pointing your domain to the IP address of your web server, allowing users to access your website.
2. AAAA Record: Similar to the A record, but for IPv6 addresses, this record maps a domain name to an IPv6 address instead of IPv4.
3. MX Record (Mail Exchanger): Specifies the email server responsible for receiving emails on behalf of the domain. Without a correctly configured MX record, your domain won’t be able to receive emails.
4. CNAME Record (Canonical Name): This record is used to alias one domain name to another. For instance, if you have www.example.com and want it to point to example.com, you would use a CNAME record.
5. NS Record (Name Server): Indicates which name servers are authoritative for a domain. These servers are responsible for responding to DNS queries for the domain.
6. TXT Record (Text): Carries human-readable or machine-readable text. It is commonly used for security purposes, such as verifying domain ownership or specifying Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing.
7. SOA Record (Start of Authority): Found at the beginning of the DNS zone file, the SOA record contains administrative information about the domain, such as the primary name server and email address of the domain administrator.
8. PTR Record (Pointer): Used for reverse DNS lookups, allowing the mapping of an IP address back to a domain name.

 

Why Can’t I Add a DNS Record?

If you’re unable to add a DNS record, it could be due to several factors, including:

• Incorrect Record Format: Ensure that the DNS record you’re trying to add follows the correct syntax and includes all required fields.
• DNS Hosting Limitations: Some DNS hosting services may have limits on the number of records or the types of records you can add.
• Insufficient Permissions: You might not have administrative privileges to make changes to the domain’s DNS settings. Ensure you are logged in with the correct user role.
• Domain Not Pointed to Correct Nameservers: If your domain is not pointed to the correct nameservers, you may not be able to add or manage DNS records. Verify that your domain’s nameservers are properly configured.

If you’re facing difficulties, reach out to our support team (support@ipserverone.com) for assistance.

 

Why Did My DNS Change Not Take Effect Immediately?

DNS changes usually take up to 24-48 hours to propagate fully across the internet. This delay is due to the Time to Live (TTL) settings associated with each DNS record, which dictate how long a record is cached by DNS servers. In some cases, DNS propagation may occur faster, but it depends on local and global DNS caching. If changes do not reflect after 48 hours, clearing your local DNS cache may help.

 

What Does ‘DNS Propagation’ Mean?

DNS propagation refers to the time it takes for DNS changes (such as updates to A, CNAME, or MX records) to be distributed and recognized by servers across the internet. During this time, different locations may see different versions of your DNS records until the changes are fully applied worldwide.

 

Why Is My Website Not Resolving Despite Correct DNS Records?

If your website is not resolving despite the DNS records being correctly set up, the issue could be:

• Caching: Local or ISP DNS caches may be outdated. Clearing your local DNS cache or waiting for the changes to propagate can resolve this.
• Incorrect DNS Settings: Even small errors in record configuration can cause issues. Double-check that all DNS entries, such as A, CNAME, or MX records, are correctly configured.
• Server Issues: The server hosting your website could be down. Ensure your hosting server is running and reachable.
• Domain Expiry: Make sure your domain registration is active and hasn’t expired.

If none of these issues are the cause, please contact our support team for further assistance.

 

How Can I Test DNS Records?

You can test DNS records using online tools like DNS Checker or command-line tools such as nslookup or dig. These tools allow you to check whether your DNS records are correctly set up and view propagation status. If the records are not showing correctly, ensure the correct values are entered and allow some time for propagation.

 

Can I Change My Domain’s A/MX Records in the Dashboard?

Yes, you can easily change your domain’s A (Address) and MX (Mail Exchange) records via our control panel. To do this:

1. Log into the DNS Control Panel: Navigate to the DNS management section.
2. Select Your Domain: Choose the domain for which you want to edit records.
3. Update the A/MX Records: Enter the new IP address for the A record or specify the mail server for the MX record.
4. Save the Changes: After making the necessary updates, save your changes and allow time for DNS propagation.

If you encounter any issues or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to our support team (support@ipserverone.com).

 

Why Can’t I Add an SRV DNS Record?

If you’re unable to add an SRV (Service) DNS record, it could be due to several factors. Common issues include:

1. Incorrect Format: SRV records require specific fields such as priority, weight, port, and target. Make sure that all required fields are filled out correctly.
2. DNS Host Limitations: Some DNS hosting services may not support SRV records or have limitations on the number of records you can create.
3. Propagation Delay: Even if the SRV record has been added, DNS changes may take some time to propagate globally. Wait a few hours and then check if the record is active.
4. Insufficient Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary administrative permissions to add or modify DNS records for the domain.

If you’re still facing difficulties, please contact our support team (support@ipserverone.com) for further assistance.

 

How Do I Create a New TXT Record?

Please be specific—are you setting up email verification (SPF/DKIM), site verification, or something else? Knowing this will help guide you better.

To add a new TXT record, follow these steps:

1. Login to your DNS management portal.
2. Select the Domain you want to edit.
3. Add a TXT Record with the appropriate hostname and value provided by the service.
4. Save the record and allow DNS propagation.

 

Why Can’t I Modify or Delete Existing DNS Records?

If you’re unable to modify or delete existing DNS records, the following could be reasons:

• Insufficient Permissions: You may not have the correct access level to make changes to the DNS records.
• Domain Locked: Some domains may be locked by the registrar to prevent unauthorized changes. Ensure that your domain is unlocked before making modifications.
• DNS Provider Restrictions: Some DNS hosting providers may have limitations on modifying certain types of records, such as