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What are private name servers?

If you use our generic name servers it would look something like ns123.hostgator.com and ns124.hostgator.com or ns19.websitewelcome.com and ns20.websitewelcome.com.

Private name servers would be ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com, instead of nameservers with a HostGator domain.

In order to use private name servers, you must first register them at your registrar and then setup the appropriate DNS settings.

Steps to Setup Private Name Servers

  1. Register Your Name Servers at your Registrar.
  2. Make sure A Records Exist for your Registered Private Name Servers.
  3. Make sure your SOA and NS Records are Correct (DNS Glue).
It is important that all three things are setup correctly, otherwise some people will not be able to visit your sites.  For example, if the DNS Glue is not set correctly, some people will be able to visit your domain, while others will not be able to reach it.  In some cases you may not need to do anything for step 2 and 3, but you should still check to make sure it is setup correctly.

What are the benefits of having your own name servers?

Many resellers choose to have their own name servers for appearance reasons. Using our anonymous name servers of ns1.websitewelcome.com and ns2.websitewelcome.com can be less professional looking for a hosting company. Other than the "look" of using private name servers, when you move from one server to another, you will not need to contact all of your clients and request that they change to new name servers. Your clients will begin propagating to the new server as soon as you update your name server IP addresses. This is extremely helpful if you outgrow your reseller account and need to upgrade to a VPS or dedicated server.

Shared Web Hosting

 You must use our generic name servers.
Reseller and SEO Hosting You have the option to use our generic name servers, or your own private name servers which would look like ns1.yourdomain.com and ns2.yourdomain.com.

Dedicated Server and VPS

 You must use private name servers.

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Article Comments

Michelle
What are private nameservers? You only tell what they look like- but what exactly are they? It's probably obvious.... except to a newbie like me.
Posted: January 16, 2010
HostGator
You need to read the linked page, "How do I setup private name servers?"
Posted: January 18, 2010
HostGator
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Posted: December 13, 2011 (Global Reply)
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