DNS Glue

Step 3 of 3 of setting up private name servers,

Step 3: Make sure your SOA and NS Records are Correct

This article is all about fixing your glue, by which we mean, checking the SOA and NS records in your domain's DNS zone, and making sure they match exactly the name servers being used at your registrar.

The SOA (Start of Authority) and NS (Name Server) records tell the internet that your private name servers are authoritative and contain the most up-to-date information about your DNS settings. If these are not set correctly, some DNS servers will not trust your private name servers. Other DNS servers may get confused because there is a mismatch between what the registrar says and what your name servers say. This typically results in some people being able to reach your domain, while others cannot. So it is always a good idea to double check these settings.

Note: Hatchling, Baby, Personal and Business plans cannot use private name servers, so there is no need to worry about the glue on those plans.

cPanel + WHM

How to change the NS records when using private nameservers.

1. Login to WHM.
2. Under DNS Functions, click Edit DNS Zone.
3. Select your domain name from the list and click the Edit button.
4. Look to the right of "SOA" and replace the nameserver with your primary private name server (ns1, be sure to include the trailing dot). [screenshot before]
5. Look to the right of "NS" and replace each nameserver with your private name servers (ns1 and ns2, be sure to include each trailing dot). [screenshot after]
6. Scroll down and click the Save button.

Be sure this is done for every domain name you host.

Plesk 10

Login to Plesk, and go to the desired domain's control panel (if not already there). Under "Websites & Domains", click the "DNS Settings" link. Next to the domain, click the "[Manage]" link.

Here you can edit the existing NS records, or add a new NS record if needed.

Plesk 9

Login to Plesk as the admin user. At Home, click the "DNS Settings" link. Here you can edit the existing NS records, or add a new NS record if needed.

After your name servers have been created and the glue is set, if you are using private name servers, then you must add the necessary A records to your domain. (See "DNS Update - NS A Records").

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).