This article covers changing a domain’s DNS servers (NSSET), that is, the location of the DNS records the domain will use. If you want to change DNS records on our DNS servers, follow the guide DNS – Domain Records.
In this article you will learn:
- How WEDOS DNS servers work
- How to prepare a domain for a DNS server (NSSET) change
- How to change DNS servers (NSSET) in the Customer Administration
- How to change DNS servers in bulk
- Common problems
- Frequently Asked Questions
WEDOS DNS Servers
VEDOS uses WEDOS DNS servers. You can enter these DNS servers for CZ domains using the NSSET WEDOS, and for other domain extensions using the following list:
ns.wedos.net
ns.wedos.cz
ns.wedos.eu
ns.wedos.com
If a domain has only these DNS servers set, it uses DNS records set according to this guide. If the domain uses another provider’s DNS servers, it ignores any DNS records set at VEDOS.
A domain can use WEDOS DNS servers even if it is registered with another provider. In that case, set the NSSET or DNS servers (sometimes called NS records) listed above according to the instructions of your domain’s registrar.
Avoid combining WEDOS DNS servers with DNS servers of another provider for a single domain!
Preparing for a DNS server (NSSET) change
By changing the DNS servers (NSSET), you change the source of DNS records, that is, the instructions for routing the domain. This change spreads across the Internet relatively slowly, usually within 6 – 48 hours. The measures described here will help limit service unavailability and outages while the change is in progress.
Before you submit a DNS server (NSSET) change, take these preparatory steps:
- Verify that DNS records exist for the domain on the WEDOS servers, or add the domain to DNS according to the guide DNS – Adding a Domain.
- Check and, if necessary, correct the WEDOS DNS records according to the guide DNS – Domain Records.
- Set the required DNS records on the original DNS servers (NSSET) as well.
- Temporarily disable DNSSEC according to the guide Domains – DNSSEC.
If you want to point the domain to services automatically within WEDOS DNS, follow the guide Domains – Directing Services.
If you are changing DNS servers in order to deploy the service WEDOS Protection ⧉, keep in mind that after the domain is added to it, you will be changing its records of type A and AAAA. You can find detailed information in the article Protection – Adding a Domain ⧉.
Changing DNS servers in the Customer Administration
The change of DNS servers takes place gradually within 6 – 48 hours.
You can change DNS servers if you have access to the administration of the domain. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the Customer Administration ⧉.
- In the top menu, select Domains.
- From the list, select the domain whose DNS servers (NSSET) you want to change.
- In the left menu, select Change DNS servers.
- Configure the settings (they differ for CZ domains and other domains).
- Click the button Submit.
The change of DNS servers takes place gradually within 6 – 48 hours.
The next steps differ for CZ domains, where you set an NSSET, and for other domains, where you set DNS servers directly.
CZ domains
The CZ.NIC registry simplifies setting DNS servers with an NSSET – a simple identifier that contains the complete list of DNS servers, so you do not have to enter them separately.
The WEDOS NSSET identifier is WEDOS.
When setting an NSSET, you choose one of three options:
- Default WEDOS NSSET sets our NSSET. You will therefore manage the DNS records with us.
- Set existing NSSET sets another provider’s NSSET stored in the CZ.NIC registry. The identifier will be provided by the DNS server provider. If the provider has no such identifier, choose the following option.
- Create and set new NSSET creates a new NSSET containing the selected DNS servers. You can choose your own identifier, technical contact and list of DNS servers – one DNS server per line.
Delete the prefilled WEDOS DNS servers; they serve only as an example of how to fill in the form. Make sure you enter servers of only one provider.
Other domains
For all domains other than CZ domains, you enter DNS servers as a list. You have two options:
- Default WEDOS DNS servers sets our DNS servers. You will therefore manage the DNS records with us.
- Set custom DNS servers sets the DNS servers entered in the list – one DNS server per line.
Delete the prefilled WEDOS DNS servers; they serve only as an example of how to fill in the form. Make sure you enter servers of only one provider.
Bulk change of DNS servers
You can also change the DNS servers of domains in bulk. Proceed as follows:
- Log in to the Customer Administration ⧉.
- In the top menu, select Domains.
- Tick the checkboxes in the overview to select the domains you want to change (or select all).
- In the actions with selected items menu, select change DNS servers.
- Click the Perform.
- On the next page, fill in the form:
- If you want to use WEDOS DNS servers, tick the use default WEDOS DNS servers.
- If you want to enter other DNS servers, enter the NSSET name for CZ domains (or create one), and for other domains enter a list of DNS servers – one DNS server per line.
- Click the Continue.
- On the next page, confirm your choices by clicking the Finish.
Common problems
Common problems with changing DNS servers include:
- The old website is still displayed
- The website is no longer available
- There are error messages in the administration
The old website is displayed
Problem: After changing DNS servers, the original website is still displayed.
Cause: The change of DNS servers takes place gradually within 6 – 48 hours.
Solution: Before changing the DNS servers, point the domain to the new website at your original provider as well. Changing records is usually faster than changing servers. After changing the DNS servers, wait at least 48 hours. If the problems persist, clear your browser cache according to this guide ⧉.
The website is not available
Problem: The domain has had WEDOS DNS servers set for more than 48 hours, but still does not work. It displays error messages such as “we can’t find this page” or “this site can’t be reached”.
Cause: There are problems resolving the new DNS servers. Common causes are:
- The original provider’s DNS servers were shut down before the changes propagated.
- DNS servers of more than one provider are set.
- The domain owner’s email address is not verified (if verification is required), or there is another problem at the registry.
- A problem with DNSSEC (if it is set).
Solution: Whenever you change DNS servers, make sure you enter servers of only one provider.
For generic domains (COM, INFO, WEBSITE, …), also check that the domain owner’s email address is verified. Verification is done via a link in the message that WEDOS sends after successful registration. You can request that the verification email be sent again via the contact form ⧉. After successful verification, the domain will start using the set DNS servers within the usual 6 – 48 hours.
The domain does not point to this Webhosting
Problem: The VEDOS administration shows an error The domain does not point to this Webhosting.
Solution: The problem is related to one or both of the problems described above. Go through their solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which DNS servers a domain is currently using?
The list of DNS servers currently set for the domain can be found on the same page where you perform their change. Which servers the domain actually uses is practically impossible to tell within 48 hours of the change – part of the internet uses the new ones, part the original ones.
Can I use WEDOS DNS servers even if my domain and webhosting are elsewhere?
Yes, you can, and (currently) free of charge. Set the DNS servers (NSSET) according to your domain registrar’s guide.