You can find the video tutorial in the article Video Tutorials - DNS Servers.
This article deals with changing the DNS servers (NSSET) of a domain, that is, the location of the DNS records that the domain will use. To change the DNS records on our DNS servers, follow the instructions in DNS - Domain Records.
In this article you will learn:
- How to prepare a domain for a change of DNS servers (NSSET)
- How to change DNS servers (NSSET) in Customer Administration
- How to change DNS servers in bulk
- Common problems
- Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing to change DNS servers (NSSET)
By changing the DNS servers (NSSET), you change the source of DNS records, that is, the domain routing instructions. This change is relatively slow to propagate across the Internet, usually within 6 to 48 hours. The measures outlined here will help limit service unavailability and outages while the change is in progress.
Before specifying a change to the DNS servers (NSSET), take the following precautions:
- Verify that there are DNS records for the domain on the WEDOS servers, or add the domain to the DNS according to the DNS Adding a Domain instructions.
- Check and, if necessary, correct the WEDOS DNS records according to the DNS Domain Records guide.
- Set up the required DNS records on the original DNS servers (NSSET).
- Temporarily disable DNSSEC according to the Domains - DNSSEC instructions.
To point a domain to services automatically within WEDOS DNS, follow the instructions in Domains - Pointing Services.
If you are changing DNS servers due to the deployment of WEDOS Protection ⧉, keep in mind that you will be changing the A and AAAA records of the domain after you add it. For detailed information, see the article Protection - Adding a domain ⧉.
Change DNS servers in customer administration
The DNS servers are changed gradually within 6 to 48 hours.
You can change DNS servers if you have access to domain administration. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the customer administration ⧉.
- Select Domains from the top menu.
- Select the domain whose DNS servers (NSSETs) you want to change from the list.
- Select Change DNS Servers from the left menu.
- Make settings (different for CZ and other domains ).
- Click the Submit button.
The DNS servers are changed gradually within 6 to 48 hours.
The procedure is different for CZ domains where you set up NSSET and for other domains where you set up DNS servers directly.
Domains CZ
The CZ.NIC registry facilitates the setup of DNS servers with NSSET - a simple identifier that contains a complete list of DNS servers, which means that you do not have to enter them separately.
The NSSETU WEDOS identifier is WEDOS.
If you are setting up NSSET, you select one of three options:
- The default NSSET of WEDOS is set by our NSSET. So you will manage your DNS records with us.
- Set existing NSSET sets the NSSET of another provider stored in the CZ.NIC registry. The identifier will be provided by the DNS server provider. If it does not have this identifier, select the following option.
- Create and set up a new NSSET creates a new NSSET containing the selected DNS servers. You can select a custom identifier, a technical contact, and a list of DNS servers for it - one DNS server per line.
Delete the pre-populated WEDOS DNS servers, they are only used as a template to fill in. Make sure you only enter servers from one provider.
Other domains
For all domains other than CZ domains, you enter DNS servers in the form of a list. You have two options here:
- Default DNS servers WEDOS sets our DNS servers. You will therefore manage your DNS records with us.
- Set custom DNS servers sets the DNS servers specified in the list - one DNS server per line.
Delete the pre-populated WEDOS DNS servers, they are only used as a template to fill in. Make sure you only enter servers from one provider.
Bulk change of DNS servers
You can also change the DNS servers of domains in bulk. Follow these steps:
- Log in to the customer administration ⧉.
- Select Domains from the top menu.
- Select the domains you want to change (or select all) from the list.
- In the action menu with the selected items, select Change DNS servers.
- Click the Execute button.
- Fill in the form on the next page:
- To use WEDOS DNS servers, check the Use default WEDOS DNS servers option.
- If you want to specify other DNS servers, enter the name of the NSSET for CZ domains, or create one, and for other domains enter a list of DNS servers - one DNS server per line.
- Click Continue.
- On the next page, confirm your selections by clicking Finish.
Common problems
Common problems with changing DNS servers include:
- The old site is still showing
- 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 site is still displayed.
Cause: the DNS servers change gradually within 6 to 48 hours.
Solution: Before changing DNS servers, point the domain to the new web domain even with the original provider. Changing records is usually faster than changing servers. Wait at least 48 hours after changing DNS servers. If problems persist, clear your browser cache according to this ⧉.
Web not available
Problem: The domain has had WEDOS DNS servers set up for more than 48 hours, but it still doesn't work. It displays error messages "we cannot find this site" or "this site is not available".
Cause: problems with resolving new DNS servers. Common causes are:
- Disconnected DNS servers of the original provider before the changes were made.
- Setting up DNS servers from more than one provider.
- Unverified email of the domain owner (if verification is required), or another problem with the registry.
- Problem with DNSSEC (if set).
Solution: whenever you change DNS servers, make sure that you only specify servers from one provider.
In the case of generic domains (COM, INFO, WEBSITE, ...), please also check if you have a verified email of the domain owner. Verification is done via a link in the message that WEDOS sends after successful registration. You can request a resend of the verification email via the contact form ⧉. After successful verification, the domain will start using the configured DNS servers within the usual timeframe of 6 - 48 hours.
The domain does not point to this web host
Problem: VEDOS administration throws an error Domain is not pointing to this webhost.
Solution: The problem is related to one or both of the problems listed above. Go through the solutions to both or both of the problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which DNS servers a domain is currently using?
You can find a list of the DNS servers that are currently set up for the domain on the same page where you are changing them. It is virtually impossible to know which specific servers the domain is actually using within 48 hours of making the change - some of the internet uses the new ones, some of the old ones.
Can I use WEDOS DNS servers even if I have my domain and web hosting elsewhere?
Yes, you can, and it's (currently) free. Please follow the domain registrar's instructions for setting up DNS servers (NSSET).