Changing DNS Records
The first thing that you need to do to point your domain to your web hosting account is to set your name servers. It is preferred that you use name servers provided by HostGator, although it is possible to use your own.
If you use your own, you will need to manually set the DNS Records. If you use HostGator's name servers, most DNS records you need are generated for you automatically.
Before You Can Set Your DNS Records
If you have not set your name servers yet, please see the following section first:
Once you set your name servers, you have the option of setting specific DNS records for your website (controlled by A records), email (controlled by MX records), and more.
Setting DNS Records in cPanel
If you are using HostGator's name servers, and a cPanel based account, you can update your DNS Records directly in cPanel.
Setting DNS Records in WHM
If you are using HostGator's name servers, and have access to WHM, you can change your DNS records directly in WHM, in addition to being able to change them in cPanel.
Setting DNS Records in Plesk
If you are using HostGator's name servers, and have an account with Plesk (such as Windows or a VPS with Plesk), you can change your DNS records within Plesk.
- Changing MX, A, CNAME records in Plesk
- How to manage your domains' DNS Zones in Plesk
- Changing MX records - Windows
Using Other Name Servers
You don't have to use HostGator's name servers. But as stated earlier, this means manually maintaining the related DNS records. The following article will give you an overview on how to do this.
- How to Point my Domain to HostGator when Using DNS Elsewhere
- Mail Exchange Record, what to put for your MX record
Advanced
Troubleshooting Tools
The following article provides information on the use of dig, which may be used to check a domain's DNS records, as well as WHOIS, which may be used to check the name servers, and ping, which can check your connection to the server when all of your settings are correct: