Error: Hostname Not Resolved to an IP Address

If the DNS for your hostname is not set up correctly, you may receive an email saying something similar to this:

Your hostname (srv.example.com) could not be resolved to an IP address. This means that /etc/hosts is not set up correctly, and/or there is no DNS entry for srv.example.com. Please be sure that the contents of /etc/hosts are configured correctly, and also that there is a correct 'A' entry for the domain in the zone file. Some or all of these problems can be caused by /etc/resolv.conf being set up incorrectly. Please check that file if you believe everything else is correct. You may be able to automatically correct this problem by using the 'Add an A entry for your hostname' option under 'DNS Functions' in your Web Host Manager.

Most of the time, this error email is triggered by private name servers not being set up correctly. It could also mean there are missing, corrupted, or improperly formatted DNS records.

Private Name Servers

If you are using private name servers (optional on Reseller and required on VPS and Dedicated Servers), then please check the following items to ensure accuracy:

Did you register your private name servers with your registrar with the correct IP addresses?
Is there an A record for each of your private name servers?
Are the correct nameservers listed in the DNS zone for the domain using them? (DNS Glue)

Generic Name Servers and A records

If you are not using private name servers, or your private name servers are set up correctly, then you may be missing the A record for your hostname. To check:

Log into WHM.
Click on the DNS Functions icon or navigate to the DNS Functions section in the sidebar.
Click on Add an A Entry for your Hostname.
Check to see if an A record exists:
- If an A record exists, it will be shown there. Make sure it shows the correct IP address (contact support if you are not sure).
- If no A record exists, then use the Add Entry button to add the IP. Make sure the correct IP is listed there before continuing. This will add the missing A record.

On a Dedicated Server or VPS, you would also want to make sure the hostname exists in /etc/hosts as well.

If you continue having issues, please contact us via phone or support and we will be glad to assist you.

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