Manage DNS Records with HostGator/Enom

HostGator/Enom allows you to manage your DNS Host records on Enom's DNS servers rather than your web hosting DNS servers.  This feature is often called managed DNS hosting (although the HostGator/Enom interface says Host Records instead.)

When to use Managed DNS hosting

You would typically want to use HostGator/Enom's Managed DNS Hosting feature if you have a complicated DNS setup that spans multiple servers and/or wants more manual control over the changes that can be made.  Some organizations purposely separate access to the DNS and the web server so that web designers cannot change DNS records and go through an authorized staff member who controls the DNS.  Another reason might be that your web host does not provide a DNS server for you to use (or you do not want to use it for some reason).

When NOT to use Managed DNS hosting

Typically, we recommend using the name servers that came with your web hosting account and then managing the DNS records in your hosting control panel (cPanel, WHM, or Plesk).  This is preferred since your hosting control panel will automatically add and update DNS records as you configure certain features, such as addon domains, parked domains, domain aliases, and subdomains.  If you use the Managed DNS Hosting instead, you must manually update the DNS records in HostGator/Enom's DNS servers to match your configuration on the webserver.

How to use Managed DNS hosting

1. Log in to Registry Rocket with your domain name and password associated with your domain.
2. Click Edit in the DNS Information section and change the name servers to Default (if not already set this way).
3. Click Save to save your changes. This should reveal more options in the Host Records section.
4. Click on the Edit button for the Host Records section.
5. Add or edit the DNS records as desired. You have the choice of the following types of records:
   • An (Address) - Enter the IP address to your web server (your web host usually provides this)
   • CNAME (Alias) - Enter a domain name for which this is an alias.  This is used for having two domains load the same website.  Be sure to include a period (.) after the domain name (for example, you would enter domain.com. instead of domain.com).
   • URL Redirect - This is a standard redirect, where it sends visitors to any URL you specify.  The redirected URL is visible in the visitor's browser instead of your domain name.
   • URL Frame - This is similar to URL Redirect, except that the web page is displayed in a frame from our web server instead of redirecting the domain.  Your domain will appear in the browser's address bar (assuming the site you are framing does not have frame-breaking code).  If you use this forwarding method, you will need to put the 'target="_top"' attribute into any links you have that leave your page.
   • TXT (Text) - Certain special situations require the use of a TXT record. For example, SPF records use a TXT record.  Google may request that you add a TXT record to prove that you control the domain.  If you are required to create a TXT record, this is where you would create it.
6. Be sure to click Save to save any changes that you made.

To change MX and MXE records, you should use the Email Settings section instead. Use User or User Simplified to change the mail exchanger records. Be sure to click Save to save changes.