Introduction: Understanding Domain Hosting Status on DreamHost

DNS or Domain Name System is similar to the internet address book. It converts domain names into IP addresses to direct the browsers and email services where to connect. Without proper configuration of DNS, your site will not load or your mail may not work.

The process of managing DNS Zone on Dreamhost is simple, and it has a dashboard where you can edit DNS records such as A, CNAME, MX, and TXT. You can do it regardless of whether you fully host with DreamHost or simply use their DNS service. Remember that updates are not immediate, they tend to update in minutes or hours.

What is Domain Hosting Status on DreamHost

There are two basic types of hosting status when working with domains on DreamHost. It is important to know which one you are on when it comes to controlling your DNS settings and understanding where your site and email are. It is a bit technical, however, it is relatively simple when you have seen how it works.

Fully Hosted Domains

This is the setup where everything is handled on DreamHost—your website files, your email (if you’re using it), and all your DNS records. Essentially, DreamHost does everything on the same roof.

In case your domain is labeled as Fully Hosted, this means that your site is literally residing on their servers and the nameservers at DreamHost are in control. You even have access to manage DNS records such as A records, CNAME, etc. in the DreamHost panel. Any modifications you do there will change how your site functions, where emails are sent, etc.

DNS Only Domains

This is slightly different. DNS Only indicates that DreamHost is only running the DNS records, but the site and services are running elsewhere, such as ARZ Host or other hosting provider. This can be useful when, e.g. you like DreamHost DNS tools, but are having your site hosted elsewhere.

How Hosting Status Affects DNS Management

Here’s the thing: your hosting status decides who’s in charge of what.

• When your domain is Fully Hosted, all is run by DreamHost. You do DNS modifications there and it has a direct impact on your site, email and other stuff tied to it.
• When your domain is DNS Only, DreamHost manages the records, but you must ensure that they are correctly pointed to whichever website or services are hosted. Otherwise, stuff will not work as it should.

Therefore, look at the hosting status of your domain before making any changes.

How do I access the DNS Zone on Dreamhost

• Log In to your DreamHost control panel, This will take you to your account dashboard.
• Go to Manage Domains: When you enter, on the left side or in the center of the dashboard, there will be a section called Domains. Click on Manage Domains. It will provide you with a list of all the domains that are attached to your account.
• Go to the DNS tab of your domain: Find the domain that you would like to edit. On the right hand side you will have some choices, and you need to choose the one that says DNS. That will bring you to the DNS management screen which will display all existing records configured on that domain.

Here, you could add records, edit the existing ones, or delete something that is no longer necessary. Wherever you are pointing your domain, configuring email, or performing any quick fix, this is where it happens.

That’s it. These actions will take you directly into the DNS Zone Editor of DreamHost, and it is at this point that you can make whatever changes you wish to your domain settings.DNS Zone Editor, and from there, you’re in complete control of your domain’s settings.

Adding DNS Records: Configuring New Entries

To point your domain elsewhere, create email, or prove ownership, you are likely to need a custom DNS record. When you know where to find it, DreamHost makes it pretty easy.

This is how to add new DNS records like Alias or CNAME etc.:

• Visit dreamhost.com and type in your normal credentials.
• When you are there, locate the section called Domains on the main dashboard, and, upon clicking on it, click on Manage Domains.
• Go through your list of domains and identify the one that you would like to work on. Next to it, click the DNS link. This exposes the DNS management of that domain. 
• Find “Add a Custom DNS record”. It is there you will enter your new settings.
• Enter the host or subdomain in the Name field. e.g. use www when making a record of www.yourdomain.com. For root domain (only yourdomain.com), this field can be left empty most of the time.
• Select the Type of DNS such as A, CNAME, MX, or TXT.
• Enter the Value. This part depends on the record type you chose:
• For an A record, enter the IP address.
• For a CNAME, put the domain it should point to.
• In the case of MX, you will input the mail server.
• For TXT, enter the string received at the service that you are checking (e.g., Google, Microsoft, etc.).
• When all is done correctly, you can save it by clicking the add record now! button. The new record is supposed to appear in the list above.

Editing Existing DNS Records

Occasionally, you simply need to change a DNS entry–perhaps the IP address has been changed, or you have switched mail providers. Nevertheless, here is how to do it on DreamHost:

• Go to dreamhost.com and log in normally.
• After logging in, you should see an option of either Manage Domains or Manage Websites (depending on the dashboard layout). Click on it.
• At the right side of the domain that you wish to work on, you will find the DNS button. That opens up the DNS settings of that domain.
• Keep scrolling down to find the record you want to edit
• Click the edit icon next to that record..
• Modify whatever is required–the name, type, value, or even TTL when necessary. You just have to ensure that it looks right.
• When you are finished, press Save to implement the changes.
• Changes to DNS may take a long time to propagate–typically 24 to 48 hours, but occasionally less. Then there is no need to panic when things do not change immediately.

Deleting DNS Records

If you’ve got a DNS record you no longer need, like an old mail server or a record pointing to an outdated IP, you can delete it. Just You can also just delete a DNS record that you no longer require, e.g. a former email address or a record that redirects to an incorrect IP.

All of the following steps are necessary:

• Deleting important records like A, MX, or CNAME can adversely affect your website or prevent emails from being sent. If you’re confused, double-check before removing it.
• Same as before, visit the Dreamhost website and log in to your account.
• Go to the Manage Domains or Manage Websites section and then DNS
• Look for the record you want to delete.
• Similar to editing, click the pen next to the record you want to eliminate.
• Below the fields’ recording, you’ll locate a delete record button. Select that.
• When it inquires if you’re certain, click Remove to affirm.
• After you erased a record, the update still took a few days to spread out online, 

Setting Domain to DNS Only (Removing Hosting Records)

Occasionally, you don’t require full hosting. Perhaps your website is hosted elsewhere, or you’re utilizing email or a landing page as a means to contact. In these instances, changing your domain to DNS Only mode grants you more control over the DNS without being associated with Dreamhost’s hosting system. The following are the steps used to achieve this:

• Visit dreamhost.com and log in and navigate to your dashboard.
• Go to Manage Websites and see all of your domains.
• Next to the domain that you want to alter, click the manage button. This will lead you to the locations of this specific domain.
• On the domain settings page, locate the tab that says Settings and click it.
• Scroll down until you see Non-Hosting Options. Click it to expand the section.
• A button labeled Set to DNS Only will show up. Click it.
• DreamHost will double-check if you’re sure. To confirm, click the red button that says Yes, Remove. This removes the hosting services but keeps your DNS intact.

Alternative Method

DreamHost may not allow you to immediately add a custom DNS record (such as an @ or a www record) on a fully hosted domain. Instead, it will ask if you want to deactivate the hosting. If you click Deactivate the Website, DreamHost will take away the hosting services and transition the domain to a DNS only mode for you. The default DNS records for hosting will be erased, as well.

When To Utilize DNS Only

This mode is beneficial if you want to maintain your domain with DreamHost, but want to host your actual website or email in another location, such as ARZ. It enables you to control all of the DNS records, while also pointing your website, email or apps to servers that are external to the domain, without having to transfer the domain to a new registrant.

Conclusion

Managing the DNS zones on DreamHost may initially feel technical, but after you become familiar with the area and the different records, it’s actually pretty simple. Whether you’re updating a record, pointing your domain to a new location, or using DNS Only, it’s all ultimately based on understanding what you’re attempting to connect and having the correct information.

DreamHost provides you with the necessary tools to do it without having to navigate through complexities. The option of choosing between fully hosted or DNS-only configurations allows you to utilize their DNS features if your website or email is hosted elsewhere.

Boost your online visibility with ARZ Host and its cutting-edge offerings that will help your website load quickly and offer a flawless user experience.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Will I be able to manage DNS when I do not host my domain at DreamHost?

Yes, absolutely you can. DNS management works even when the site is hosted elsewhere, so long as your domain is registered with DreamHost or is under DreamHost nameservers. All you need to do is change the domain to DNS Only and you are good to go.

How long does it take for DNS to be resolved?

It’s typically spread out within a few hours, but it can take up to 24-48 hours for it to fully spread. It is based on the type of alteration and the speed at which the internet service providers maintain their cache.

What happens when I remove the erroneous DNS record?

When you remove something critical, such as an A record or MX record, your site or email may cease to operate. The good news is that you can put it back. Make sure you have correct information. You can take a screenshot of the records before making any type of changes 

May I utilize third party email services such as Google Workspace?

Absolutely. You simply need to update the MX and TXT entries in your DNS settings with what your email provider provides you. When that is in place, DreamHost will do the rest on the DNS side.

Must I alter the DNS if I simply want to re-direct my domain?

Not always. DreamHost provides a simple option for you to redirect your domain without having to change the DNS. However, if you’re pointing it to a new host, then yes–you’ll need to update the A or CNAME records.

Will changing to DNS only lead to the deletion of my website?

If you transition to DNS Only, your website’s files will not be immediately deleted, but your hosting will be terminated. This implies that the website will not load unless you’ve already relocated it to another location. Always take the first step of backup first if you intend to relocate it.

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• Why Should I Choose VPS Hosting Over Dedicated Hosting?