Introduction

The process of controlling DNS settings may seem down-right technical, but it is easier than it sounds. Just consider it as updating the address of your mail, only online. When you purchase a domain with Network Solutions and you would rather point it to a hosting platform or email provider, DNS is what makes that possible. You are merely giving the internet instructions where you want things sent.

DNS is something that most people do not consider until email or a web site stops functioning. That is when such words as A records, CNAMEs or MX entries become important. They appear daunting, but once you pick one up it is largely filling in the blanks.

You just have to know what to click on and what not to touch in the DNS Zone on Network Solutions. Mistakes do occur, but they are not very difficult to correct.

What is a DNS Zone

DNS are simply a collection of settings that instruct the internet on what to do with your domain and Internet instruction manual.

The zone contains records, each of which has a particular job. An A record will direct your domain to the IP of a web site. MX records handle email. The rest of the services are kept coordinated by CNAMES, TXT, etc.

These settings do not normally require you to touch them unless you are setting something up or making a change. However, even a single incorrect entry can crash email or shut down your site, and it can be helpful to be familiar with the fundamentals.

Step-by-Step: Managing DNS Zone on Network Solutions

DNS management can be viewed as an activity only tech-savvy people perform but when you immerse yourself in it, it is not that tough. Network Solutions has its way of doing things. It’s a bit old-school, but everything you need is there—you just need to know where to look.

Accessing DNS Zone

All right, first things first—log in to your Network Solutions account. 

• Go to their website, click the little login icon at the top right, and sign in. There’s nothing too surprising there.
• Once you’re in, look to the left-hand menu and find something called My Domain Names. Click that. 
• If you’ve got more than one domain, you’ll see a list. Pick the one you want to work on. If you only have one, you’ll land right on the details page.
• Now scroll down a little further until you see a section called Advanced Tools. That’s where you’ll go next.

Opening the DNS Management Area

Alright, now that you are on your domain page, you will want to go to the DNS settings.

• You may find a button such as Manage next to Advance DNS Records, or you can go some distance:
• My Domain Names, then Manage, after that Change Where Domain Points, and then Advanced DNS.
• It takes a couple of clicks, but will display your DNS records on a page. This is simply the control panel where all things relating to your domain are routed.

Related Article: How Simple Is It to Change a Domain Name? Tips for a Smooth Transition

Reading and Understanding Your Records

And now you are looking at a list of records. It seems to be at first sight a spreadsheet full of gibberish but upon a second look, it makes sense.

Each row is one record. You have the type of record (A, MX, CNAME, etc.), the hostname and the value it is pointing to and the TTL which is just used to tell the internet how long to wait before it can update whatever changes you made.

• A Record: This points your domain to an IP address. Super common for websites.
• CNAME: It is a sort of nickname, where the domain is told to use a different name, rather than a straight IP.
• MX Record: These are for email. They tell the world where to deliver your mail.
• TXT Record: Usually used for verification—like proving to Google or Microsoft that you actually own the domain.

You don’t have to know all the technical stuff, just enough to not delete the wrong thing.

Adding a New Record

Ok, you are adding something new, say you are creating an email with a new company or checking your domain with a service. Here’s how you do that.

• There must be an addition button (such as + Add Record, etc.) on the DNS records page. Click that.
• You will be questioned as to what type of record you would like to add. Use the dropdown menu option A, CNAME, MX, TXT etc.
• Now, just fill in the fields:
  • Hostname: This typically consists of something like @, www or mail, or it may be a complete subdomain such as verify.example.com.
  • Value / Points To / Alias: This is where you’re pointing it. For a CNAME, this could be something like ghs.googlehosted.com or whatever your provider gives you.
  • TTL: This simply informs the system of the frequency with which the updates will be checked. The default is typical–7200 or 14400 seconds (2 or 4 hours).
• After filling it out, Add / Save, and you are done. It will not update immediately in all places, but you have done your bit.
• Suppose you are Adding or Managing CNAME in order to verify email–typically it will look like:
  
  • Type: CNAME
  • Hostname: (something like google._domainkey)
  • Points to: (whatever value your email provider gave you)
  • TTL: 7200 is usually safe
  • Click Add. You’re done.

Editing a DNS Record: Modifying Existing Configurations

And now maybe you are not adding anything–you only have to change something. That’s common, too. Perhaps you have a new server or email company that your site has been moved to.

• Go through your list of records and locate the records you wish to amend. It usually has a little “Edit” or “Modify” link beside it.
• Click on it, and update the field required. You can reassign the IP address, change the alias, change the mail server–whatever has to be changed.
• Then, hit Save.

Following are some of the reasons why you would do this:

Certain apps or services require verification of their domain, in which case you are adding or modifying a TXT record. Give it some time and recheck.

Your web hosting company assigned you a new IP, and you have to modify your A record.

Your company has changed the Outlook to Google Workspace, this means that your MX records will need to be changed.

Conclusion

Network Solutions DNS can be cumbersome to manage when you are accustomed to modern dashboards, but it does work. And when you know where to look, it only takes a few clicks and copy-pasting.

Take your time. Proceed step by step through records, and keep in mind that DNS changes do not happen overnight: they may take many hours. Take screen shots in case you are in doubt. They provide ease of undoing errors or demonstrate someone else in case they should. After it is set up you hardly ever need to touch it again.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where can I find my DNS settings at the Network Solutions?

Visiting your DNS settings requires you to log into your Network Solutions account and be in the “My Domains” section and then to the domain you wish to manage. After that, there should be an Advanced Tools option or similar, and on this page, you can be displayed the DNS management page where you can make the changes.

Can I edit my DNS records anytime?

Yep, you can update your DNS records at any time. Your DNS settings allow you to add a new email provider, upgrade the server on which your sites are hosted, or validate a new service..

What is the delay between DNS changes?

DNS updates typically require several minutes or 48 hours to be complete across the Internet. This will be based on your TTL (Time to Live) settings as well as any other factors, e.g. the DNS servers of various regions. There is no need to panic because things will not change immediately!

So what is the difference between an A record and a CNAME record?

A record is used to bind your domain to a certain IP address, and most frequently, this is used to point to your server when accessing your website. CNAME, Instead, is used for an alias, such as directing “www.yoursite.com” to yoursite.com. In different ways both do similar jobs.

Do I have to work with my DNS settings when using a site builder?

No, most of the time, unless your web designer wants you to confirm your domain or alter where your domain runs. Few builders will guide you through the process such as Wix or Squarespace. However, when you connect to a necessary site, much of the work is usually done on your behalf.

What will happen when I mess up my DNS records?

In case you accidentally modify something, you should not worry so much. DNS settings can be reverted. Some are not easy to reverse, yet most of them can be fixed by just returning to your DNS page and correcting the mistakes. WWhen your website or email begins to fail, then simply check your settings again or contact the customer care service to assist you.

Would I be able to use Network Solutions to control many domains with a single account?

Yes, you can have numerous domains under one account at Network Solutions.After you are logged in, there will be a list of all your owned domains. Then you can choose which one you want to handle or change them anytime you like.

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