How
to Change DNS
Today most of
world is enjoying the benefits of being able to connect almost
instantaneously through the internet. Yet with all of its benefits,
so few persons understand the process that goes on in the background
and what drives this complex system to be as efficient as it is. The
World Wide Web has made it possible for millions of files to be saved
and transferred across thousands of miles between millions of persons
all at once.
Behind every
single website there is a DNS. The DNS (Domain Name Server) is what a
website uses to translate domain names into numerical IP addresses.
The domain name is the actual address used by individuals to access a
website through the World Wide Web such as www.google.com. The DNS is
responsible for persons being able to browse through a web page and
being able to access all of its capabilities. If there are certain
technical issues with the site, the DNS may need to adjusted or
updated. If a website is being transferred to another web host, your
DNS will need to be adjusted in order to direct users to your
website’s new server. During the process of changing out your DNS
your website and all its capabilities, such as email and FTP, will be
disabled. In this article we will provide you with all the
instructions on how to make this change.
Instructions
Ensure that
you have completed any downloads that you may have started and that
you have closed all of your web browsers. Also, it is strongly
recommended that you make a backup copy of your current website on
the new hosting web server.
There are a
few ways of getting to your network settings depending on how your
computer is set up. If you already have a shortcut on your desktop
for “My Network Place” then you can simply right click this icon
and select “Properties”. If not, you can find it by going to the
left bottom corner of your screen and clicking “Start”, then go
to “Control Panel” and then “Network Connections”.
Now find and
select your local network, which is usually labelled “Local Area
Connection” and right click on your mouse to access the properties
where you will see a “General Tab”. Go to and select “Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP)” and change the selection from “Obtain DNS
server
address automatically” to the option “Use the following DNS
server address”.
Now get the
new set of DNS numbers from your new web host and then enter the
details for and click “Ok”. Within a few hours or when told by
your web hosts, your website should be back online to be manoeuvred
by the regular users.
Tips & Warnings
Whenever you
go to local area network folder you may also have more than one
connection. Just determine which one is the correct one to use and
continue it.
Every change
made to the DNS
record usually takes a minimum of 4 hours to broadcast online, so be
careful when making changes since repeated adjustments are normally
updated slower.
If your new
settings are causing your Internet to not function properly, you can
ask for a trained professional to come in and have a look on it.
Labels: DNS
