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How to Manage the DNS Zone on DreamHost

This guide shows how to edit the DNS records of a domain registered with DreamHost. You can use it to point your domain to your Hostvento hosting.

Domains and DNS2 min read9 steps

What is a DNS zone?

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns a website name into a number that computers understand. A DNS zone is the page of that phone book that belongs to your domain. It holds small entries called records. Each record says where something goes, such as your website or your email.

You edit the zone where your domain's nameservers point. Nameservers are the computers that hold the zone. If your domain uses DreamHost nameservers, you edit the zone at DreamHost.

Warning: A wrong record can take your website or email offline. Write down the old values before you change anything.

Before you start

  • Have your DreamHost panel login ready.
  • Find the values you need to add. For Hostvento hosting, the server IP address is in your welcome email. If you cannot find it, ask Hostvento support.

Steps

  1. Log in to the DreamHost panel.
  2. Open the Domains section in the left menu.
  3. Click Manage Domains.
  4. Find your domain in the list.
  5. Click the DNS link next to it.
  6. Read the existing records and note their values.
  7. Scroll to the form for adding a custom record. Choose the type and fill in the name and the value. An A record links a name to an IP address. A CNAME record links one name to another name. An MX record tells the world where email goes.
  8. Click the button to add the record.
  9. To remove a record, click its Delete link. Only delete what you are sure about.

Some records are locked by DreamHost, since they belong to DreamHost services. If your domain is set up as a DreamHost website, you may need to change how the domain is hosted before you can add certain records.

After the change

DNS changes do not show at once. They can take from a few minutes to some hours to spread. This waiting time is called propagation. Clear your browser cache and test again later.

Tip: DreamHost may change its menu names. If a label differs, look for words like DNS or Manage Domains.

Need help with the Hostvento side? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • A DNS zone holds the records of your domain.
  • Edit it at the company whose nameservers your domain uses.
  • In DreamHost, go to Domains, Manage Domains and click DNS.
  • Note old values before you edit.
  • Allow time for changes to spread.