I only have a Cname record, how do I point my domain correctly?
A CNAME record is an abbreviation for Canonical Name record and is a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS) used to specify that a domain name uses the IP addresses of another domain, the “canonical” domain. CNAME records can only be used on a sub-domain and must always be pointed to another sub-domain name, and can never point to an IP-address.
Why do I see when I try to add my record:
“CNAME records may only be used on sub-domains.”
Domain.com is the naked/root domain
Anything.Domain.com is a subdomain.
On the Dreamhost Side:
From the panel, Go to your Manage Domains Page and make sure the domain is DNS only. If you have hosting on the domain, use the “remove” button under the “web hosting” column:
Once the domain is dns only, click the dns link under your domain name and add these records:
Custom DNS Options:
Name: subdomain, leave blank for naked/root domain
Type: type of dns record, such as A record, Cname, TXT
Value: Target
Some hosts only allow/use Cname sub-domain Records.
Settings Needed for this setup:
Name: www
Type: CName
Value: Your record. Example.thatHostService.com
Then you must set your domain to redirect to the www subdomain of the site. Go back to the Manage Domains Page and use the add button:
On the next page use the “Redirect” and redirect the domain to the www version of the site where the record is. This will cause all traffic to go to that record.
Note: This guide has been created to help simplify setting your domain up. The service you are pointing your domain to, DNS can/might has changed. Always check the hosts official page to verify the records.