How to transfer or import your live DNS records between DNS hosts Print

Problem Description

• Your DNS host is with one provider and you wish to move it to Websavers
• Your DNS is hosted within Plesk at Websavers and you would like to move it to Registrar-level

How to Transfer your DNS Records to Plesk

These steps will also work to transfer your DNS from Websavers Registrar Level DNS to Hosting Level with Plesk.

If your goal is to move your DNS hosting to Websavers it can be handy for continuity to import the domain's existing live DNS records. The most comprehensive way to do this (ensures it gets all necessary DNS records), is to obtain a BIND export file from your current DNS host. Then use the steps below to import it.

If you're not able to obtain a BIND export file from your current DNS host, then Plesk provides a utility to look up the live DNS records and import them for you.

Important: the Lookup option will not work if your domain's name servers have already been changed to point to Websavers since it does a live lookup of DNS records. At that stage of the process, only the BIND export file will work, or a manual transfer of each DNS record.

Let's get started!

1. Login to Plesk
2. Choose Websites & Domains and select your domain in the list
3. Under that domain look for the Hosting & DNS tab, and click on it
4. Select the DNS Settings button
5. Across the top you will see the Transfer DNS button - click it
6. If you were able to obtain a BIND export file from your current host, choose the Import option and select that file
7. If you were not able to obtain a BIND export file, choose the Lookup option

You will now be presented with options for records to import. You will need to check the box beside any records for which you wish to maintain continuity of service from the current provider(s). For example, if you are keeping mail as it is, ensure to check the box beside any records pertaining to MX, mail, SMTP, IMAP, POP, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

If you are keeping everything hosted where it currently is, then you can simply check all the records and import them.

Choose the option to proceed once you have the necessary records checked and Plesk will automatically set them up in your local DNS zone

You can now update your name servers to point the domain to your Websavers hosting account.

How to Transfer your DNS from Plesk to Registrar Level

This is a rare occurrence, as typically managing DNS within Plesk is a simpler process. However if you currently are using our Plesk hosting services and no longer wish to do so, while still maintaining your domain and DNS service, then these are the steps for you.

Unfortunately there is no automated import/lookup utility for our registrar level DNS as of yet, though it is something we're working on adding. Until that day comes, you must manually re-create any records you see in Plesk under the domain's DNS Settings within our Client Centre. Here's how:

1. Login to Plesk
2. Choose Websites & Domains and select your domain in the list
3. Under that domain look for the Hosting & DNS tab, and click on it
4. Select the DNS Settings button
5. On this page you will see the complete list of DNS records for your domain.
6. Open a new browser window and login to our Client Centre to manage your DNS records at the registrar level as described in this guide.
7. Manually copy the details of each DNS record that you require to maintain, as seen in Plesk (in your first browser window), over to the second window you have open with registrar-level DNS management controls.

Once each record you need to maintain has been added to the Client Centre, you're all set to update the name servers to the defaults. (Should say DNSOWL)