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DNS change / email delivery / MX and A records

Let's say we've an organization named Test, with a domain test.org. The test.org domain is currently registered through Go Daddy but the DNS is not through Go Daddy, its handled by another vendor. I plan to switch the DNS to Go Daddy, but how can I do this so that email will be routed without their being any email downtime? In Go Daddy, once I set the DNS to be handled in Go Daddy, I can't set all the MX and A records until the DNS change takes effect, which seems like that would create a few hours(?) in which email won't be delivered. Thanks for your help.

ggupta7

http://www.domainmx.net/mxsetup.shtml

or

http://www.petri.co.il/configure_mx_records_for_incoming_smtp_email_traffic.htm

or

http://www.dyndns.com/support/kb/email_mail_exchangers_and_dns.html

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MX_record

or

http://blog.godaddyhosting.com/2006/06/21/i-want-to-be-your-guy-for-hosting.aspx

or

http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/content/article/102-transcripts2010/726-141

or

Dave Howe

add a new MX record pointing to the new mailserver, with a smaller number than the existing records. that should cause all mail to go to the new mailserver, while the dns is still hosted at the old location

then move dns; it doesn't matter which record a sending mailserver sees at that point, it will be sufficient to ensure the new server gets the mail.

the only key element is making sure the new mailserver will accept mail for your domain before you have moved dns.

Dave Howe

I should add - between adding the new MX record and moving dns, allow *at least* 48 hours. that will cause cached results at various sites/isps to expire and the new record to be acquired.

canalicomputers

ASKER

Thank you, but how do I addMX records in Go Daddy before moving DNS? Currently, it just says "not hosted here" and I dont think theres any way to add records. It seems like you have to move DNS before editing.

Dave Howe

no, you add records where the dns is hosted *now*, let the dust settle, then move dns.

canalicomputers

ASKER

Ah ok, but once I make the move, how will Go Daddy know of the records in the old DNS location?

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Dave Howe

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canalicomputers

ASKER

Thanks