Manually update DNS server data files

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

You can perform this procedure by using the DNS snap-in or by using the Dnscmd command-line tool. Use the DNS snap-in for standard Domain Name System (DNS) zones and the Dnscmd command-line tool for Active Directory–integrated zones.

Administrative credentials

To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using the Run as command to perform this procedure.

Manually updating DNS server data files

  • Using the Windows interface

  • Using the command line

To manually update DNS server data files using the Windows interface

  1. Open the DNS snap-in.

  2. In the console tree, click the applicable DNS server.

  3. On the Action menu, click Update Server Data Files.

Note

To open the DNS snap-in, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click DNS.

To manually update DNS server data files using the command line

  • At a command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

    dnscmd ServerName /ZoneUpdateFromDs ZoneName

    Value Description

    ServerName

    Specifies the DNS host name of the DNS server. You can also type the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the DNS server. To specify the DNS server on the local computer, you can also type a period (.)

    ZoneName

    Specifies the name of the zone to which you want to set aging and scavenging.