Set aging/scavenging properties for the DNS server

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

To set aging/scavenging properties for the DNS server

  • Using the Windows interface

  • Using a command line

Using the Windows interface

  1. Open DNS.

  2. In the console tree, right-click the applicable DNS server, and then click Set Aging/Scavenging for all zones.

  3. Select the Scavenge stale resource records check box.

  4. Modify other aging and scavenging properties as needed.

Notes

  • 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 Run as to perform this procedure.

  • To open DNS, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click DNS.

  • Aging and scavenging properties configured by this procedure act as server defaults that apply only toward Active Directory-integrated zones. For standard primary zones, you must set the appropriate properties at the applicable zone.

  • Once you apply changes for server aging/scavenging settings, the DNS console prompts you to confirm. You then have the option to apply your changes to new Active Directory-integrated zones only. If needed, you can also apply your changes to existing Active Directory-integrated zones.

  • Regardless of whether the Scavenge stale resource records check box is selected as described in step 4, for standard primary zones, this feature is disabled unless manually enabled at the applicable zone.

Using a command line

  1. Open Command Prompt.

  2. Type:

    dnscmdServerName**/Config** {/ScavengingInterval Value|/DefaultAgingState Value|/DefaultNoRefreshInterval Value|/DefaultRefreshInterval Value}

Value Description

dnscmd

Specifies the name of the command-line program.

ServerName

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

/Config

Required. Specifies the configuration command.

/ScavengingInterval

Required. Sets the frequency by which the server will perform scavenging for all scavenging-enabled zones.

/DefaultAgingState

Required. Sets the default aging configuration for all zones on the server.

/DefaultNoRefreshInterval

Required. Sets the default No-refresh interval for scavenging-enabled zones.

/DefaultRefreshInterval

Sets the default Refresh interval for scavenging-enabled zones.

Value

For /ScavengingInterval, type a value in hours. The default is 168 (one week). For /DefaultAgingState, type 1 to enable aging for new zones when they are created. Type 0 to disable aging for new zones. For /DefaultNoRefreshInterval, type a value in hours. The default is 168 (one week). For /DefaultRefreshInterval, type a value in hours. The default is 168 (one week).

Notes

  • 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 Run as to perform this procedure.

  • To open a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.

  • This procedure requires the Dnscmd Windows support tool. For information about installing Windows support tools, see Related Topics.

  • To view the complete syntax for this command, at a command prompt, type:

    dnscmd /Config /help

Formatting legend

Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Ellipsis (...)

Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd}

Set of choices from which the user must choose only one

Courier font

Code or program output

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Managing the aging and scavenging of server data
Understanding aging and scavenging
Use Aging and Scavenging
Install Windows Support Tools