How do I manually set up a domain name?

  • Article

Published: April 26, 2010

Updated: March 30, 2011

Applies To: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials

If you choose this option, the server does not monitor or maintain your domain name, and it does not alert you if there is a configuration issue. You might also consider this option if any of the following is true:

  • No partner domain name providers are listed for your country or region.

  • The partner domain providers listed do not support your domain name extension.

  • You have an existing domain name from a domain name provider that is not currently a partner, and you do not want to transfer that domain name to a Windows SBS 2011 Essentials supported domain name provider.

  • The wizard does not list the domain name extension that you want to use, but the extension is available from a domain name provider that is not currently a partner.

If you choose to set up your domain name manually, work with your domain name service provider to create an “A Record” for your domain.

To create an “A Record”

  1. Decide on a host name, such as “remote.” This is the domain name prefix. The domain name prefix plus your domain name will define the URL to open your Remote Web Access log in page. For example, https://remote.contoso.com.

  2. In your domain name service providrs configuration dashboard (usually on their webpage), create the “A record” for the host name that you decided on in Step 1. Ensure that the IP address that you specify in the “A record” is the IP address on the WAN side of your router (the internet facing side). Consult your router documentation to find your WAN IP address.

  3. It is recommended that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to purchase a static IP address for your network. This ensures that the IP address does not change and that your DNS entry does not become outdated.

    If you do not have the option to obtain a static IP address from your ISP, you might also consider purchasing Domain Name System (DNS) dynamic update protocol service from your domain name service provider or another service provider. DNS dynamic update protocol is a service that keeps the WAN IP address for your network up-to-date so that the IP address can be resolved to your domain name even if the IP address changes.

  4. Import a trusted certificate when the wizard prompts you. If you do not have a trusted certificate, you can obtain one from one of the supported domain name providers listed in the wizard or purchase one from the trusted provider of your choice. For more information about a trusted certificate, contact your domain name provider.