If you have a new domain name, you must change the name servers so that they point to your server. This article will provide you some background information on DNS and what to expect when changing your name servers.

For more information on changing your DNS or name servers, please refer to the following article: How Do I Change My DNS or NameServers?

> What is Propagation?

Propagation is the process of updating a domain with new nameserver (DNS) information across all the servers and computers in the world via the internet. Until the propagation process is complete, a domain and its emails will not work consistently.

Name server changes usually take 24 to 48 hours to fully start working. This period, called propagation, is the projected length of time it takes for root name servers and cache records across the entire web to be updated with your website's DNS information.

Because of propagation, not all visitors will be directed to your new name servers on your new hosting account; some visitors will continue to be directed to your old name servers on your old hosting account until propagation is complete.

How Do I Know When Propagation is Complete?

WHOIS, ping, and traceroute tests cannot indicate when propagation is complete. The only way to be sure is to wait the maximum time (up to 48 hours).

> Accessing Your Account During Propagation

During and before the propagation process, your domain will not be properly pointed to the hosting server.

In order to access certain parts of your account prior to the completion of propagation, you will need to use a different URL that does not utilize the domain name. The URLs listed below are temporary URLs which use the server's IP.

cPanel URL
http://serverIPaddress/cpanel

Webmail URL
http://serverIPaddress/webmail

Website URL
http://serverIPaddress/~cpanelusername

Please note that the serverIPaddress and cpanelusername portions of the URLs above need to be replaced with the proper values. The server IP can be located in the welcome email you received after purchasing hosting.

> Accessing Your Account After Propagation

After the domain name has been propagated to the correct DNS records and server, you will be able to use domain-based URLs to access the various parts of the hosting account.

cPanel URL
To access the cPanel on a hosting account, please refer to the following article:
How to Log into cPanel

Webmail URL
To access webmail for a hosting account, please refer to the following article:
How to Log into Webmail

Website URL
To access your website, simply use the domain name. It should look like the following:
http://yourdomain.TLD

Please note that yourdomain.TLD should be your domain name that you purchased. If you have not purchased a domain name, then your hosting account will not work properly.
Was this answer helpful? 0 Users Found This Useful (0 Votes)