If you have recently purchased a domain and facing problems with the workings, the first thing which you should check is the DNS setting.

Dns settings determine, how to domain is pointed to the Server and How the server is connected to the world (internet). Ensure, the DNS settings are perfect to make sure, things work smoothly and people across the globe don't have problems accessing your site.

The basic check would be : PING

Suppose you register your domain (example.com) at ComputingHost. You get an IP for your website. In this case, suppose its 64.69.35.170. You have finished pointing your domain to ComputingHost nameservers. (For details regarding configuration -> Check out Configuring Dns Settings For Website.

If things are working perfectly, you MUST get this IP when you ping your website.

1. Go to Start Menu -> Run <Enter>
2. Enter ping example.com
3. You should get a listing like following with your domain name.


If you don't get the IP of your webhost, It means :-
1. Either your domain is not completely propagated to new host. It will take 1-2 days depending on your ISP.
2. You have misconfigured your domain. Follow instructions here to configure your domain. Click Configuring Dns Settings For Website.

If you don't get the listing _like_ above, there can be 2 problems.
1. Either your Webhost is down.
2. Your Domain is not setup on the server. Contact Administrator.

If you are using A-ADDRESS POINTING,
Check for mail and other services by PINGING.

1. mail.example.com (for checking mail)
2. ftp.example.com (for checking ftp)


ADVANCED CHECK
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Getting a DNS REPORT of your Domain.
Go to : http://www.dnsreport.com
Enter your domain name in the first field and press enter.

You will get the list of parameters of your domain and its settings.

For WHOIS report to check the nameserver settings,
Go to : http://www.dnsstuff.com
Find WHOIS box and enter your domain. You will get the registration details along with the present nameserver. Which should show your current nameservers.
Ensure that you domain is in LOCK state for security reasons.

very nice tutorial opaque,
this should be very usefull to many members!

Thanks Wassie, even I felt that we must have a tutorial for Checking Dns Settings For a Website..