Phew~~ I was searching for this topic. I didn't realize it would be under my nose

I'd like to run a quick instruction to use Google email Apps with Trap17 hosting members. The two requirements are that first, you MUST own a top level domain name. This includes all .ca .com .net .org .info .us .biz etc. The second is that you must be able to CHANGE MX records under your domain control. I say this because some domain registrars charge extra fee to enable this feature.
So, having all the above ready to go let's begin the procedure to use Gmail as your MX (mail exchange) service with Trap17 Hosting.
1. Sign up for Google Apps by going to the link mentioned above http://www.google.com/aDepending on if you already have a gmail account or need to sign up for one, this is your first step to sign-in for Google Apps service.
2. Proof of OwnershipYou have two choices to prove that you own and operate the domain name. First is to change CNAME records to Google. I wasn't comfortable with this at first--later I realized it's no big deal--so I optioned to upload a file to verify. This step is easily understood by following Google's online instruction.
3. Change MX records under domain controlIn the dashboard of your new Google Apps, there's an instruction link to follow MX change information according to popular domain registrars. Whoever you have purchased your domain from, the basic idea is that you enter their MX record names with appropriate PRIORITY values.
This table shows appropriate MX record names with blank priority--since not all registrars use the same.
| MX Server address | Priority |
| ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. | ** |
| ALT1.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. | ** |
| ALT2.ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. | ** |
| ASPMX2.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. | ** |
| ASPMX3.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. | ** |
| ASPMX4.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. | ** |
| ASPMX5.GOOGLEMAIL.COM. | ** |
Take NOTE that there's trailing "dot' at the end of each record. This isn't a typo. It's necessary. Follow the instruction carefully and you will be alright. Double check you have entered them correctly and click save/submit to change MX records of your domain.
4. The Critical Part in finishing MX setupMy first attempt was a failure because I forgot to do this step. Access your Trap17 cPanel and go to
Modify Mail Exchanger (MX Entry) and select your domain (assuming it's already associated, add-on or parked) and enter
ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM. (again the trailing "dot" at the end is necessary).
5. Activate your email with Google AppsThe last step is to let Google Apps activate by accessing your dashboard and click "I have completed these steps". Once clicked the Google Apps will check for correct setting and your account will be active fully.
The first attempt failed for me because I missed the step #4. The second attempt activating Google Apps mail took less than 3 mintues when I completed the step #4. All case may be different but this is how Trap17 hosting can be used with Google Apps.
Good luck. And if any information provided needs to be changed/updated please let us know
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