Knowledge base

This guide is for users who want to manage Glue records with Infomaniak.

Why Glue Records?
 

Glue records are crucial for linking a domain name to its associated name servers by providing the IP addresses of these servers directly.

For example, for the domain domain.xyz, the glue records specify the name servers (ns1.domain.xyz and ns2.domain.xyz) as well as their IP addresses (192.0.2.10 and 192.0.2.11).

This speeds up DNS resolution, allowing browsers and online services to find your site more quickly and efficiently.

Via A Record

This method involves creating an A (address) record for ns1.domain.xyz pointing to the IP of the NS. This will register the IP with the registry. You can then add ns1.domain.xyz, which will be recognized and redirected to the correct NS.

domain.xyz. 3600 IN NS ns1.domain.xyz.
domain.xyz. 3600 IN NS ns2.domain.xyz.

ns1.domain.xyz. 3600 IN A 192.0.2.10
ns2.domain.xyz. 3600 IN A 192.0.2.11

Via Glue Records Button

This method allows you to create and modify existing Glue records:

1. Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox
2. Click on the icon ‍ in the top right corner of the interface (or navigate through the left sidebar menu, for example)
3. Choose Domains (Web & Domain universe)
4. Click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
5. Click on DNS Servers in the left sidebar menu
6. Click on the Manage Glue Records button
   
7. Click on the Add a Server button
8. Provide the name of the server to add as well as its IP address
9. Click on the Validate button

Important Notes

• Adding an NS does not automatically add it to the DNS zone: you need to manually update the DNS zone of your domain
• For some extensions (especially .fr), adding a glue record requires a different procedure: contact Infomaniak support if you are in this situation, specifying the record you want to define

This guide explains how to find and display DNS information for any domain registered with Infomaniak (or elsewhere).

Domain with Infomaniak

To access your domain names:

1. Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox.
2. Click on the ‍ icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left sidebar menu, for example).
3. Select Domains (in the Web & Domain section).
4. Click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table.
5. Click on DNS Servers in the left sidebar menu.

WHOIS Lookup

To view the DNS information of another domain, use a WHOIS service such as https://whois.infomaniak.com/ or https://who.is (be cautious of ads on these third-party services).

This will provide you with a clear response about the DNS status of a domain at a specific moment.

Often, DNS records are displayed in pairs and start with ns..., followed by numbers and the name of the registrar or host.

Be aware that the DNS records displayed may not necessarily be the ones chosen recently by the domain manager. There is a propagation time to consider if changes are in progress for the domain.

This guide explains how to create a custom MX record (in our example: mx.domain.xyz, assuming that domain.xyz belongs to you) to use in your NAS's MX configuration.

An MX record cannot be declared directly in the form of an IP address like 178.123.456.789, for example.

Custom MX Record

To access your domain names:

1. Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox.
2. Click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate using the left side menu, for example).
3. Select Domains (in the Web & Domaine universe).
4. Click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table.
5. Click on DNS Zone in the left side menu.
6. Click on the blue Add a record button.
7. Choose MX as the record type and confirm.
8. Enter the desired MX record ("mx.domain.xyz," for example).
9. Point the record to the desired IP address (target).
10. Click the Save button.

This guide outlines possible solutions for recovering an expired or stolen domain name, a complex process that depends on the specific circumstances of each case.

You need to make sure beforehand that it is not simply in a period of redemption.

Contact the current domain name holder

If the domain name is registered to another person or entity, you can try to contact them directly to discuss possible restitution of the domain name. This may involve negotiating with the current holder and reaching an amicable agreement. However, this can be difficult if the current holder is unwilling to cooperate or if you are unable to contact them.

Use ICANN mediation or arbitration services

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) offers mediation and arbitration services to resolve domain name disputes. You can submit a complaint to ICANN if you believe you have legitimate rights to the domain name in question. ICANN will review the evidence presented by the parties and make a decision based on ICANN policies. However, please note that this can be a lengthy and costly process.

The rules and procedures for recovering an expired or stolen domain name may vary depending on jurisdiction and ICANN policies. It is recommended to consult ICANN's specific policies as well as local laws and regulations to understand the options available in your particular situation. It may also be helpful to consult a lawyer specializing in domain name law for appropriate legal advice.

Resort to legal proceedings

If you believe the domain name has been stolen or your rights have been violated, you may consider taking legal action against the current holder in the appropriate courts. This may involve filing a lawsuit and presenting evidence in court to obtain a judicial decision. Legal proceedings can also be costly and time-consuming.

Monitor expired domain name auctions

If the domain name has expired and is being auctioned, you can try to purchase it at these auctions. Some expired domain names are auctioned on specialized platforms, and you can participate in these auctions to try to recover the domain name.

This guide explains how to add or modify one or more SPF records in the DNS zone (of a domain name) managed in the Infomaniak Manager.

Introduction

• if your domain name is registered with Infomaniak, your email is managed by Infomaniak, but your website is hosted with another provider (e.g., Wix), you probably manage the DNS zone (and thus the SPF) with that other provider: read this guide for more information

Understanding SPF Records

The SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record type is a standard for verifying the domain name of an email sender and aims to reduce SPAM.

It serves to indicate which server is allowed to send emails for a domain.

If the SPF fails for an email, it means that the email was not sent from a server/IP address authorized by the sending domain administrator.

The email is then considered spam.

Moreover, Infomaniak automatically sets up this type of record when creating a Mail Service for your domain (strict SPF):

• v=spf1 include:spf.infomaniak.ch -all

Thus, the recipient's server of the email you send will evaluate that any mail not coming from Infomaniak servers will be rejected. This prevents malicious parties from spoofing email addresses from your domain name.

However, you can also decide to modify the SPF to a more flexible model:

• v=spf1 include:spf.infomaniak.ch ?all

In this case, the recipient's server of the email you send will evaluate according to its own rules whether it accepts emails not coming from Infomaniak servers.

To summarize:

• ?: the receiving server accepts the message even if the sender is not listed in the SPF
• ~: the receiving server generally accepts the message if it is not listed in the SPF but identifies it as suspicious
• -: the receiving server rejects the message if it is not listed in the SPF (recommended)

Add an SPF via a TXT Record

Refer to this guide (click here) for instructions on managing records in a DNS zone.

Add Multiple SPF Records

If you are using email providers in addition to Infomaniak, you need to obtain their SPF and then merge it with Infomaniak's according to a specific syntax.

Example of 3 SPF records:

• Infomaniak's: v=spf1 include:spf.infomaniak.ch -all
• those from 2 secondary providers:
  • v=spf1 include:the-second-domain.xyz ?all
  • v=spf1 include:the-other-domain.xyz ~all

... the final SPF to insert into your DNS zone should be in the form:

• v=spf1 include:spf.infomaniak.ch include:the-second-domain.xyz include:the-other-domain.xyz -all

Remove any other SPF entry from your domain's DNS zone!

Check the SPF Record

The Global Security tool allows you to easily check and correct certain problematic records.

This guide explains how to resolve anomalies that may occur with a Web Hosting if it has undergone changes to its IP address (such as a server relocation) and your computer still holds the old location in its DNS cache.

Clearing the DNS Cache

When you visit a website, your computer stores an association between the domain name and its IP address in the local DNS cache. This speeds up the DNS resolution process for future visits to the same site because the computer can avoid querying the DNS servers again for the IP address.

By clearing the DNS cache, you force your computer to query the DNS servers again to obtain the latest up-to-date information on the IP addresses of the sites you visit.

on Windows

1. Open the Start menu
2. Type cmd
3. In the search results, click on Command Prompt
4. Run the command ipconfig /flushdns

on macOS

1. Open the Terminal
2. Run the command lookupd -flushcache (if it fails: dscacheutil -flushcache)

on Linux

1. Open the Terminal
2. Run the command sudo systemctl restart nscd or sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart to restart nscd

This guide explains how to add an alias domain to a primary domain. An alias domain is a domain name that can serve as a secondary name for another domain.

Prerequisites

• The future alias domain name or the management of its zone:
  • Must be registered with Infomaniak
  • Must be configured with Infomaniak DNS
• The domain name where the alias will be placed:
  • Must not be associated with the Infomaniak Newsletter product

Add an Alias Domain to a Domain

To access your domain names:

1. Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) using a web browser like Brave or Firefox
2. Click on the icon in the top right corner of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
3. Choose Domains (under the Web & Domain section)
4. Click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
5. Click on Alias Domains in the left side menu
   
6. Choose to add an alias
7. Click Next
8. Choose an existing domain within the current organization, or order a new domain beforehand

The alias domain will automatically inherit the MX, A, ... records from the primary domain (including web and mail hosting).

Learn More

• Dissociate an Alias Domain
• Add an Alias (Domain) to a Website
• Add an Alias (Domain) to an Email Address
• Difference between Alias Domain and Alias Domain Name
• Understand How a Domain Name Works

This guide explains how to remove a domain alias from a web hosting. The main domain name of the web hosting will no longer be associated with any other domain name.

This allows, in particular, the possibility of creating a new web hosting or a separate site for the domain name that has been unlinked.

Prerequisites

• have dissociated the synonymous domain name from the main domain name if there was an association previously

Remove the domain alias

In order to remove a domain alias from your site:

1. log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) using a web browser such as Brave or Firefox
2. click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left sidebar menu, for example)
3. select Hosting (Web & Domain universe)
4. click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
5. click on the relevant site (in the Sites section)
6. click on the action menu ⋮ on the right of the alias that is to become the main domain (in the Domains section)
7. choose Unlink
8. confirm the removal of the alias (without deleting the corresponding entries in the DNS zone)

This guide is for individuals who want to manually edit the DNS zone of an Infomaniak domain name in expert mode.

Prerequisites

• own a domain name from Infomaniak or at least a DNS zone

Edit the DNS zone (expert mode)

To access the advanced management of the DNS zone for a domain name managed by Infomaniak:

1. log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox
2. click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate using the left side menu, for example)
3. choose Domains (in the Web & Domain universe)
4. click directly on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
5. click on DNS Zone in the left side menu
6. click on Expert Mode:
    
   
   
   

The syntax is accepted in BIND format.

The DNS zone presented here is valid and used only if the server names are those of Infomaniak. Any modification may take up to 48 hours to propagate.

Restore a DNS Zone

With the Expert Mode, you can use versioning to retrieve a previous version of the DNS zone for your domain name and restore it to how it was at a specific moment:

1. once in the Expert Mode tab (see above), click on Current Version to display the menu containing previous dates:
2. click on the desired date to get a preview of the changes
3. click on the blue Save button on the right to revert to the chosen version
   
4. click on the second dropdown if necessary to access the restoration of delegated subdomains configuration

DNS Diagnostic

A tool available on your Manager allows you to easily correct certain problematic records.

This guide explains how to replace the primary domain associated with a Service Mail in case you want to, for example, modify the spelling of everything after the @ in your email address (= the domain name).

Introduction

• You can also follow this procedure if your goal is to have completely new email addresses while keeping the history of your emails on Mail (since the email address will continue to exist, for example info@old-domain.xyz will become info@new-domain.xyz without modifying its content)
• In fact, it is not possible to simply change the spelling of the domain name in question; therefore, it is necessary to replace the current domain name associated with your email addresses with another domain name
• To simply add an additional domain name, read this guide
• To modify the part of your email address before the @, read this guide (click here)
• Note that you can also rename your product in the Infomaniak Manager, but changing the name of a Service Mail has no impact on its addresses; you need to act on the domain name.

Change the Domain Name of the Service Mail

Prerequisites

• The Service Mail must not be part of a kSuite (otherwise it will be impossible to change the domain name of the Service Mail)
• Own the new domain name (if necessary, you will need to create it first)
• Review the instructions in this guide by applying the instructions relevant to your situation (so that the domain name works when it is linked to your Service Mail)

Once the new domain name is ready to be used instead of the old one, you need to add it to the Service Mail and then perform a switch:

1. Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) using a web browser like Brave or Firefox
2. Click on the ‍ icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate using the left-hand menu, for example)
3. Select Service Mail (within Collaborative Tools)
4. Click on the name of the relevant item in the table that appears
5. Click on Domain Management in the left-hand menu
   
   ‍
6. Click on Domains linked to the service in the left-hand menu
7. Click the blue button Add a linked domain
   
    

8. You can:

   1. Search for an existing domain in the organization you are connected to — this will link and automatically update the DNS zone of the added domain
   2. Add a domain name or subdomain to manually specify the domain name or subdomain to use (ideal if the domain name is located elsewhere)
   3. Buy a new domain name (see the prerequisites above)

   

a: the domain exists at the Organization level

1. Click on the proposed domain name
   
2. Click the blue button Link this domain
   
3. Click on the ⋮ icon next to the newly added domain name
4. Click on Set as primary domain (you need to have unlinked the synonym domain from the primary domain if there was an association before)
   
5. Confirm the switch and wait for the operation to complete
6. Click on the ⋮ icon next to the old domain name
7. Click Unlink domain
   
8. Confirm the disconnection

That's it, the Service Mail now responds to a new domain name.

b: the domain exists but elsewhere

1. Enter the domain name that will replace the current one
2. Enable DNS entry updates (if the domain name situation allows it, the DNS zone of the domain name will be updated automatically)
3. If point 2 above is active, then enable the replacement of any existing entries
4. Enable domain name switching (to avoid additional steps as in point "a" above)
5. Click the blue button Link this domain
   
6. Wait for the operation to complete
7. Click on the ⋮ icon next to the old domain name
8. Click Unlink domain