Setting Server Hostnames

Expertise level: Medium

Setting the hostname on a server is very important.

If it is not set correctly, you will receive an email from cPanel such as this one:

"IMPORTANT: Do not ignore this email.
The hostname (host.domain.com) resolves to . It should resolve
to X.X.X.X. Please be sure to correct /etc/hosts as well as the
'A' entry in zone file for the domain."

Follow these steps to set the hostname of the server correctly:

1. Login to WHM as root.
2. Go to "Networking Setup" section.
3. Click on " Change Hostname".
4. If your server acts as the DNS server, please click on the "Add an A entry for your hostname" button.
   

These are the important points you should follow:

• It is important to choose a hostname that you will NOT be using for any account.
• Your hostname must be a FQDN, all valid hostnames should have 2 dots in them (ex: host.domain.com).
• The hostname MUST resolve to the primary IP address of your server. Make sure you add an A record for that hostname in your domain's DNS zone.

Check the relevant screen captures: