Let's start with a brief explanation of DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It converts human readable domain names like yourdomain.com into IP addresses like 208.77.188.166 which computers can then read. DNS zone files reside on your server and tie domaon names with IP addresses.

Most users do not need to modify their DNS settings. The most common reason for DNS changes are to route a certain part of your domain name to a a third party (not our servers).

Shared Servers

Note: As of 11/28/2012, shared servers now have the ability to use the Advanced DNS Editor. This allows the user to not only create A records but also have the ability to edit the existing records including those created upon account generation.

Shared users can add A records in your cPanel. You can create and point subdomains to an IP address using the Simple DNS Zone Editor. You will need to first obtain the IP address from the host where you want to point the subdomain to.

First, log into your cPanel account and click on the "Simple DNS Zone Editor" icon located in the "Domains" area of cPanel.

Next, select your domain from the drop down menu (if you have more than one domain entered in your cPanel).  The editor will load new options which allows you to add an A record. Under the "Add an A Record header" fill in the subdomain and IP address you want to point your subdomain to.

In this example, we will point myblog to the IP Address 1.1.1.1:

Finally, click the "Add A Record" button and you will now see the subdomain an corresponding IP address listed under "User Defined Records" at the bottom of the screen.

Please note, you will not be able to create or modify an A Record for your domain name or any subdomains that are already created and reserved when your account is setup on the server. You can only create an A record for newly created subdomains.  If you try to create an A Record on a reserverd subdomain (for example mail, webmail, and cpanel), cPanel will give an error message:

A common A record change for a reservered subdomain would be for the mail subdomain. In order to request an A record change for a reserved subdomain, please contact our support team at support@inmotionhosting.com and include account verification with your request. We'll be happy to help.

Note, with all DNS changes, including adding or changing A records, please allow up to 24 hours for changes to take effect.

VPS and Dedicated Servers

VPS and Dedicated plans include a feature in WHM called the Advanced DNS Editor (looking for a VPS? Find one on sale). This editor provides greater control over DNS records than the Simple DNS Zone editor in cPanel.

Not only will the Advanced DNS Editor allow you to add A records, but it will allow you to edit current records as well. More information about the Advanced DNS Editor can be found in the cPanel documentation here:

http://docs.cpanel.net/twiki/bin/view/AllDocumentation/CpanelDocs/AdvancedDnsEditor

You can access the Advanced DNS Editor in WHM by logging into WHM and clicking on the Edit DNS Zone link:

Note, as above, please allow up to 24 hours for your DNS changes to take effect.