How to move DNS from one DNS Server to another
I kinda thought this was obvious, yet I keep getting asked how to do it. So without further ado:
Rob's simple and platform independent DNS zone movement method:
- Setup DNS on the 'target' server, the server you are moving the zone(s) onto.
- Update / notify whoever operates the parent DNS servers that delegate authority for your zone to you that you are adding a new DNS Server.
- On the current primary DNS Server, add a NS record for the new DNS Server, and on this new DNS server, create a secondary zone.
- Make sure the new secondary pulls all the data you expect from the primary and that you're happy with it.
- Change this secondary over to being the primary DNS server for the zone.
- Set the old primary as a secondary. Or remove it. Or burn it, or whatever you want to do (I suggest leaving it as a secondary for a while before removing it. but sometimes you're in a rush, I know).
- Pour yourself a glass/cup of your preferred beverage and enjoy a good job well done.
Don't forget that changes may take some time to replicate around everywhere they need to be, so I suggest taking your time, in particular between steps 2 & 3, and certainly be very sure everything is working before removing the old DNS server in step 6.
Two important links for anyone working with DNS
- Test your DNS - a very good idea if you've found this page because you were searching for help on making changes to it. Understand what your DNS does before you make any changes, so you can be sure it does at least as well afterwards.
- DNS and BIND - if you work with TCP/IP networking a lot, this book should definitely be on your shelf, unless you're making changes to your DNS, in which case it should be open on the relevant page on your desk while you do the work.
Oh yes. Don't forget that you might also need to recreate or update the reverse DNS lookup zone.