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General DNS Configuration

This guide covers CNAME record configuration for most DNS providers, hosting companies, and domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, HostGator, Bluehost, and others.

Platform-Specific Guides

For Cloudflare users, see our Cloudflare Setup Guide. For cPanel hosting, see our cPanel Setup Guide.

Configuration Steps​

1. Access DNS Management​

For Domain Registrars (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.):

  1. Log into your domain registrar account
  2. Navigate to "Domain Management" or "My Domains"
  3. Click "Manage DNS" or "DNS Settings"

For Hosting Providers:

  1. Log into your hosting control panel
  2. Look for "DNS Zone Editor", "DNS Management", or "Advanced DNS"
  3. Select your domain from the list

2. Create Primary CNAME Record​

  1. Click "Add Record" or "Add New Record"
  2. Configure the tracking record:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: dre2 (or dre2.yourdomain.com if your provider requires full domain)
    • Target: app.datareshape.net
    • TTL: Auto or 3600
  3. Click "Save" or "Add Record"

3. Create SSL Validation Record​

  1. Click "Add Record" again
  2. Configure the SSL validation:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: _acme-challenge.dre2 (or _acme-challenge.dre2.yourdomain.com if your provider requires full domain)
    • Target: dre2.yourdomain.com.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com (replace yourdomain.com with your domain)
    • TTL: Auto or 3600
  3. Click "Save" or "Add Record"

4. Verify Configuration​

Your DNS records should appear as:

TypeNameTargetTTL
CNAMEdre2 (or dre2.yourdomain.com)app.datareshape.net3600
CNAME_acme-challenge.dre2 (or full domain)dre2.yourdomain.com.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com3600

Provider-Specific Notes​

GoDaddy​

  • Navigate to "DNS" → "Manage Zones" → "Add Record"
  • Use short format: dre2 and _acme-challenge.dre2

Namecheap​

  • Go to "Advanced DNS" → "Add New Record"
  • Use short format: dre2 and _acme-challenge.dre2

Other Providers​

  • Most providers follow similar patterns
  • Try short format first (dre2), then full format if required
  • Look for "DNS", "Zone Editor", or "Domain Settings"

Common Issues & Solutions​

Cannot Find DNS Settings​

Symptoms: No DNS management options visible Solution:

  1. Check if DNS is managed externally (Cloudflare, etc.)
  2. Contact provider support for DNS access
  3. Look for alternative terms like "Zone Editor" or "Domain Settings"

CNAME Record Conflicts​

Symptoms: Cannot create CNAME due to existing records Solution:

  1. Remove any existing A, AAAA, or TXT records for the same subdomain
  2. Only one record type per subdomain is allowed
  3. Delete conflicting records before adding CNAME

Wrong Record Format​

Symptoms: Error messages about invalid format Solution:

  1. Try short format (dre2) vs full format (dre2.yourdomain.com)
  2. Some providers auto-complete the domain
  3. Check provider documentation for format requirements

DNS Not Propagating​

Symptoms: Records don't resolve after 24+ hours Solution:

  1. Verify record values are exactly correct
  2. Check TTL settings (lower values propagate faster)
  3. Use DNS checking tools to verify from multiple locations

Next Steps​

  1. Contact DATA Reshape team to confirm setup completion
  2. Implement tracking code using your custom subdomain
Success Indicator

Your DNS configuration is complete when both CNAME records resolve correctly. SSL certificates generate automatically within 24-48 hours.

Support Resources​

Your DNS Provider:

  • Contact through your account dashboard
  • Check provider documentation

DATA Reshape Support:

When requesting support, include:

  • Your DNS provider name
  • Domain name and chosen subdomain
  • Screenshots of DNS records
  • Any error messages encountered