After receiving your DNS configuration details from Almabase, you'll need to add these records through your domain provider's control panel. This technical setup is typically handled by your IT team or network administrator.
Note: We have taken GoDaddy, (a domain name provider) as an example in this article.
While the screens are specific to this provider, the steps are more or less going to remain the same for any provider you use.
Access Your Domain Management
Log in to your domain provider account (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and navigate to your domain management section.
For GoDaddy: Click Domains from the main menu
For other providers: Look for "Domain Management," "DNS Management," or "DNS Settings"
Navigate to DNS Settings
Locate your target domain and click "Manage DNS" or equivalent option.
You'll see your current DNS records displayed in a table format. Scroll to the bottom and click "Add" to create new records.
Add the DNS Records
You'll be adding three types of records from your Almabase DNS instruction email:
CNAME Records (Website Routing)
What these do: Direct traffic from your custom domain to Almabase servers
1. Click "Add" and select "CNAME" from the Type dropdown
2. Host field: Enter only the subdomain portion
✅ Correct: "connect"
❌ Incorrect: "connect.yourschool.edu"
3. Points to field: Copy the exact value from your DNS instructions
4. TTL: Leave as default (1 Hour)
5. Click "Save"
Critical note: Most providers automatically append your main domain. If your DNS instructions show "connect.riverside.edu" but your main domain is "riverside.edu", enter only "connect" in the Host field.
TXT Record (Domain Verification)
What this does: Proves you own the domain and authorizes the connection
1. Click "Add" and select "TXT" from the Type dropdown
2. Host field: Enter the exact host value from your instructions (usually starts with "m1._domainkey")
3. TXT Value field: Copy the entire verification string exactly as provided
- Include all spaces after "k=rsa;" and "t=s;"
- Any missing or extra characters will cause verification to fail
4. Click "Save"
Example TXT values:
Host: m1._domainkey.connect
Value: k=rsa; t=s; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQD...
Common Configuration Mistakes
Problem: "Double domain" error
Cause: Provider automatically adds your main domain, creating entries like "connect.riverside.edu.riverside.edu"
Solution: Remove the main domain from your Host entries, using only the subdomain portion
Problem: TXT record fails validation
Cause: Missing spaces in the verification string
Solution: Ensure spaces appear after "k=rsa;" and "t=s;" exactly as in your instructions
Problem: Records not appearing immediately
Cause: DNS propagation delay
Solution: Wait 15-30 minutes before testing; changes can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate
Verify Your Changes
After adding all records, your DNS management page should show:
Two CNAME records pointing to your Almabase server
One TXT record for domain verification
All records showing "Active" status
Next steps:
Verify your configuration using MXtoolbox (external verification)
Have your project manager validate the domain within Almabase
Important: If not ready to launch, email dataops@almabase.com immediately after validation to halt automatic migration
The site will automatically move to the custom domain within 24 hours of successful Almabase validation.
Need help with your specific DNS provider? Email us at dataops@almabase.com for any guidance.