After your IT team adds DNS records to your domain provider, use these verification steps to confirm everything is working properly, then complete validation within Almabase. The site will automatically migrate within 24 hours of successful validation.
Access the Verification Tool
Navigate to MXtoolbox.com - a free DNS lookup service that checks your domain configuration in real-time.
You'll verify both your CNAME records (website routing) and TXT record (domain verification) using the specific values from your Almabase DNS instruction email.
Verify CNAME Records
What you're checking: Confirming your subdomain correctly routes to Almabase servers
Step 1: Test Your First CNAME Record
1. Enter your full subdomain in the search box (e.g., "connect.riverside.edu")
2. Select "CNAME Lookup" from the dropdown menu
3. Click the search button
Step 2: Check the Results
If configured correctly, the "Canonical Name" field should match the "Points To" value from your DNS instructions:
✅ Success example:
Domain Name: connect.riverside.edu
Canonical Name: demo.almabaseapp.com
Status: DNS Record Found
❌ Error example:
Result: DNS Record not found
Status: Failed lookup
Step 3: Test Your Second CNAME Record
Repeat the same process for your mail subdomain (e.g., "mail.connect.riverside.edu")
Verify TXT Record
What you're checking: Confirming domain ownership verification is properly configured
Step 1: Test Your TXT Record
Enter the full TXT record host from your instructions (e.g., "m1._domainkey.connect.riverside.edu")
Select "TXT Lookup" from the dropdown
Click the search button
Step 2: Validate the Record Content
The "Record" field should contain the exact verification string from your DNS instructions:
✅ Success indicators:
Status shows "DNS Record Found"
Record content starts with "k=rsa; t=s; p=..."
Complete verification string matches your instructions
❌ Common errors:
"DNS Record not found"
Missing spaces after "k=rsa;" or "t=s;"
Truncated or modified verification string
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: "DNS Record not found"
Most likely causes:
DNS propagation delay - Wait 30-60 minutes and try again
Incorrect host entry - Double-check you're using the full domain name for testing
Provider hasn't applied changes - Verify records appear in your DNS management panel
Issue: Wrong CNAME destination
Diagnosis: Run this test to confirm double-domain error:
Search for: "connect.riverside.edu.riverside.edu" (with domain repeated)
If this shows "demo.almabaseapp.com", your DNS provider added the domain twice
Resolution: Return to your DNS management panel and remove the main domain portion from your Host entries.
Issue: TXT record content mismatch
Common problems:
Missing space after "k=rsa;" (should be "k=rsa; t=s;")
Missing space after "t=s;"
Extra characters or line breaks in the verification string
Resolution: Copy the TXT value exactly as provided in your DNS instructions, including all spaces and formatting.
Final Verification Checklist
Before proceeding to Almabase validation, confirm:
Both CNAME records return "demo.almabaseapp.com" (or your specific server)
TXT record shows complete verification string starting with "k=rsa; t=s;"
All lookups return "DNS Record Found" status
No error messages appear in any verification tests
Timeline note: DNS changes can take 2-24 hours to fully propagate across all internet servers. If verification fails initially, wait and retest before troubleshooting.
Validate in Almabase Platform
After external verification passes, return to your Almabase domain settings to complete the final validation.
Step 1: Access Domain Validation
Navigate to Settings > Site Settings > Domain Settings in Almabase
You should see your DNS records with their current status
Click "Validate Domain" to test the connection
Step 2: Confirm Successful Validation
✅ Success indicators:
Green checkmarks appear next to all DNS entries
Status column shows "Validated" for each record
No error messages appear
"Domain validation successful" confirmation message
❌ If validation fails:
Review your MXtoolbox results above
Wait 30-60 minutes for DNS propagation
Retry validation in Almabase
Important: Automatic Migration Process
Once validation succeeds in Almabase, your site will automatically migrate to the custom domain within 24 hours.
If You're Ready to Launch:
No action needed
You'll receive email confirmation when migration completes
Alumni can access your site via the new domain
If You're NOT Ready to Launch:
Immediately email dataops@almabase.com with:
Your institution name
The domain you validated
Request to halt migration
This allows you to complete domain setup while continuing launch preparations on your beta URL.
Request Final Activation
Once all verifications pass successfully:
Screenshot your results showing successful CNAME and TXT lookups
Contact your Almabase account manager or submit a support request
Include verification screenshots to expedite the activation process
Your custom domain will be live within 24 hours of Almabase confirming your DNS configuration.
Having trouble with verification? Contact dataops@almabase.com with your MXtoolbox screenshots for personalized troubleshooting.