Symes Solutions Hosting Guide
Hosting, DNS & Cloudflare Setup Guide
This guide explains the DNS and nameserver options for clients hosting their website with Symes Solutions. It is intended to help you understand what may need to be updated so your domain, website and email work correctly.
Important: DNS Setup Is Not Included With Hosting-Only Services
Hosting-only services include the hosting account itself. They do not include DNS setup, Cloudflare setup, email DNS migration, domain registrar changes, Microsoft 365 setup, Google Workspace setup or third-party verification records unless specifically stated.
DNS and Cloudflare setup may be included if you have purchased a website creation package from Symes Solutions, or it can be quoted separately as a technical setup service.
Your Domain Remains Yours
Your domain name remains registered to you unless you specifically request a domain transfer.
You can keep your domain with your current registrar and update either the domain nameservers or the individual DNS records so your domain points to your Symes Solutions hosting account.
Option 1: Use Symes Solutions Nameservers
For a standard hosting setup, you may choose to point your domain to the Symes Solutions nameservers listed in your hosting welcome email.
Your exact nameservers will be shown in your hosting account email. They may look similar to:
| Nameserver | Use the value from your welcome email |
|---|---|
| Nameserver 1 | Provided in your hosting welcome email |
| Nameserver 2 | Provided in your hosting welcome email |
Note: If your email is already working through another provider, you must confirm your email DNS records before changing nameservers. Changing nameservers without moving the correct email records can stop email from working.
Option 2: Use Cloudflare for DNS Management
For many businesses, we recommend using Cloudflare for DNS management where suitable.
Cloudflare allows your domain to remain registered with your current registrar while DNS records are managed from a clear central dashboard.
| Benefit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Central DNS management | DNS records can be managed in one clear place instead of relying on different registrar interfaces. |
| Security options | Cloudflare can assist with basic website protection and SSL/HTTPS settings when configured correctly. |
| Performance options | Cloudflare can provide caching and performance tools for suitable website assets. |
| Easier future changes | Website hosting, email, Google verification and third-party records are easier to manage over time. |
| Domain ownership stays with you | Your domain can stay registered with your current registrar while Cloudflare manages DNS. |
Important: Cloudflare setup is a technical task. It is not included with hosting-only plans unless it has been quoted separately or included as part of a website creation package.
Suggested Website DNS Records
The exact records depend on your hosting server, email provider and domain setup. The records below are general examples only.
| Type | Name | Value / Target | Cloudflare Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | Symes Solutions hosting server IP | Proxied or DNS only | Points the root domain to the website hosting server. |
| CNAME | www | @ | Proxied or DNS only | Points www to the root domain. |
| A or CNAME | Mail server hostname or IP | DNS only | Required for email. | |
| CNAME | webmail | mail.yourdomain.com.au | DNS only | Optional webmail shortcut. |
| A or CNAME | cpanel | Hosting server hostname or IP | DNS only | Optional cPanel shortcut. |
| CNAME | ftp | @ | DNS only | Optional FTP shortcut. |
Important: Mail, webmail, cPanel and FTP records should normally be set to DNS only in Cloudflare, not proxied.
Email Records Must Be Checked Carefully
Before changing nameservers or moving DNS to Cloudflare, confirm where your email is hosted.
If your email is already working, do not delete or replace MX, SPF, DKIM or DMARC records unless you know exactly which email provider is being used.
- Symes Solutions / cPanel email
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
- Another third-party email provider
Email DNS records are not always the same as website DNS records. Incorrect DNS changes can stop email from sending or receiving.
Cloudflare Proxy Guidance
Cloudflare uses a proxy setting for some records. The orange cloud means proxied. The grey cloud means DNS only.
| Record | Recommended Cloudflare Setting |
|---|---|
| Website root @ | Can be proxied once SSL and website behaviour are confirmed. |
| www | Can be proxied once redirects and SSL are confirmed. |
| DNS only. Do not proxy. | |
| MX records | DNS only by design. |
| webmail / cpanel / ftp | Usually DNS only. |
| TXT verification records | DNS only. TXT records are never proxied. |
Common DNS Mistakes To Avoid
- Changing nameservers before checking existing email records.
- Deleting existing MX, SPF, DKIM or DMARC records.
- Proxying mail, webmail, cPanel or FTP records through Cloudflare.
- Mixing Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and cPanel mail records incorrectly.
- Using old IP addresses or records copied from another domain.
- Sending passwords, API keys or verification codes through unsecured messages.
- Assuming hosting-only purchase includes DNS or Cloudflare setup.
DNS Propagation
DNS changes are not always instant.
Some changes may appear within minutes, while nameserver changes can take longer to update across the internet. In some cases, DNS propagation may take up to 24–48 hours. During this time, your website or email may behave differently depending on your internet provider, location and cached DNS records.
Need Symes Solutions To Set This Up?
If you purchased a website package from Symes Solutions, DNS and launch setup may be included depending on your package or quote.
If you purchased hosting only and would like us to review, configure or migrate your DNS or Cloudflare records, please contact us for a separate quote before making changes.
