I have installed Apache on Windows 2000 Professional. This is my first time trying to setup a web server. I have everything working and I'm able to connect to http://localhost.

Here's my question. I have my own domain name and wanted to know how to configure the web server to access my domain name. I have edited the httpd.conf file servername with mydomain.com instead of localhost. Do I now need to change the nameservers with my registrar to ns.mydomain.com (ip address of cable connection) and ns2.mydomain.com (ip address of cable connection) to get my domain to resolve to the web server? I have a feeling there's more to it than this.

Please note: I'm just trying to play around with Apache and will not host my web site off a cable connection.


Thanks for the help!

You gotta register the name servers first. The best way would be if your domain registar provides its own dns info. Then you can just forward the ip and not have to worrie about that stuff.

Why dont you try turning on DNS on your server and configuring the domain name locally, then make sure in your tcp/ip settings that your server uses itself to resolv domain names. This should allow you to use any domain name without registering it.

Originally posted by jkca
Why dont you try turning on DNS on your server and configuring the domain name locally, then make sure in your tcp/ip settings that your server uses itself to resolv domain names. This should allow you to use any domain name without registering it.


Wouldn't I only be able to access the domain name locally?

I eventually want to co-locate a Windows Server Running Apache. I do need to run some Windows applications on the server.

I need to understand how to setup the DNS with private nameservers. How can I setup NS.MYDOMAIN.COM with my registrar and get everything working on my Windows machine?

its generally a good idea to get it working locally then when all the bugs are worked out, switch the nameservers over to your DNS servesr and then the whole world can see your stuff. Your registrar should have some help files on how to switch your nameservers over to your own DNS server.

Originally posted by jkca
its generally a good idea to get it working locally then when all the bugs are worked out, switch the nameservers over to your DNS servesr and then the whole world can see your stuff. Your registrar should have some help files on how to switch your nameservers over to your own DNS server.

I'm registered with NetSol and see the Host Manager. I see where I can add nameservers but I don't believe anyone has answered my questions (either that or I'm still confused). If I register my nameservers as NS.MYDOMAIN.COM and NS2.MYDOMAIN.COM... should I enter my ip address from my cable connection in the "ip address" fields? Will I then be able to access my domain in about 72 hours or is the ip address field used for the dns servers of my ISP?

First off, you need to have a static IP address, you need to give your registrar your primary DNS server IP address and secondary if you want, then you have to wait a few hours until the root nameservers updates, then you should be able to see your domain to start resolving. Basic idea is that your registrar has the job of telling the world that NS.MYDOMAIN.COM is the authoritative nameserver for MYDOMAIN.COM.

Thanks. I'll add my ISP's (2) dns server numbers with my registrar and not the static ip address.

Do I have to edit anything else related to the domain name within the httpd.conf file to get the domain to resolve?

Also, does Apache for Windows include an SMTP server? If so, where and how do I configure it?