Do You Clear Old DNS Records When Buying a Used Domain?

[nicenic]

When people check a used domain, they usually look at backlinks, archive history, trademarks, and past use. But old DNS records seem easy to overlook.

I've seen domains still carrying old TXT records, mail records, verification records, or CNAMEs from previous setups. Maybe most are harmless, but if you do not know what they connect to, it feels like a small risk to leave them there.

When you buy an expired or aftermarket domain, do you wipe the DNS zone first, or review each record before touching anything?

 

[katerleonid]

What’s the best way to clear DNS records, besides switching nameservers?

I’ve also seen many domain sales where the new owners don’t clear the old DNS records - not even the old nameservers.

 

[fka1080405]

What’s the best way to clear DNS records, besides switching nameservers?

I’ve also seen many domain sales where the new owners don’t clear the old DNS records - not even the old nameservers.

There are a few possibilities:

1. The new owner might receive the domain via a push within the same registrar which carries over the DNS records from the previous owner

2. The new owner might transfer to a registrar that copies available records through auto discovery

3. The new owner might not change the nameservers after receiving the domain name

The solution as a person selling a domain name is to clear out the DNS records before you push or transfer the domain name. As a result, even if the new owner does not change the nameservers, your old DNS records will not be served.

The solution as a person acquiring a domain name is to make sure that the domain is added to your account with your registrar's default nameservers instead of the previous nameservers. And if auto discovery is enabled, remove any records that were carried over.

 

[URL Stream]

What’s the best way to clear DNS records, besides switching nameservers?

I’ve also seen many domain sales where the new owners don’t clear the old DNS records - not even the old nameservers.

Good question.

Just curious, why do you ask?

 

[katerleonid]

I’ve seen many cases of DNS propagation issues. I work at a domain name registrar, and I often explain to clients how to solve these problems, so this is an interesting and personal subject for me.