Setting Up a Custom Domain: Host Monster

Before reading the Host Monster hosting set up specifics, first read how to set up your custom domain for an overview of hosting setup.

CNAME Record

First, login to your Host Monster Control Panel

Locate the Domain Management section and click “DNS Zone Editor.”

Pick the correct domain, select “Add DNS Record” and specify the appropriate settings:

  • Host Record: www
  • TTL: 14400
  • Type: CNAME
  • Points to: Paste the Destination/Target – s.multiscreensite.com

Click save and a CNAME will be created. Your domain is now linked up!

Note: domain setting propagation may take up to 48 hours; do not make any changes to the settings within this period.

Pointing the Root Domain to “WWW”

This step ensures that if visitors do not enter the “www” in front of your URL, they will be pointed to the www version of the site. You no longer need to set up a redirect, as a new feature now allows you to point the root domain directly to Architect.

To set this up, add the two A records listed in the domain instructions to your DNS settings.

FIRST A RECORD

Here you can specify the appropriate settings:

  • Type: A
  • Host: @
  • Points to: Paste the Destination/Target you copied – 35.172.94.1
  • TTL: Leave as default

Note: if you receive an error message for the host section when using the @ symbol, leave this field blank.

Click save.

SECOND A RECORD

  • Type: A
  • Host: @
  • Points to: Paste the Destination/Target you copied – 100.24.208.97
  • TTL: Leave as default

Note: if you receive an error message for the host section when using the @ symbol, leave this field blank.

Click save.

Regenerate your SSL Certificate

After you have successfully added the above A records, regenerate your SSL certificate; this will allow Architect to generate a certificate for your root domain as well as your “www” version.

In your site editor, select the Settings section, click on “SSL Certificate” and click “Recreate Certificate.”

If the option to Recreate the Certificate does not appear, you can click “Remove Certificate” and “Generate Certificate” to achieve the same result.

This will bring up a confirmation popup. If you see any errors, check your A records to ensure they were properly added.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you originally setup your domain using a CNAME and a 301 Redirect, you will need to remove the 301 Redirect in order to add the new A-Records. A 301 Redirect is no longer required. A-Records are a better approach for linking up the domain, and old sites should be transitioned to this new system as soon as possible.
  • All domain registrars vary in their wording for various features and setup process. If you’ve made the changes above and your site is not displaying within 24 hours, it’s often worthwhile to contact your domain registrar and verify you’ve done each step correctly.
  • You may need to regenerate your SSL certificate after making any major DNS changes. The certificate can be removed / refreshed easily from the site settings window.