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Update DNS on Your Dedicated/Virtual Dedicated Server

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Last Updated: November 14, 2008 8:52 AM

If you have a Windows dedicated server running Plesk 8.6 or lower or are using the DNS service BIND (Berkeley Internet Name Domain) with a version lower than 9.4.2 or Microsoft DNS without patch 951748, we advise you to update your DNS service.

To Update BIND

Windows Dedicated Servers with No Control Panel running Microsoft DNS

Run windows update to allow Windows to download and install all necessary security patches. This update should include patch 951748 which resolves this issue. If you have already installed all possible Windows updates then you have this patch installed and are secure.

Windows Virtual Dedicated Servers with No Control Panel Running Microsoft DNS


DO NOT attempt to run Windows updates. Our administrators will include this patch with their next round of updates to your virtual dedicated server environment.

Windows Dedicated and Virtual Dedicated servers with No Control Panel running BIND

Download and install and updated version of Bind from BIND’s Web site.

Windows Dedicated and Virtual Dedicated servers running Plesk

Plesk servers use BIND as their DNS service. Any version of Plesk below 8.6 should be upgraded immediately. You may either upgrade to Plesk 8.6, or you will need to manually update your version of BIND on your server.

To Manually Update BIND

  1. Log into Remote Desktop as an administrative user.
  2. In the lower left hand corner click on the red and white Plesk icon to open the Plesk service monitor.
  3. Place a check mark next to the DNS service and select Stop.
  4. Close the Plesk services monitor.
  5. Click the Start Menu and select Run.
  6. Type %plesk_dir% and press Enter.
  7. In the new window that opens copy the folder named dns and paste to your Desktop to create a backup.
  8. Go to the BIND Web site, Select BIND 9.4.2-P2, and download the zip file for the Windows 2000/XP/2003 Binary Kit.
  9. Extract the zip file and run the BINDInstall.exe application.
  10. Keep the default values. Type a password and confirm the password in the two blank fields. Click Install.
  11. You will receive a pop-up when the installation was successful.
  12. Exit the installer.
  13. Click the Start Menu and select Run.
  14. Type %plesk_dir% and press Enter.
  15. Right-click on the dns folder and select Properties.
  16. Select the Security Tab and click Add.
  17. Type named in the box. Click OK.
  18. Click OK in the Properties box.
  19. Double click on the dns folder to open it.
  20. Right click on the etc folder and select Properties.
  21. Click the Security tab.
  22. Highlight the user "named".
  23. Place a check in the box next to Modify and click OK.
  24. Right click on the var folder and select Properties.
  25. Click the Security tab.
  26. Highlight the user "named".
  27. Place a check in the box next to Modify and click OK.
  28. In the lower left hand corner click on the red and white Plesk icon to open the Plesk service monitor.
  29. Place a check next to the DNS service and select Start.

Once this is complete your server will be patched and upgraded.

NOTE: This is the general process and should work in most cases; however as the server administrator you are responsible for understanding your server configuration and will be responsible to troubleshooting any errors that arise from the above procedure.