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How do I disable recursive DNS queries on my Windows dedicated or virtual dedicated server with Plesk?

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Last Updated: August 19, 2008 5:07 PM

For information on recursive DNS, see What risks are associated with recursive DNS queries?.

To Disable Recursive DNS

  1. Log in to Plesk as admin.
  2. On the left hand side under the System Group click Server.
  3. In the main panel under the Services heading select DNS Settings.
  4. Select the DNS Recursion Tab.
  5. Place the dot next to the Allow for local requests only.
  6. Click the Set button.

If you do not have the options in Plesk you will need to follow the manual update path below:

NOTE: To perform this procedure, you must be a member of your local computer's Administrators group or have the proper authority delegated to you.

  1. Log in to your dedicated or virtual dedicated server.
  2. From the Start menu, click Run.
  3. If you are running Windows dedicated hosting with Plesk, type the following command in the Open: textbox and press Enter:
    notepad "C:\Program Files\SWsoft\Plesk\dns\etc\named.user.conf"
    If you are running Windows virtual dedicated hosting with Plesk, type the following command in the Open: textbox and press Enter:
    notepad "C:\SWSoft\Plesk\dns\etc\named.user.conf"
  4. Modify the file so that one and only one "options" instruction exists. It should look like the one below:
    options { allow-recursion {localnets; }; };

    Add the instruction if one does not exist or remove duplicate instructions.
  5. Save and close the file.
  6. From the Start menu, click Run.
  7. Type cmd and press Enter.
  8. From the command prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    net stop named
    net start named