Troubleshoot a hostname
If you have configured a hostname but are having trouble accessing your computer using your hostname, there are a number of steps you can take to find the problem.
Check the IP to which your hostname points
The first thing you will want to check is whether your hostname is pointed at your IP address. You can check this by logging in to your account and viewing the records for the appropriate zones. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
The IP address to which your hostname points will be displayed next to the hostname.
Hostname points to the default IP (65.98.99.51)
If your hostname points to the IP address 65.98.99.51, that means you have not provided the IP to which your record should point. You can set this by clicking the Edit link next to the record's name, or by having WinIP send an update for the record.
Hostname points to a local IP address
If your hostname points to an address that begins with "127.0", "192.", or "10.0", that means your hostname is pointing to your computers local IP address, and not your external address. In order for your hostname to be publicly accessible, it needs to point to your public address.
If you have determined that your hostname is pointing to your correct IP address but you cannot access your computer using your hostname, one of the following issues may be the cause.
A firewall may be blocking traffic
If either you or your ISP are running a firewall or router, it may be blocking on all or some ports. If you are running a firewall or router, make sure it is configured to allow traffic to pass through to your computer on the ports you wish to use.
Your service may not be configured or running
Please check the configuration of the service you are trying to access. Make sure your remote access server, web server, file server, or other service is turned on and configured to accept connections from the Internet, and not only locally.
Your ISP may have cached an old IP address
If your IP has recently changed, your ISP may be remembering your last IP. Normally, this will be resolved within a few minutes. If you know your IP has recently changed, wait awhile and try your hostname again.
Getting help
If you are not able to access your computer via your hostname and are unsure why, please contact us for help.