OZ-KBA-3020: Staging Addresses and ColdFusion Hosting Subscriptions

This KB will explain:

•    Why won’t the Staging Address work for ColdFusion
•    Notes on Modifying your Computer to Allow a Testing Domain
•    Modifying your hosts file to point your Domain at the OzHosting.com Server

Article

Why Won’t the Staging Address work for a ColdFusion Subscription

Unfortunately it is not possible to use the Staging Address for a ColdFusion Subscription as our ColdFusion Servers cannot have One Site with Multiple Domain Aliases.

It is possible to use Domain Binding to have Multiple Domain Names serving the same content though.

Notes on Modifying your Computer to Allow a Testing Domain

If you have not re-delegated your domain name yet it is possible make changes on your local computer that will allow you to test the ColdFusion Subscription.

NOTE: These instructions are provided as a guide and will vary depending upon your computer’s Operating System and/or Network settings. OzHosting.com is not responsible for any loss of data or other issues that may occur through your use of the instructions provided below.

Modifying your hosts file to point your Domain at the OzHosting.com Server

This is a complex operation and we recommend that only an IT Professional should attempt this.

1.    First we need to determine the IP address of the server that your ColdFusion Subscription is currently on
a.    Navigate to https://my.ozhosting.com and Login
b.    Click All Domains
 
c.    Click the ColdFusion Domain
d.    Click the DNS Tab
 
e.    Click the DNS Records Tab
 
f.    You will now be viewing the current DNS Records for your domain name. Note down the IP address used for the Domain Name, ie: A example.com 116.213.5.25
 
2.    Now we want to modify the hosts file on your computer. If you are unsure of what the hosts file is then please consult an IT Professional. Incorrect setup of the hosts file may cause issues with your computer

a.    In your hosts file you will need to add a line like the following:
       IP-Address    domainname.tld
       Example – 116.213.5.25        example.com

3.    When you browse to example.com from the computer where you modified the hosts file it will send your request directly to the OzHosting.com server without checking where the actual domain is delegated to. All other computers will still look up the delegated address and will see the old site until the domain is delegated.

4.    Once testing and development are complete you will need to remove this entry from your hosts file.