How do I create a DKIM?

DKIM is an important method for securing email communication and preventing email fraud. In this article we will take a closer look at DKIM, how it works, why it is relevant for your Plesk server and how you can implement it effectively.

When sending and receiving emails through your Plesk-based hosting service, it is essential to ensure the security and authenticity of your emails. Read on to learn more about DKIM and how you can protect your email communications.

Required for many email providers

Mail providers, such as Google’s gmail, no longer accept emails without a valid DKIM. This is how companies proceed to protect their customers from mail spam.

Where can I find the DKIM in Plesk?

Step 1: Log in to Plesk and navigate to your domain. Click on the “Email” tab and then go to the “Email settings”.

Plesk E-Mail Settings

Step 2: In the settings, activate the check mark for “Use DKIM spam protection system to sign outgoing e-mail messages”. Then click “Apply”.

Step 3: Click on “Configure external DNS” to get the key information for your DKIM:

DKIM Key

You need:

  • default._domainkey.dezio.dev. IN TXT "v=DKIM1; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQDJzy799GTmmolxda8Zd+HF18w11Zjs3QiP4R7LvtBTe9saLVvowLoBWjXh3YFMcT7Cs07hAMVPjJdcYeHVaa9k7Yy7m+PXXraVlZKtOjPw8MqhV6zyOI6YQ+k1tzh6cq7Yvj1W/C7HyMMBsiXh4NUNq+ksh9s5k1uCyYYM4uO2WQIDAQAB;"
  • _domainkey.dezio.dev. IN TXT "o=-"

How do I store the DKIM in the DNS Manager?

Now open Vionity and search for your domain in the navigation. Click on the corresponding DNS management.

Vionity Domain Management

Then click on “+entry”.

Add the default._domainkey key:

  • Record-Type: TXT
  • Name: default._domainkey
  • Content: The key provided by plesk "v=DKIM1; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQDJzy799GTmmolxda8Zd+HF18w11Zjs3QiP4R7LvtBTe9saLVvowLoBWjXh3YFMcT7Cs07hAMVPjJdcYeHVaa9k7Yy7m+PXXraVlZKtOjPw8MqhV6zyOI6YQ+k1tzh6cq7Yvj1W/C7HyMMBsiXh4NUNq+ksh9s5k1uCyYYM4uO2WQIDAQAB;" (mit Anführungszeichen!)
  • Save!

Then create the _domainkey:

  • Record-Type: TXT
  • Name: _domainkey
  • Content: "o=-" (mit Anführungszeichen!)
  • Save!

Your DKIM is now stored. The reliability of your e-mail delivery is now increased. Please note, however, that there may still be problems with sending e-mails, as many other factors play a role.

Domain Status: Pending Transfer

When you move a domain to Prepaid-Hoster, it usually happens quite quickly.

During the domain transfer, however, some TLDs (top-level domains) may experience a so-called “pending transfer” phase, which can last up to 7 days.

During this time, the current registrar checks the domain transfer and makes sure that all the information is correct. If there are no problems during this phase, the domain transfer is completed and the domain is transferred to the future registrar. For our part, we have no influence on the duration of a transfer.

If you have placed a domain transfer order and the status “Pending Transfer” is displayed, we recommend you to be patient. Our most popular TLDs (.DE and .EU) are automatically transferred to us within seconds of the transfer request, but for TLDs such as .NET and .COM the transfer process can take up to 7 days, which may result in a temporary “pending transfer” status. However, if you need more information, I will be happy to provide you with the current status of the transfer at any time.

My IP address is on a block list

IP address on block list – What to do?

If your IP address is on a block list, it means that it has been identified as a source of spam or other unwanted content. This can cause emails sent from your server to be blocked by certain email providers, such as Gmail or Yahoo.

The error message may look something like this:

SMTP error 550: 5.7.1 
Recipient not authorized, your IP has been found on a block list

Especially annoying: Outlook

Learn why Microsoft has blocked some IP address ranges and how we are working to improve email delivery quality.

Why can’t I send emails to Gmail or other email providers if my IP address is on a block list?

Email providers use block lists to filter unwanted emails and spam. If your IP address is on a block list, this can cause the emails sent from your server to be blocked by these providers. This can lead to important emails not being delivered and your communication being affected.

What can I do if my IP address is on a block list?

If your IP address is on a block list, you should contact our customer support. We can provide you with “clean” IP addresses that are not on block lists. This will ensure that your emails are delivered and your communication goes smoothly. Note, however, that in this case we need to know what kind of mail traffic you are sending. For private applications, we are guaranteed to always find a solution. For larger projects, such as transactional mails, we recommend other solutions.

Use DKIM & SPF

The use of DKIM and SPF can improve email delivery by verifying the authenticity of emails and ensuring that they come from a trusted sender.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is a method of verifying the authenticity of emails using digital signatures. It involves embedding a digital signature in the header of the email, which is verified by the receiving domain. If the signature is valid, the e-mail is classified as authentic and delivery is facilitated.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework), on the other hand, is a system that prevents emails from being sent from unauthorized servers. It involves creating an entry in the domain’s DNS record that specifies which servers are authorized to send email on behalf of the domain. When the receiving domain verifies that the server sending the email is listed in the SPF record of the sender domain, the email is delivered.

Using DKIM and SPF can improve email delivery because these systems verify the authenticity of the email and ensure that it comes from a trusted sender. This reduces the risk of emails being blocked by spam filters or moved to the spam folder, resulting in a higher delivery rate and improved communication.

How do I create a subdomain with a different IP address?

If you own a domain at Prepaid-Hoster, you automatically have a DNS manager in the web interface. This gives you the possibility to point your domain(s) to certain IP addresses. Open the desired domain in the navigation. To get to the DNS Manager, click on DNS Settings.

Now you can view and manage the different DNS records.

If you now want to set up a new subdomain, proceed as follows in the DNS Manager:

  • Click + New entry.
  • In the name you enter the subdomain identifier. You do not need to append your domain name.
  • In the content you now enter the desired IP address.
  • Leave A as the type, unless it is an IPv6 address. Then you select AAAA there.

To save the changes, click on “Save”. You can create more subdomains of this type almost endlessly.

Please note that it can take up to 24 hours before the DNS record actually works.

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DNS Manager in the web interface

Connecting domain with TeamSpeak

If you want to use your domain to connect to a TeamSpeak 3 server, just follow these steps:

  • Log in to the web interface and select your domain from the navigation menu on the left.
  • Select DNS settings.
  • Click on the + New SRV entry button
  • Now select TeamSpeak as service
  • Fill in the fields:
    • For Subdomain, enter either nothing, or a subdomain that you want to use. Leave it empty to be able to connect to your domain without any prefixed subdomain.
    • IP: Enter the address (domain or IP) of the TS3 server. Important: Without port specification.
    • Destination port: Specify the port of the TS3 server. Default: 9987
  • Save the form.

It can now take up to 24 hours until the DNS entry works. Please contact our support if it does not work. We will be happy to help you.

Create TeamSpeak SRV entry

My Domain Was Deleted. What Now?

If your domain expires or the related service ends, we will release the domain for deletion. Domains are usually paid for one year in advance. Once the year is over and the invoice hasn’t been paid on time, the domain gets deleted. This means you did not renew the domain.

Free Domains with Specific Services

With some of our services, you receive a free domain. If this service is canceled or not renewed, the free domain associated with it will also be deleted. If you want to keep the domain, you can request a restoration. However, note that this comes with additional costs – known as restore fees.

Restore Fees Overview

The fees to restore a deleted domain are set by the respective registry and can vary. Here are some examples:

  • .DE Domain: 21.99 Euro
  • .EU Domain: 70.99 Euro
  • .COM Domain: 123.99 Euro
  • .TV Domain: 123.99 Euro
  • .XYZ Domain: 123.99 Euro

You can request more prices from our support team.

Special Offers for Unlawful Deletion

If your domain was unlawfully deleted, we reserve the right to offer you a special deal. Since restore fees are quite high, we usually provide two domains for free to compensate for the loss. If you still prefer restoring the original domain, we will find a solution together.

Next Steps if Interested in the Domain

If you are still interested in the deleted domain, you can request a restoration through our support. The fees will include both the restore and renewal costs.

Avoid unnecessary costs by paying your invoices on time and renewing your services promptly when needed.

Can I have a domain name changed afterwards?

We have now already received in the support of the frequent questions, whether one could not change the domain xyz.de rented a few weeks ago to abc.de. For technical reasons this is not possible! A domain is registered by us for a whole year at the respective registry for the customer. Although it is usually possible to change the owner data and configurations of the domain at any time, it is not possible to change the domain name itself.

If you can’t do anything with the old domain within the booked year, you have to order a new domain for the full price.

Transfer Your Existing Domain to Prepaid-Hoster.de

Do you already have a domain with another provider and want to transfer it to Prepaid-Hoster.de to use all our domain management features or just keep everything in one place? It’s easy!

Go to the Domain Rental page and type your existing domain into the big domain checker at the top. After a short synchronization, the system will tell you that the domain is already registered and can only be transferred with an “Auth-Code”.

The Auth-Code is like a password needed to transfer a domain from one place to another. This protects your domain from being stolen by someone else. You need to generate this Auth-Code. Your current provider might have an online function for this, or you might need to contact them. At Prepaid-Hoster.de, you can request the Auth-Code easily with a click.

Once you have your Auth-Code, you can enter it after clicking on “Configure Transfer”. After confirmation, you will see all the details on the right side. If everything is correct, you can add the domain with the Auth-Code to your cart.

Please Note the Following

  • Just like ordering a new domain, you need to provide your address and phone number in the customer area. This is required by the domain registration authorities. If you want to protect your address details in the public Whois, please contact Prepaid-Hoster.de support, and we will discuss the options with you.
  • No matter how long your domain is still valid with your current provider, you will have to pay the yearly fee for the domain extension again, and the domain will be renewed for a full 12 months with us. We cannot transfer the remaining time from your old provider, even if the registrar supports it.
  • Double-check your Auth-Code. It usually consists of a long combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes special characters. Do not enter a fake code; otherwise, your order will be canceled, and you will need to contact support for the next steps.
  • Also, double-check your domain name.

Whois-protection possible?

The address data has to be correct when ordering a domain. This contains the name, address and the mobile number. We will check manually if those correspond to truth.

Protecting domain-data

Since the beginning of 2017 we are providing a special service on demand. This is to protect the data of the owner in the public net. Therefor the relevant whois-data will be replaced by a whois-protection-company. This provides a fully anonymity and the possible contact requests will be forwarded to you.

We can provide this for the following domain endings:

  • .net
  • .org
  • .com
  • .info
  • .biz
  • .co
  • .mobi
  • .tv
  • .name

Already existing protection for domains from the EU

Other endings can’t use the whois-protection.

Because of the GDPR guidelines, domain names within the EU region can not give an insight to your data. So this will not be seen online.

When is my Domain ready?

The first domain order of a customer has to be manually checked by an employee because:

  • We have to make sure that every personal data is existing and correct. Otherwise we can not accept the order.
  • Usually the domain owner is responsible for the correct use. We, as the provider do not want that the responsibility for the activities that happen on the service falls back on us – this would be the case if there is missing data.
  • The payment providers also take their part in this list. It has often happened in the past that the bookings with the payment service provider were revoked after the immediate provision of a domain. Since registrars charge us the domain fees directly when a domain has been registered, we need to make sure that the data is correct and the transaction safe.

These problems partly come as a result of our anonymous prepaid-system. Customers only have to store any data at purchases of domain bookings.

So please understand that we may need a bit more time to register your domain. Besides that, the worldwide DNS updates can take up to 24 hours but we promise that you will not experience any disadvantages as a result.

If you still have questions regarding this topic, please contact our support.