How to Set Up Virtual Mail Server

Virtual Mail Server - list.yourdomain.com

mailing list option available: $35 one time setup fee

As a list owner, you can always change your "mailfrom" and "reply to" settings to whatever you like, and this is included with your list at no cost. However, you can add even more customization to your list by having your list appear as if it is on its own mail server... as a virtual mail server. Another name for a virtual mail server is a Cname (which stands for canonical domain name), or a subdomain. It is simply the term used to describe the words before your domain name, such as list.yourdomain.com. Net Atlantic offers this service for a one time cost of $35.

If you would like your mail to appear to come from address such as

list.yourdomain.com or
announce.yourdomain.com or
someotherterm.yourdomain.com

...then just follow these 3 simple steps:

Step 1

Decide on a name for your virtual mail server. Here are some examples:

list.yourdomain.com
announce.yourdomain.com
members.yourdomain.com
discuss.yourdomain.com
newsletter.yourdomain.com
vip.yourdomain.com
my.yourdomain.com
host.yourdomain.com

The following names are reserved by your ISP and should NOT be used:

news.yourdomain.com
mail.yourdomain.com
ftp.yourdomain.com
www.yourdomain.com

Let's say, for example, that your choice is list.yourdomain.com...

Step 2

Contact the company that hosts your domain name. Talk to either support or the DNS Team.

Tell them that you would like to create a new canonical domain name (also known as "C Name")

list.yourdomain.com to point to:

yourmailservername.netatlantic.com
yourmailservername

should be replaced by the name of the server that hosts your mailing list. If you do not know the name of the server, please contact Net Atlantic's technical support.

Example: If your mail server name is "host", then your canonical domain name list.yourdomain.com should point to host.netatlantic.com

Note: If your domain registrar (such as Register.com) or web site hosting company provides you with a control panel (such as cPanel), you may be able to create a virtual server name yourself. Simply follow the instructions in your control panel with gives directions on setting up Cnames, virtual server names, or subdomains. Note: in most cases you are prompted for a web address to point to with your virtual server name, which is:

http://yourmailservername.netatlantic.com

You may be prompted for an IP address rather than a web address. If you do not know this information, please contact Net Atlantic technical support.

Step 3

Once that has been completed, notify us at support@netatlantic.com and we will set up your virtual mail server address so that your mail server is identified with your new address:

yourmailservername.yourdomain.com

Questions and Answers

Will creating a virtual server name or Cname interfere with my regular email that I receive at my domain name?

No, it will not. Just make sure to create a Cname. Do not change any settings in your MX Record.

Is it OK to use the server IP address rather than the server name?

Yes. But it is preferable to use the server name as listed above.

How long does it take before the new Cname will start to work?

About 12 to 24 hours.

What does Net Atlantic charge to set up a Cname?

$35 one time setup fee

What's the difference between a Cname and an MX Record?

A Cname is a new creation, address or entity. It is simply a way to map or point to a specific location, such as a Net Atlantic mail server. An MX Record is a setting that affects ALL your regular email coming into your domain name. Normally, you should never edit or make changes to your MX Record unless you are a server admin, or network admin, and need to make major changes to the way your email is managed and directed.