Pre-Existing Exact-Match Domain Validation Process

INTRODUCTION

The following are the detailed steps an applicant will need to take in order to ensure their Sunrise AD application is complete for registration of their .XXX domain name(s) prior to November 2, 2011 at 12:00pm ET. We recommend that you contact your Webmaster or Technical Contact for assistance with the following process. Watch this Video for a brief overview of the Pre-Existing Exact-Match Domain Validation Process

OVERVIEW OF VALIDATION PROCESSES

Two validation checks will be performed on Sunrise AD domain name applications. In order for the application to be successfully validated, at least one of these checks must pass. The purpose of the checks is to confirm a relationship between the pre-existing IANA (Grandfathering) domain name (e.g. example.com) and the exact-match domain name applied for in Sunrise AD (e.g. example.xxx).

In order to prepare for the validation check, the Sunrise AD applicant (and prospective example.xxx registrant) must obtain the .XXX "Application ID" (DOMAINID or ROID) from the applicants' Network Solutions® Account Manager. By "Application ID", we are referring to the unique string, sometimes referred to as the Domain ID (DOMAINID) or Registry Operator ID (ROID).

Below are the steps where you can locate your "Application ID" via your Network Solutions Account Manager. Once you've located your "Application ID", follow the steps below to complete the validation process.

Once the Sunrise AD applicant/prospective example.xxx registrant has obtained the "Application ID" from their Network Solutions Account Manager, it is necessary for validation purposes that this string must appear in one or both of two locations as follows:

Location 1

In an empty text (.txt) file, prefixed with IPROTA_ (including the underscore), and located in the document root of the website located at www.example.com as per the following example: IPROTA_[DOMAINID].txt

Location 2

IPROTA_[DOMAINID] must be added to the TXT (Text) record of the DNS for the domain name example.com

Electronic checks will be undertaken at regular intervals. Failure to place the .XXX "Applicant ID" in either Location 1 or Location 2 will result in an overall failure of the Sunrise AD application. However, providing a positive outcome is achieved on at least one check, and the application qualifies in other respects, it will be validated.

KEY STEPS FOR APPLICANTS

  1. First, ensure the following:
    1. domainname in domainname.xxx being applied for is a pre-existing exact-match with domainname in domainname.gtld or domainname.cctld, whichever is being used as the pre-existing IANA TLD (Grandfathering)
    2. domainname.gtld or domainname.cctld, whichever is being used as the pre-existing IANA TLD was first registered prior to February 1, 2010
  2. Then, apply for Sunrise AD domainname.xxx through Network Solutions
  3. Then, obtain the string of validation characters (known as the "Application ID", DOMAINID or ROID) from your Network Solutions Account Manager.
    1. Go to https://www.networksolutions.com/manage-it/index.jsp and log into your account
    2. Under "My Domain Names" select "Pre-Registered Domains" link
    3. Next to the .XXX domain name in the chart select the "View Details" link
    4. The popup will contain a field named "Application ID (Registry ROID)" - this is the ID that is needed
  4. Then, place the "Application ID" in at least one of two locations as detailed below. Putting it in both locations will do no harm.
  5. The validation agent will make repeat checks to ensure you have done this and will use this as an essential check for the validity of your Sunrise AD application. Doing this correctly is important.

Location 1:

  1. Use a basic text editor, or other program, to create a new, empty file
  2. Save the file using "save as" with the following details:
    • Filename: IPROTA_DOMAINID
    • Save as type: Text Documents (*.txt)
  3. The saved file should now have the following name
    • IPROTA_DOMAINID.txt
  4. Copy the file you have just created i.e. IPROTA_DOMAINID.txt to the website at www.domainname.gtld or www.domainname.cctld (whichever is being used as the pre-existing IANA TLD that is the exact-match to the domainname.xxx domain name applying for in Sunrise AD). The file IPROTA_DOMAINID.txt must be in the top level directory or "document root" of the website. The validation agent will check for the existence of the file IPROTA_DOMAINID.txt in this location

Location 2:

  1. Log on to the domain name control panel provided by your registrar of the pre-existing IANA TLD (Grandfathering).
    1. If your pre-existing domain is with Network Solutions, follow these steps
      1. Log in to Account Manager: https://www.networksolutions.com/manage-it/index.jsp
      2. Under "My Domain Names" select the ">Edit DNS" link
      3. Select the pre-existing IANA TLD related to the .XXX domain you are registering and select "Edit DNS"
      4. On the Edit Domain Name Servers page select "Manage Advanced DNS Records"
      5. Scroll down until you see the section "Text (TXT Records)" and select "Edit TXT Records"
      6. The following screen will show you fields which you can then enter the IPROTA_DOMAINID into for the .XXX domain name application you are associating to the pre-existing IANA TLD. Leave the HOSTNAME (or Host) field blank, and enter IPROTA_DOMAINID into the Comment (or TXT Value) field. By leaving the HOSTNAME blank, the TXT record you create will be a root record
      7. Select "Continue" at the bottom of the page
      8. You will then Confirm Your Request and hit "Save Changes"
    2. If your pre-existing exact-match domain is NOT with Network Solutions and you need help please contact your domain provider for assistance.
      1. Locate the area to modify the DNS settings for the pre-existing IANA TLD
        • This DNS modification area should be labeled something like: Manage DNS (Modify the zone files associated with your domain)
        • Locate the area within Manage DNS where you can add or update a DNS record. There should be options to create/modify records such as A Record, CNAME or TXT records. Sometimes a TXT record is referred to a TXT (SPF) or an SPF record
        • Leave the HOSTNAME (or Host) field blank, and enter IPROTA_DOMAINID into the Comment (or TXT Value) field. By leaving the HOSTNAME blank, the TXT record you create will be a root record

Watch this Video for a better understanding of the Pre-Existing Exact-Match Domain Validation Process.