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DNSer
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If every time you reconnected to your service provider and had to manually update your IP address at DynDNS it would drive you insane. Well thankfully others have been down this road and designed utilities to make life that little easier.
{Note: A newer version of this write-up can be found here}
DNser
DynDNS recommend several automatic update utilities I use DNser from XS a great little utility and deserves adding to the DynDNS list. It has no flashy interface, completely unobtrusive and sits in the background doing its job. It has flexible batch file control more importantly in keeping with the Uniform Server philosophy it is portable does not use the registry or leave crud on your PC.
Where to find it:
For the latest version visit XR website at http://www.access.si/DNSer/index.htm. My description is for Version 2.0 the documentation is excellent however, I like working examples for a quick start hence read on.
What does it do:
It installs a service that continually monitors your IP address on detecting a change logs into DynDNS using your name and password. Updates all domains you specify in a configuration file to your current IP address.
How to install:
Unzip the file DNSer.zip to any folder the zip file contains only three files. Do not look for an installation file there isn't one.
- DNSer-ReadMe.rtf --- Instruction manual
- DNSerSvc.exe --- Program
- DNSerSvc.ini --- Configuration file
How to run:
Just type these instructions into a command window:
Start a command window (start > run type cmd into run box)
- DNSerSvc.exe /install (Install as as a Windows service)
- NET START DNSerSvc (Starts the service)
- NET STOP DNSerSvc (Stops the service)
- DNSerSvc.exe /uninstall (Removes the service -- Stop it first before using this command)
I mentioned batch files you create these yourself. They are not strictly required however they do save typing and having to remember what the instruction are.
Note: When using a memory stick add a few lines to the stop
batch file to uninstall the DNSer service from your host PC.
I will cover the batch files later however you must first set up the configuration file.
Configuration Set-up:
The configuration file (DNSerSvc.in) looks overcomplicated because it contains templates catering for other free dynamic DNS services. For the sake of clarity, I have removed all irrelevant entries and concentrate only on DynDNS.
DNSer requires three pieces of information. Your user name and password used to access your DynDNS account and the domain names that you created. For this example, I will use the following:
- Name = fred
- Password = insperation
- Host (Domain) = fredtest.got.dns
- Host (Domain) = fredtest.mine.nu
The reduced DNSerSvc.in file is shown below I have highlight the parts you neet to change with you own information.
| ;-------------------------------------------------; ; This is a template. ; ; You should specify your own settings. ; ; Please consult the manual for more information. ; ;-------------------------------------------------; ;Section [Source] specifies how DNSer should get your router's IP address [Source]
[Srv2] |
Here are those extremely complex batch files I mentioned OK they match my one brain cell point is I find it easier to double click as opposed to all that typing.
1_install_dns.bat
| echo off :: This little batch Installs DNS update service DNSerSvc.exe /install |
2_un_install_dns.bat
| :: This little batch UN-Installs DNS update service :: Stops the service first if running NET STOP DNSerSvc DNSerSvc.exe /uninstall |
3_dns_start.bat
| :: This little batch start DNS update service NET START DNSerSvc |
4_dns_stop.bat
| :: This little batch stops DNS update service NET STOP DNSerSvc |
Common Folder
Make sure all the files are placed into a common folder these file are listed below:
- DNSerSvc.exe --- Main DNSer program
- DNSerSvc.ini --- Your modified configuration file
- 1_install_dns.bat --- Installs DNSer service
- 2_un_install_dns.bat --- Stop DNSer and un-install it
- 3_dns_start.bat --- Start DNSer
- 4_dns_stop.bat --- Stop DNSer
Note 1: Once DNSer is installed and started, it runs in the background. Automatically loads and runs every time PC switched on.
Note 2: DNSer activity is logged in the file DNSerSvc.log created when DNSer is first ran, check it out for failed attempts and other information
Testing
Install and start DNSer, connect to your service provider and check IP addresses at DynDNS, reported and stored IP addresses are identical. If different force DNSer to update (stop and then start forces an update every time DNSer starts) and re-check DynDNS.
Note: Your firewall will challenge DNSer access to the Internet always allow access. No challenge you may have a security issue.
Final test start Uniform Server and type your domain name into a browser and ebjoy your webs pages.
Where to next
Look at the site map you may find something of interest. The Uniform Server forum contains a wealth of information worth a visit.
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