Knowledgebase

Managing DNS Redirects in BusyRacks (Firstserv Guide)

If your domain is using Firstserv hosting nameservers, redirects should be configured within cPanel.

However, if your domain is using BusyRacks (Firstserv DNS Manager), you can create redirects directly from your DNS settings in the Client Area.

Check Your Nameservers

To manage DNS via BusyRacks, your domain must use the Firstserv nameservers:

ns1.firstserv.com  
ns2.firstserv.com

✅ If your domain uses these, you can manage redirects in BusyRacks
❌ If not, DNS redirects will not apply

Accessing BusyRacks (DNS Manager)

1. Log in to your Firstserv Client Area
2. Navigate to DNS Records (BusyRacks) in the left-hand menu
3. You’ll see a list of domains with active DNS zones
4. Click Edit next to the domain you want to manage

Creating a Redirect

To add a redirect:

1. Click Add Record
2. Set the Type to:

HTTPRedirect

Set the Name (Host)

• Use:
  • @ → to redirect the main domain (e.g. yourdomain.com)
  • www or another value → to redirect a subdomain

✅ Example:

• @ → redirects yourdomain.com
• blog → redirects blog.yourdomain.com

Set the Destination URL

Enter the full URL you want visitors redirected to:

https://example.com

Choose a Redirect Type

You’ll need to select an HTTP status code:

• 301 (Moved Permanently)
  → Best for permanent redirects (SEO-friendly)

• 302 (Temporary/Found)
  → Temporary redirect, original URL remains indexed

• 307 (Temporary Redirect)
  → Like 302 but strictly preserves request method

• 308 (Permanent Redirect)
  → Like 301 but preserves request method

✅ In most cases, use 301 (Permanent)

TTL (Time To Live)

• Controls how long DNS records are cached
• Default value is usually fine

Save the Redirect

• Click Create Record

✅ Your redirect will begin working once DNS updates propagate

SSL Support

When using BusyRacks for redirects:

✅ Redirects are automatically served over HTTPS
✅ No additional SSL setup is required

Nameserver Requirements

If your domain is not yet using Firstserv nameservers:

• You may see a warning in BusyRacks
• Redirects won’t work until DNS is active

To Enable BusyRacks

Update your domain to:

ns1.firstserv.com  
ns2.firstserv.com

Or use the “Automatically update nameservers” option (if available)

When to Use cPanel Instead

If your domain:

• Points directly to your hosting account, or
• Uses Firstserv hosting nameservers

👉 Use:

• cPanel → Domains → Redirects

Summary

• BusyRacks is Firstserv’s DNS Manager for external DNS control
• Use it to create redirects when using:
  • ns1.firstserv.com
  • ns2.firstserv.com
• Add an HTTPRedirect record
• Use @ for root domains or specify subdomains
• Choose 301 for permanent redirects

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether to use BusyRacks or cPanel for redirects, the Firstserv support team is happy to help you choose the best option for your setup.