How to test a site before DNS are valid ?

L

Line Yoble

Verified User
Joined
Feb 4, 2009
Messages
38
Hello,

I've read somewhere on this site that when I want to test an installed domain on my server, before the DNS servers are set (the domain is currently hosted elsewhere and I don't want to change the domain's DNS before I'm sure it works here), I just have to type :
Code: 
http://<ip-address>/~<user>/<domain-name>
where <user> is currently admin.

But when I type this URL, I get the 404 error :
The requested URL /~admin/<domain-name> was not found on this server.

When I type only
Code: 
http://<ip-address>/~admin
I get the default page of the first domain I have installed on my server (as a test only).

So, my question seems obvious : how can I test any other domain pages without the domain's DNS servers being set?

Thanks.

Line
 
The best way is to change the hosts file on your computer to point to the new ip address and then access your site like normal and it will go to the new ip. Don't forget to delete the line in the hosts file later.
 
Thanks ! It works fine !

The only remaining problem is that I need to change my hosts file each time I want to switch from my current domain pages to the newly hosted same pages.
Sure my tests won't last long, but is there no other easier way ?

What about this URL which doesn't work on my server ?
 
I have got an other fine way !

In user mode, just display the list of domains page, check the one to test and click the "Set as default" button.
Now, using the URL http://<ip-address>/~admin displays the default domain pages, the one I want to test.

Hope this may help others.
 
doesn't work

Hi
This is not working for me. It goes to a page with an orange background and loads of keyword links on it about weight loss and how to get your ex back! All I need is a link which I can give to my client in a different office to check that they're happy with their site before I change the DNS to put it live on their domain name. Can anyone help?

Suzanne
 
I'm guessing that what you're seeing is a parking page provided by your registrar.

Exactly what did you do? Did you make a change to your local hosts file? Exactly what did you type into your URL bar in your browser.

What specific method didn't work?

Generally you should make the change to your local hosts file; it's the only way to assure that you'll see what will be seen after the site is live.

You can also add to the account an alias, using a subdomain name of a site already on your server (your own site?). That may or may not work.

Jeff
 
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