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# Understanding the "Nameserver Update Failed" Notification

If you've received an email with the subject **"Nameserver Update Failed"**, it indicates that the attempt to update the domain’s nameservers was unsuccessful. This usually happens when the specified nameservers do not have a valid DNS zone set up for the domain.

### Why does this occur?

The .za namespace requires that nameservers be authoritative over a domain before accepting any nameserver updates. This means a DNS zone must already exist for the domain on the specified nameservers.

### How can I resolve this?

To resolve this issue, ensure that your domain has an DNS zone/hosting package on the specified nameservers. Here’s what you can do:

###### When Hosting with Elitehost:

* **Add the Domain as an Alias or Addon Domain:**

If you already have a hosting package, you can add the domain as an **alias** (to redirect to another domain) or, if you have a Plus or Pro plan, as an **addon domain** (to host a separate website on the same account). For detailed instructions, please refer to these articles:

   - [How do I add a new website as an addon domain in cPanel?](/en/article/how-do-i-add-a-new-website-as-an-addon-domain-in-cpanel-me8fcq/)
   - [How do I add a parked/alias domain in cPanel?](/en/article/how-do-i-add-a-parked-alias-domain-in-cpanel-3p1d5/)

   Once the domain is added in cPanel, [update the nameservers for the domain](/en/article/how-can-i-change-or-update-the-nameservers-for-my-domain-1blr9s3/) via our Client Area to force a nameserver check.

* **Order Hosting for the Domain:**

If you plan to host this domain with us, you’ll need to order a hosting package through our Client Area, which will create the necessary DNS zone. Once the hosting account is activated, [update the nameservers for the domain](/en/article/how-can-i-change-or-update-the-nameservers-for-my-domain-1blr9s3/) via our Client Area to initiate a nameserver check.

###### When Hosting with Another Provider:

If your domain is registered with us but hosted elsewhere, you’ll need to contact your hosting provider to ensure that a valid DNS zone exists for your domain on their nameservers. Once a valid DNS zone is in place, update the nameservers for the domain via our Client Area to force a nameserver check.

### Need Assistance?

If you require any further assistance please contact our [support team](https://my.elitehost.co.za/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=14) or email helpdesk@elitehost.co.za.

Following these steps should allow the nameserver update to proceed successfully.