Error “Record with same hostname already exists” When Creating a CNAME in UltraDNS

This article explains why you receive the error “Record with same hostname already exists.” when attempting to create a CNAME record in UltraDNS and how to resolve the conflict.

Symptom

You receive the error message:

Record with same hostname already exists.

This occurs when attempting to add a CNAME record.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Login at UltraDNS.
2. Click on <yourdomain.com>.
3. Under CNAME, click Add+.
   1. Enter <Host>.
   2. Enter <Points To>.
   3. Click Save.
4. At this point you receive the error: Record with same hostname already exists.

Root Cause

No DNS record within a domain can share the same hostname as a CNAME record. According to DNS standards, a CNAME must exist alone and cannot coexist with other record types such as SOA, NS, A, TXT, or others using the same hostname.

Relevant RFC references:

• RFC 1034 – Section 3.6.2
• RFC 1912 – Section 2.4

Steps to Resolution

1. Login at UltraDNS.
2. Click on <yourdomain.com>.
3. Search for the hostname you are attempting to use for the CNAME.
4. Delete all DNS records that use the exact same hostname.
5. Under CNAME, click Add+.
   1. Enter <Host>.
   2. Enter <Points To>.
   3. Click Save.

Verification

• Confirm no other record types exist with the same hostname.
• Create the CNAME record again and confirm it saves successfully without error.

Related Articles

• UltraDNS Support Ticket Template