How to Change a System Domain Name

A domain name system, commonly known as a "DNS," is an Internet service that translates domain names into IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. This is useful because domain names are alphabetic and are easier to remember compared to numeric IP addresses. You can change your system domain name from the command line. Note that you will need to use a system tool called "Regfind.exe" to perform this task. You will also need administrative rights to access the system tool.

Instructions

1. Click the Start menu.

2. Type "CMD" (without the quotes) in the search box.

3. Right-click "cmd.exe" from the search results and choose "Run as administrator." This will launch Command Prompt.

4. Type the following command and press the "Enter" key:

   regfind -p HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\parameters "old DNS value" -r "new DNS value(s)"

   Replace "old DNS value" with your old system domain name. Replace "new DNS value" with the new domain name that you want to use.

5. Type "exit" (without the quotes) to close Command Prompt.

6. Reboot your computer to end the task.

References

• Microsoft: How to Change a Computer's Domain Name System Server from the Command Line
• Webopedia: DNS