Do You Clear Old DNS Records When Buying a Used Domain?

[NiceNIC_COM]

When people check a used domain, they usually look at backlinks, archive history, trademarks, and past use. But old DNS records seem easy to overlook.

I've seen domains still carrying old TXT records, mail records, verification records, or CNAMEs from previous setups. Maybe most are harmless, but if you do not know what they connect to, it feels like a small risk to leave them there.

When you buy an expired or aftermarket domain, do you wipe the DNS zone first, or review each record before touching anything?

 

[barbosa]

better to wipe the DNS zone completely and start with a clean slate.

 

[NiceNIC_COM]

better to wipe the DNS zone completely and start with a clean slate.

Yes, I think that’s the safest way too. If I didn’t set the records myself, I’d rather wipe them and rebuild only what I actually need.