> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tcpshield.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tcpshield.com/troubleshooting/invalid-hostname.md).

# Invalid Hostname

If your server shows "Invalid Hostname" when querying on the serverlist, this usually means you are accessing a domain (or IP) pointed to our network, but not actually registered within our database.

![Example of the error](/files/-MWXXtUUrT0-1spm51-R)

## Causes

* You have a SRV record pointed directly to your `example.ipv4.tcpshield.com` CNAME
* You are connecting directly to your CNAME (similar to SRV)
* You have not registered and verified your domain with TCPShield
* Your [root domain](https://world.siteground.com/kb/what-is-a-root-domain/)\* is not verified on our panel (usually behind an SRV record)
* You have misspelled your domain name when entering it in the dashboard

## Fixes

* If you have an SRV record, ensure it is going to a target that is registered on TCPShield (for example a subdomain that is already pointing to the protected CNAME)
* Make sure you have your root domain is added and verified on the TCPShield web panel.
* Ensure the domain you're attempting to reach is registered within your dashboard, with a reachable backend IP
* If it is registered, ensure it is spelled properly
* \*It's important to note that `domain.com` (your root domain) and `xxx.domain.com` (your subdomain) are two different types of domains.