Knowledgebase

Local email messages on a Plesk server are not delivered: Found DMARC record contained a bad token value

The error message "Found DMARC record contained a bad token value" indicates that there's an issue with the DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record in the DNS configuration for your domain.

Here are steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

  1. Review DMARC Record:

    • Log in to your DNS management interface (either in Plesk or your domain registrar's control panel) and check the DMARC record for your domain. Make sure it's properly formatted and doesn't contain any syntax errors.

    • The correct format for a DMARC record might look something like this:

      CSS
      v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your@email.com
  2. Check for Syntax Errors:

    • Ensure that there are no typos, missing semicolons, or incorrect characters in the DMARC record.
  3. Verify Subdomains:

    • If your domain has subdomains, make sure that the DMARC policy is set appropriately for them. You can use a wildcard to apply the policy to all subdomains.

    • For example:

      CSS
      _dmarc.yourdomain.com. IN TXT "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your@email.com"
  4. Validate DMARC Record:

    • Use online DMARC validation tools to verify the correctness of your DMARC record. These tools can help identify any syntax errors or issues with the record.
  5. Check for a Bad Token Value:

    • Review the DMARC record to ensure that all values, including tokens, are correctly set according to DMARC specifications.
  6. Remove Invalid Characters:

    • Ensure that there are no special or invalid characters in the DMARC record that could be causing the error.
  7. Apply a Valid DMARC Record:

    • If you've identified any issues with the current DMARC record, update it to a valid and properly formatted one.
  8. Check for DNS Propagation:

    • After making changes to your DNS records, remember that it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. You can use online DNS propagation checkers to monitor the progress.
  9. Review DMARC Documentation:

    • Consult the official DMARC documentation and guidelines to ensure that you're following best practices for setting up DMARC records.
  10. Monitor Email Delivery:

    • Once you've resolved the DMARC record issue, monitor your email delivery to ensure that local messages are now being delivered correctly.

If the issue persists or if you're unsure about any specific DMARC configuration, consider seeking assistance from your hosting provider, domain registrar, or a professional with experience in DNS and email configuration.

  • 0 Users Found This Useful
Was this answer helpful?