sendmail and service switch

[David Rodman]

The DNS server that holds the mx record I need went down, and I thought I had a fallback in the host file.
My nsswitch is configured to "dns files" , the record is in the host file.
but I still get a host unknown error in processing the mail.

any thoughts? Do I need to explicitly use the service switch file option in the sendmail config? (hp-ux11.00)

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi David:

Try this entry in your /etc/nsswitch.conf file:

files [NOTFOUND=continue] dns

...JRF...

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi David:

Take a look at document #KLTKBRC00005381 (Sendmail 8.x Setup Instructions). I think this better answers your question.

...JRF...

[Philip P. Hartl]

What is that document number referring to and how can it be accessed?

[James R. Ferguson · Accepted solution]

Hi:

To find the document I cited is from the Technical Knowledge Base (TKB).

Make sure that you are logged into the ITRC.

Click Maintenance and Support -> Search Technical Knowledge Base -> Select Search by Doc ID and enter the document number (KLTKBRC00005381) -> Search.

...JRF...

[David Rodman]

As stated in the document " how to setup sendmail"
If one intends to use a combination of services to resolve hostnames, for example, to attempt to use /etc/hosts first and if no server name is found, then DNS, for example:
hosts: files [NOTFOUND=continue UNAVAIL=continue TRYAGAIN=continue] dns

NOTE: only DNS will be utilized for sendmail lookups (/etc/hosts will not be consulted)
-------------?????-----------------------------
This means sendmail is not really honoring the service
switch config. How can I force sendmail to fall back on the host file while still using DNS as my primary names resolution service?