Summary
Troubleshooting SPF validation errors in Pardot requires a multi-faceted approach. Start by ensuring your SPF record includes Salesforce's sending infrastructure using the 'include:_spf.salesforce.com' mechanism. Be aware of the 10 DNS lookup limit to avoid 'PermError' by keeping the SPF record concise, minimizing 'include' statements, and removing unused entries. Validate SPF record syntax and ensure correct usage of SPF mechanisms such as 'a', 'mx', 'ip4', and 'ip6'. Utilizing online SPF testing tools helps diagnose syntax and configuration issues. Check for DNS propagation delays after updates. If sending from multiple sources, authorize all in the SPF record. Implement DMARC for enhanced authentication and monitoring. Salesforce infrastructure changes can also impact SPF validation if not properly configured. Having multiple SPF records is incorrect and will cause validation errors.
Key findings
- Salesforce Inclusion: The SPF record must include Salesforce sending infrastructure (e.g., 'include:_spf.salesforce.com').
- DNS Lookup Limit: SPF records have a 10 DNS lookup limit; exceeding it causes 'PermError'.
- Syntax Errors: Incorrect SPF record syntax (e.g., missing 'v=spf1') is a common issue.
- Multiple SPF Records: Having multiple SPF records is incorrect and can cause deliverability problems.
- DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays after SPF record updates can cause temporary validation failures.
Key considerations
- Third-Party Senders: Authorize all third-party senders (e.g., Pardot) in the SPF record using 'include'.
- SPF Record Testing: Regularly use online SPF testing tools to validate the SPF record's configuration.
- DMARC Implementation: Implement DMARC to monitor and enforce SPF and DKIM authentication.
- Infrastructure Changes: Be aware of possible infrastructure changes on the sending side that could affect SPF validation.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
Troubleshooting SPF validation errors in Pardot involves several key steps. First, verify your SPF record for syntax errors and ensure it includes Pardot's sending domains (include:_spf.salesforce.com). Ensure you only have a single SPF record. Be mindful of the DNS lookup limit (10) by keeping your record concise. Use online SPF record testing tools to validate your record. If sending from multiple locations, include all authorized sources in your SPF record. Implementing DMARC policies can also help manage and monitor authentication.
Key opinions
- SPF Record Syntax: Incorrect syntax in the SPF record is a common issue. Ensure it starts with 'v=spf1' and includes valid mechanisms.
- DNS Lookup Limit: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit of 10 can cause SPF PermErrors. Keep your SPF record concise.
- Missing Pardot Domains: The SPF record must include Pardot's sending domains (e.g., include:_spf.salesforce.com) to authorize Pardot to send emails on behalf of your domain.
- Online SPF Testing Tools: Online SPF record testing tools can help diagnose issues with your SPF record by validating syntax and configuration.
- Single SPF record: Ensure that there is only one SPF record created
Key considerations
- Multiple Sending Locations: If you send emails from multiple locations or services, ensure all authorized sources are listed in your SPF record.
- DMARC Implementation: Implementing DMARC policies can help monitor and manage SPF validation issues, providing better email authentication.
- Regular Validation: Regularly validate your SPF record using online tools to ensure it remains correctly configured.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that a common mistake is having incorrect syntax in the SPF record. Make sure the record starts with 'v=spf1', uses correct mechanisms (e.g., 'include', 'a', 'mx', 'ip4'), and ends with a 'qualifier' such as '-all' to define the default behavior.
6 Jun 2023 - Email on Acid
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains the first step to solve a SPF PermError (which causes validation errors) is to look at the SPF record. There is a 10 DNS lookup limit, including includes, redirects, a, mx etc. If the SPF record exceeds the 10 DNS lookup limit an SPF PermError is returned.
17 Dec 2023 - Stack Overflow
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
Troubleshooting SPF validation errors in Pardot involves several potential areas of investigation. One possibility is that Salesforce may have updated its infrastructure, leading to SPF issues if not properly configured. Additionally, verify that your SPF record correctly authorizes Pardot as a third-party sender using the 'include' mechanism. Consider potential issues with DNS propagation after updating SPF records. Finally, utilize tools like SPF Inspector to identify common errors such as syntax problems and exceeding DNS lookup limits.
Key opinions
- Infrastructure Changes: Salesforce infrastructure updates might cause SPF issues if not properly configured.
- Third-Party Authorization: Ensure Pardot is properly authorized as a third-party sender in your SPF record using the 'include' mechanism.
- DNS Propagation: Incorrect DNS propagation after updating SPF records can lead to validation errors; allow up to 48 hours for changes to propagate.
- SPF Inspector Tools: Tools like SPF Inspector can identify syntax errors and DNS lookup limit issues in SPF records.
Key considerations
- Verify Pardot Authorization: Double-check that your SPF record includes the necessary 'include' statement to authorize Pardot to send emails on your behalf.
- Monitor DNS Propagation: After making changes to your SPF record, monitor DNS propagation to ensure the updates are reflected across the internet.
- Utilize SPF Inspection Tools: Regularly use SPF inspection tools to proactively identify and address potential issues with your SPF record.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that one cause of SPF validation errors is incorrect DNS propagation. If you've recently updated your SPF record, allow sufficient time (up to 48 hours) for the changes to propagate across the internet. During this time, you might encounter inconsistent results.
25 Dec 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that they offer a tool called SPF Inspector to check and validate your SPF records. The SPF Inspector identifies common errors such as syntax issues, exceeding the DNS lookup limit, and incorrect usage of mechanisms.
31 Mar 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Troubleshooting SPF validation errors in Pardot requires careful attention to SPF record configuration. Ensure your SPF record includes Salesforce's sending IPs using the 'include' mechanism. Be mindful of the DNS lookup limit of 10, which can be exceeded by excessive 'include' statements. Properly use SPF mechanisms like 'a', 'mx', 'ip4', 'ip6', and understand the function of the 'all' mechanism to define the default behavior at the end of the record.
Key findings
- Salesforce Inclusion: To properly configure SPF for Pardot, you must include Salesforce's sending IPs in your domain's SPF record using the 'include' statement.
- DNS Lookup Limit: Exceeding the DNS lookup limit of 10 is a common cause of SPF errors. Be cautious when using multiple 'include' statements.
- SPF Mechanisms: SPF records should include mechanisms like 'a', 'mx', 'ip4', 'ip6', and 'include' to specify authorized sending sources.
- All Mechanism: The 'all' mechanism indicates the end of the SPF record and the default action to take if none of the preceding mechanisms match.
Key considerations
- Limit Includes: Be cautious when using multiple 'include' statements to avoid exceeding the DNS lookup limit.
- Proper Syntax: Ensure all SPF mechanisms are correctly defined and point to the appropriate servers/IP addresses used by Pardot.
- Default Behavior: Understand the implications of using different qualifiers with the 'all' mechanism (e.g., '-all', '~all') to control how non-matching emails are treated.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that an SPF record should include mechanisms such as 'a', 'mx', 'ip4', 'ip6', and 'include' to specify authorized sending sources. Ensure these mechanisms are correctly defined and point to the appropriate servers/IP addresses used by Pardot.
2 Feb 2022 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from Salesforce Help explains that to ensure proper SPF configuration in Pardot, you need to include Salesforce's sending IPs in your domain's SPF record. This involves updating the SPF record at your DNS provider with the necessary 'include' statement for Salesforce.
10 Jan 2022 - Salesforce Help
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