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For Google Analytics, I had to prove that I owned my domain. I added a TXT record to do this. I also had to prove to Microsoft that I owned my domain by uploading a file (BingSiteAuth.xml) to my site.
Now that I'm up and running with Analytics and Webmaster tools for Google and Bing, can I remove these verification records, or will that break analytics? Does leaving the record and file there pose any kind of security risk?
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From Google Webmaster Tools support: We recommend that you don't delete the file from your server. Better stick with their recommendations since it's a small file and won't cause you any trouble. Edit: Some people there say that their Google Apps Email got broken after they deleted their verification file.
You can delete a TXT record at any time.
Google gives you a TXT verification record to add to your domain host's DNS records. When Google sees the record exists, your domain ownership is confirmed. The verification record does not affect your website or email.
its perfectly fine. since you alerady have one account authenticated you could simple add another one from domain options in GWT rather than ading another external verification. You could do the same by adding this account as admin to GA account for this domain.
No, you shouldn't remove any of the verification files or DNS records. Google will periodically recheck your site and if it doesn't succeed you will lose access to WMT, for example. See this WMT support page:
Removing the record from your server can cause your site to become unverified, and you will need to go through the verification process again.
I'm not 100% sure but I think Bing will do the same. It makes sense because a domain owner or the roles of administrators might change and you don't want anyone who ever had access to your site's data to keep that access right forever.
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