All I want to do is pay for the renewal of the domain. Can I do this through any third party or do I have to go through the original hosting company? (they haven't responded at all)
Thing is, it's my main email account and I'm losing emails every day this gets delayed.
They are also the registrar
OR
They registered themselves as the domain owner
OR
They didn't list you as one of the contacts for the domain.
However, as was pointed out, you WILL need to go through the original registrar.
When a domain expires, there is a redemption period of at least 30-days (varies by registrar, but I believe ICANN says 30 days is the minimum). During this time you should be able to renew through the registrar. You will not be able to do it through another registrar (by means of a transfer) though.
Where did you get that crazy idea? I've changed registrars with less than 5 days remaining sometimes, and every single name I've ever transferred I've done so with less than 60 days remaining.
What you can't do is change registrars if it's been registered less than 60 (or is it 90, I forget, because as I said I never do it) days. So it's 60 days from first registration, not 60 days from expiration.
John_K seemed to answer the original question fine so I won't add to it.
Here are the details :
Domain Name:
mysite.co.uk
Registrant:
My Company Name
*** This Registration has been SUSPENDED ***
Registrant's Agent:
Fasthosts Internet Limited [Tag = FASTHOSTS]
URL: [fasthosts.co.uk...]
Relevant Dates:
Registered on: 26-Jan-2000
Renewal Date: 26-Jan-2004
Last updated: 25-Aug-2002
Registration Status:
Renewal required.
So, that's about 6 weeks since the expiry date.
What are my options now?
As it is essential you don't waste any time over this, I would suggest phoning Nominet immediately (details somewhere at nominet.org.uk). Ask their advice, they are very helpful (but only on the phone during business hours, they don't use email much).
What you want to do is to get the "isptag" moved to somewhere where you can renew the domain, but ask them the best way to go about this, in the right sequence. They are the people to ask.
I've had similar problems with several UK registration companies over the years, until I moved the domains to under my own control.
So, I can just phone them and they'll advise where I can renew it (doesn't have to be through them)?
Nominet are effectively the wholesalers of .co.uk domains, so they try to discourage retail orders.
I see on the nominet site they now suspend a site for 60 days then delete it, so you'll need to get a move on.
They seem to have a new policy since last november, so your only options may be to get fasthosts to take some notice of your attempts to reorder (again, phone calls seem to be the only way to get attention at British companies) or pay up the 80 pound direct fee.
Doesn't look like the option of getting the tag moved to another registrar like 1and1.co.uk or godaddy.com is available any more, but you could try asking Norminet for all your possible options.
The £80 renewal fee through Nominet is only applicable in cases where you wish to renew directly with Nominet, rather through one of their tag holders. It's there to discourage people from renewing with Nominet directly, as this involves a great deal of extra administration at their end.
As long as you - or your company - are listed on the WHOIS record as the Registrant, Nominet should be able to sort the domain out for you. You will need to arrange for a new host to become the tag holder for the domain - Nominet should explain the process though - they're a pretty good bunch!
R.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to provide FastHosts with an account number, or the email address I used when I bought the domain. It was 5 years ago!
Basically, I can't prove I own the domain. I've searched everywhere for the cerificate (which I could fax them), but it was only a flimsy piece of paper, and I'm moved house since then.
Anyone had a similar experience?
Looks like I'm losing my domain :-(
I wasn't able to provide FastHosts with an account number, or the email address
You mean that Fasthosts refuse to accept your money simply because you can't give them their internal account number from five years ago?
If you don't own the domain, why would you pay them? It doesn't give you any more control than if they'd simply accepted the money in the first place, it's still on the same nameservers with the same owner details (your name).
Get back on to Nominet and explain that Fasthosts is refusing to help you (won't accept any payment). They should be able to give you another option. See the "changing your registration agent FAQ" on their site.
Don't give up yet. But check the status daily to grab it back (choose a new reg agent now) if it gets deleted.
If it shows your registered company name, you should be able to have it renewed via Nominet by providing certain documentation that's printed onto your company headed paper.
If is shows your personal name, the same applies - you just have to use your personal name and address instead of company paper!
If Fasthosts aren't forthcoming, contact Nominet again and explain the situation. It may be possible to have the domain suspension lifted and the IPS tag moved to another provider, who can then renew on your behalf.
If the domain has value to you, don't give up on it!
R.
I've sent off a detailed request to Fasthosts, and offered to fax them a copy of old bank statements (headed with my trading name) as proof of ownership.
If that doesn't work, I don't know what will.
Will keep you posted.
They might keep a record of the changes made and so be able to see what the previous contents were and may come to the conclusion that it is your domain that way.
It can't hurt to give them a call.
I'm not going to even bother questioning this and all the hassle I've had so far. I just want my domain back, so I've given them new card details. They say it'll be back up in a couple of days.
Sounds too easy after all that, but hey, I'm not complaining :-)
