I was talking to someone whose website has been down for the entire weekend. It is an e-commece site, so this is not a good thing at all.
Unfortunately, they didn't know they should not do this, but they have at least 3 domain names with the exact same content. What happened, however, is that their web host is claiming to have problems with the domain name transfer.
However, I had no problems accessing their site before. I have only used one url to do this. When I did some searches for them, I discovered the multiple domain use and we are in the process of discussing ways to correct the problem (they have links pointing to unused domains).
They aren't seo people, they aren't even tech people, so they've relied upon the word of others and this is how they ended up with the domain duplication issue.
Right now, my main concern is trying to find out the real reason why neither of their two main domain names are working. They have (yes, moan!!) yet another not well used one, and that appears but all their subpages still point to one of the two unrecognized domains.
I know this is shooting in the dark, but does anyone have any ideas about what can also be happening, so that when people key in their primary url, why suddenly it isn't found?
thanks --
lightlady trying to help them out
Is that "transfer" a transfer between domain registrars, or are the clients just transferring a site's files from one hosting company to another?
If it's the former, the problem is probably paperwork or attitude. Either somebody read the instructions wrong or the old registrar just doesn't want to surrender a customer.
If it's the latter, it's probably a name server problem.
Either way, things you need to check:
1) Do a whois at the domain's registrar AND the domain registry level. Make sure the domain isn't expired, that the Administrative Contact is listing a current, valid email address, and that the name servers listed for the domain belong to the current webhost.
2) Query the nameservers with nslookup to make sure they're configured to provide name service for the domain that's down.
Now then, in reverse order:
If the name server isn't providing name service, it's the webhost's mistake. Tell them to fix their name servers.
If your client has an invalid email address in their WHOIS records, it's the client's fault. Either find out how to make that address valid, or how to change the listing to a valid address. (Which can be a serious pain in the ass with some registrars.) Most registrars won't transfer domains (to other registrars) if they can't contact the registrant through email.
If the WHOIS records are showing the wrong name servers (or none at all), find out how to change the listing yourself.
If the domain name is expired, renew it. You can't change or transfer anything while it's expired.
