Changing hosts

How do I change from my host

[aek]

Recently my website went down and my host appears to have gone under. I have tried contacting them for the last couple of weeks but with no joy. (The hosts website is down also). Has anyone got any idea how I go about transferring my domain to a new host as it looks unlikely my present host will release it for me.
Thanks in advance.

[txbakers]

You'll need to find where your domain name resides. If your name was parked on old hosts name server you might have a problem. If your name is parked where you registered it, it's a very easy process to move it to a new host.

Please contact me directly and I'll give you some options.

[brotherhood of LAN]

aek, word of advice

shop around before you settle for a new host. Take into account what just happened. A reliable host is key in any event.

[EliteWeb]

First off find a host that will suite your needs, make sure they have a good connection and have positive feedback from others on the 'net. You don't want to go with a host just because they are the cheapest deal. Experience to show for works well with chosing a hosting company.

Once you find your new host you will need to transfer your domain name, a whois lookup at netsol.com will show where it was registered, ie: bulkregister, godaddy, verisign etc. Then see what the contact information for the domain name is, if it is something like webmaster@HOSTNAME (the website that is offline) you will need to contact the registrar and go with the long transfer unless you can supply them a login and password to verify it is you right there.

;)

[aek]

Hi thanks for the info.

I remembered that their is another problem also. When the domain was registered initially the host who was also the domain reseller registered the wrong registrant details. It should of been the same as the admin contact. I tried to get them to change it but it never was. This is the whois info and the name servers are of the host which I can't contact. I managed to get hold of the person I was dealing with initially who used to own the company but he had sold it on. Even though he didn't own it anymore he was very nice and refunded my domain and hosting fees but he couldn't get in touch with the new owners. But I still have the problem of transfering the domain? Do I need to contact Dotster or first do I have to contact the person who I have never heard of or should I just get a new domain name?

Any help is appreciated.

(edited by: Marcia at 1:46 am (utc) on April 9, 2002)

[oilman]

aek - I recommend contacting the person named as the registrant in the whois info first. If that doesn't work I would then follow up with the registrar. If the domain is a company name and you have letterhead you can fax them with to help support you claim to the domain you may have a shot.

If the domain doesn't mean that much to you and you'd be just as happy with a new domain then that may be the best solution for you. You need to weigh your time against the value of the domain. Is it worth potentially hours of your time to chase? Only you can decide.