Need advice

Job that entails DNS pointing from another server

[jlanders]

I was asked by a web owner to update her website that was created by another webmaster and is stationed on another web server. When I accepted the job, I was under the impression that the domain name would be transferred to my web host. After purchasing my new account with my web host, I was told the DNS would have to be pointed to my web host server, because it's an active web site. Of course, I would have no control over the web site, right? It's not my work to begin with, and the files wouldn't show anyway in my file manager. Has anyone experienced this situation? I have no idea how to handle it. Perhaps I should just bow out?

I appreciate your advice.

[Slade]

You have two choices:

1) You can get the login/password to the old host and do the updates there.

2) You can point their domain at your hosts DNS servers and do the updates on your new host.

If you choose 1, you can begin work immediately. Only choose this if the customer is on good terms with their current host and is happy with the service they are receiving. You can also cancel the account you requested with your host(since you won't need it.)

If you choose 2, you'll have to deal with DNS propogation delays(2-3 days). You'll also need to download everything related to their website and transfer it to your new host. Make sure you watch the traffic on the old host to make sure it's near zero before you cancel their old plan.

[jlanders]

Thank you very much, Slade.

Regards,
Jerilyn