Dedicated And Shared Servers

One of the biggest problems in transferring a domain from a previous host is the amount of work involved. If this is your first time transferring a domain this can be nerve wracking. Even experienced webmasters get the jitters when thinking about all the things can go wrong when transferring:

1. Files

2. Databases

3. Scripts

There are webhosts that will transfer primary domains free of charge to new accounts/clients up to 30 days after signup. If you have an add-on domain a custom price quote may be needed. Letting your new web hosting provider’s technical support staff do the domain transfer for you can potentially take a load off your shoulders. A good tech support staff will be able to answer questions about problems should they occur during your domain transfer.

1. You will need to provide your ftp login information username and password for your old web host.

2. Change DNS (domain name servers) at the old account to those provided by the new host.

3. Provide domain name at old account

4. IP address

5. Hostname

6. Provide new host with with your ftp login username and password on their servers.

7. Your email address

8. Name or type of control panel used at your old host.

Typically a transfer will take about 24 hours; depending on the complexity of the domain transfer this can take up to 72 hrs or longer. Remember your new webhost will probably have other

clients in queue and this should be taken into account.

Do not cancel account with your former webhosting provider until you have change DNS (domain nameservers). Then, verify that the transfer has been completed properly and everything is in working order.

It is not necessary to transfer the domain name registration to your new host to have your website reside on their servers. You need only to point your domain to the new host by using their nameservers or DNS numbers.

If you plan on transferring domain registration to your current hosting provider then your website must be at least 60 days old.  Before requesting a domain registration transfer:

1. Update whois information
2. Update DNS information to those of your current host before transferring
3. Fill out a transfer application/form with new registrar
4. Unlock domain
5. Get an EPP ( Extensible Provisioning Protocol) authorization key from current registrar. The key is issued to gTLD (generic top level domains) and some ccTLD (country code top level domains). EPP keys help prevent domain hijacking.
6. Hostgator is of the few hosts offering domain transfers of this type an automatic renewal for an additional year free. See website for current information on this offer.