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NOTE:
Since there now other companies that register domains (click
here for a list of accredited companies), you should make
any domain registration changes using that company's procedures and
forms.
The following information describes the process using
Network Solutions. The process for your domain registration
company may be different.
If you've never done this before, it may seem scary, but it's really quite simple and you
can do it just by filling out forms on-line.
Just go to the Network
Solutions' "Make Changes" page enter your domain
name, and follow the instructions. Here
are a few pointers to make the process go smoothly:
Get your webhost's nameserver and technical contact information
You'll need this to fill out the forms. The information is usually on your
webhost's support pages or in the account information email that they send you.
Use your ISP email address, not your domain address when asked for your email
address.
You have an email address at your ISP, that you probably don't normally use if you have a
domain. However, whenever you are signing up for webhost related services, use
your ISP email address. Because if something happens to your domain (like
you move it to a new provider, for example!), you need to be reachable. Your ISP
email address will work no matter what the state of your domain is.
Choose the "Mail-From" authentication method
When you submit the form to change your domain information, the
registrar checks to make sure
that the request came from an authorized person. The "Mail-From"
method is the simplest authentication method.
The registration computer will then mail you a copy of a long email, most of which you won't (and don't need to)
understand.
All you need to do is to scroll down to near the bottom of the mail, check that the
nameserver entries are correct, and forward the entire mail to
the email address specified in the mail. (If your email program is set
to copy the original email into a reply, you can just Reply to
the email instead of forwarding it.)
If you do this correctly, you'll receive another email shortly (within minutes) with a
tracking number, telling you they've received your request and are processing it.
2 to 24 hours later, you'll receive a final email telling you that the changes have been
processed.
Monitor your domain move
Once your domain change request has been processed, your domain
registrar will submit the new
information to their servers. The confirmation email they send you tells you when
they will submit your change (it's usually in the evening East Coast US time) and that the
changes will be visible the following day.
When the "next day" arrives, fire up your browser, head to
the Network
Solutions Whois page ,
enter your domain name and hit your "Enter" key. If you see the
information for your new webhost, the move has started!
Now go ping your domain and see if you get your
new IP address in the reply. If you do, it means that your ISP's nameserver has
received the your domain's new nameserver information.
This doesn't, however, mean that all the other nameservers in the world have
updated! To be safe, wait 2 to 3 days before you call your old webhost and cancel your
account. This will ensure that no matter where your visitors are, they will be able
to reach you.
You can also use Tracert.com's
DNS resolver and Tracert
gateway to see the IP address that servers from around
the world think points to your domain name.
