User should start looking for new web host at least few days before user run out of credit for present account. This will help in keeping your website on the air for the maximum time. Before switching to the new web host, first make a backup copy of the website in the same tree structure in which you want to upload it later, only the cgi-bin’s location can vary. Also look for any chmod permissions that you might have set on any folder or file. This is so as these permissions need to be reset when files are uploaded to the new web server. Copy of the database/databases has to be made too.

Another consideration that user has to make is that user should be aware of the hosting requirements like beginner are concern with the amount that they have to pay to the disk space they are provided.

If the user is a professional, entrepreneur or online business then the user can make following requirements, which are:

Choosing the type of web hosting: user has mainly two options, Shared server or dedicated server. If a user expects to get huge traffic then the user must go for dedicated server as it has much greater bandwidth then the shared one. This is also required if you need to have complex app, secure information and customized option in your website.

Type of OS for hosting: If your website is build on technologies like JSP, ASP etc and require other Microsoft add like MSACCESS or MS SQL database the one should go for windows hosting. On the other hand if the user is using technologies like Cold Fusion then it can run on Linux as well as Windows platform.

Bandwidth and Space Requirements: Many web hosts are providing 1GB – 3GB of disk space but if your site require more space and/or receives lot of traffic then one should consider other web host as this will then just not be enough.

Requirement for number of sub domains and parked domains: Parked domain are advantageous for high traffic websites as they can handle them better whereas dub domain helps in improving reputation of your website on the search engine. Most of the web host charge extra money for them.

Active more than 99.99%: Many web hosts are now guaranteeing up time of up to 99.99%, but then they are costlier and should be chosen if you require so like in commercial websites.

Related posts:

• January 13, 2011 – Changing Web Hosting Companies
• September 29, 2010 – How to Transfer a Domain to Another Hosting Account
• August 3, 2009 – Database-Driven Sites with FrontPage
• February 26, 2009 – Understanding Domain Name Transfers
• January 26, 2009 – Why You Need a Good Control Panel
• November 3, 2008 – A Control Panel for Your Dedicated Server
• October 28, 2008 – Pairing Control Panels and Platforms

The first thing to keep in mind is to keep the account with the existing company open. This will ensure that the website will always be running while the individual is trying to find someone else. One then needs to create their new account. While doing this, it’s important to make sure that the new web hosting company will be able to provide the things that the old company could not. It’s usually wise to opt for a web hosting service that is well known. This will help enhance your site.

Once the new web host has been selected the individual just needs to move on to finalize what package they want that is offered by the company and to set up their new account. The next step is to download the old account files and then have them uploaded to the new account. This is a fairly easy task and can be accomplished simply by first connecting to the old provider’s FTP and then to the FTP of the new host. It’s still important not to cancel the old account at this time. To ensure that one is still receiving every email, it’s also important to keep the same email addresses.

Next one needs to check the website to make sure that all the files have been properly updated and that any web links are fully operational. The domain name servers can then be changed once the website is showing satisfactory results. The domain name server is usually obtained once the individual is registered with the web host. They can also be provided by domain registrars and if that’s the case, the domain provider should be contacted so they can replace the previous name servers with the new one.

The new domain servers will generally take anywhere between twenty-four and forty-eight hours to be up and running and therefore, the old web host is responsible for the website in the meantime. This is why cancelling the old service should be the very last thing you do. Once the new account has been activated, the old account can be cancelled.

Related posts:

• January 16, 2011 – Things to Keep in Mind while Changing Web Host
• January 6, 2012 – Control Panel: Advantages & Disadvantages
• March 7, 2011 – A Step-By-Step Guide for Changing Web Hosts
• January 13, 2011 – Dedicated IP Web Hosting
• September 29, 2010 – How to Transfer a Domain to Another Hosting Account
• June 23, 2010 – Using VMware to Operate Multiple FTP Accounts Simultaneously
• May 25, 2010 – A Review of the cPanel Preference Menu
• March 22, 2010 – Using an FTP Client to Upload Files
• February 17, 2010 – Selecting a Control Panel – Crucial Attributes to Compare
• October 2, 2009 – Tips to Apply to Free Hosting

What is a Domain Transfer?

A domain transfer is the process of transferring the storage and demonstration of a domain from one web hosting provider to another. In essence, you’re actually transferring the domain from one web server to another, which may require several additional actions such as transferring files and assigning the appropriate name servers. This process is not to be confused with domain forwarding, which simply redirects traffic form one domain to another.  When you purchase a new web hosting plan you will need to transfer all of the files from your old web server to the new one. Doing this can cause problems such as data loss and site down time if done improperly, so it is important that you consider the following information before beginning the domain transferring process.

How is a Domain Transfer Done?

The first step in performing a domain transfer is backing up all of the data for your web site. There is usually a backup utility within the control panel of your hosting account. Make sure you have a fully functional backup on external media that is separate from your hard drive and your web hosting server before proceeding with the domain transfer process. After the information is secured you can transfer it in one of two ways – you can upload the backup directly to the server or you can transfer the files from server to server via FTP using the “transfer Domains” option within your hosting control panel. Most people find both techniques to be just as simple, however the first one is usually a bit faster.

It is important to note that, although you cannot transfer a domain that is less than 60 days old to another domain registrar, it is possible to transfer the domain to a new hosting company. Many people get confused when discovering this restriction and decide not to change hosting providers because of it. After you’ve purchase a domain you are free to host it with whatever hosting provider you’d like.

How Long Does it Usually Take?

The entire domain transfer process can be completed and active within your hosting control panel within a single day, however it can take longer if your site contains a lot of files. The larger your site is, the longer it will take to create the backup and upload the files via FTP afterward. Small to medium size web sites can usually be transferred in their entirety within about 1-3 hours in most cases, If you encounter difficulty when transferring domains your web hosting provider should be able to provide adequate assistance.

Related posts:

• February 26, 2009 – Understanding Domain Name Transfers
• December 19, 2011 – Top 10 Domain Registrars
• December 9, 2011 – NameCheap vs. GoDaddy
• September 9, 2011 – Multiple domains – When Will This Benefit Your Endeavors?
• August 10, 2011 – Ongoing Battle over the new .Music Domain Extension
• July 18, 2011 – Domain Name Expansion Expected to Create Major Problems
• February 16, 2011 – When to Upgrade Your Shared Hosting Plan
• January 16, 2011 – Things to Keep in Mind while Changing Web Host
• January 13, 2011 – Changing Web Hosting Companies
• October 28, 2010 – The Difference Between Private and Business Domain Registrations

What is a Domain Name Transfer?

A domain name transfer describes the process of taking the name you registered with one registrar and moving it to another.  This simply means you only want to switch your domain name service provider.  Everything about your website and actual domain name remains the same.  Keep in mind that a domain name transfer isn’t the same as transferring your website from one server to another.

The Transfer Process

The first step in transferring a domain name is initiating the transfer.  While it is up to you to make the request, only the new registrar can initiate the transfer.  After purchasing an account and getting set up with the new registrar, you should see a link or button that reads “transfer domain”.  In most cases, you will be prompted to enter the domain name, confirm and click “OK”.

What you don’t see behind the scenes is the email exchange between the new registrar and the WHOIS database regarding your domain.  The transfer process moves along once the WHOIS administrative contact accepts the transfer by clicking on a link in the email.  Once the transfer has been approved, the new registrar sends notification to the TLD Registry (Top Level Domain) for further approval.

In order for your domain name to work, it be must active.  If it is inactive, pending, or locked, you will not be able to make the transfer.  This is why it is recommended to transfer your domain name well before the expiration date to avoid such issues.  If your domain is active and registered for 60 days or more, the TLD registry will inform the new registrar that the transfer can continue.   From there, the registry lets the old registrar known that a transfer request has been made.  The old registrar generally has about five days to respond to the TLD registry.  If they do not respond in the given amount of time, the registry will automatically assume approval by default.  While this helps you make a transfer from a hesitant registrar, it also increases the potential of domain theft.  For this reason, it is advisable to sign up with a registrar that offers domain locking and other protective features.

If the registrar actively approves the transfer, they will do so by responding to the TLD registry.  The registry then takes the name from the old registrar, notifies the new registrar and adds it to their account.  That is the domain name transfer process in a nutshell.  As long as you know what to expect, it can all be a painless task.  Although most support staff members are more than willingly to walk you through the process, it is always good to understand what goes on for yourself.

Related posts:

• November 14, 2008 – Someone Registered My Domain – What Now?
• July 18, 2011 – Domain Name Expansion Expected to Create Major Problems
• September 7, 2010 – How to Pick the Right Domain Name Extension
• February 18, 2010 – The Cost of a Domain Name – Registering Your Domain
• July 14, 2009 – What Do You Get with a Cheap Domain Name?
• July 7, 2009 – Choosing a Keyword-rich Domain for Your PPC Campaign
• February 9, 2009 – Six Important Considerations for Domain Name Registration
• November 6, 2008 – How Much Should You Pay for a Domain Name?
• October 31, 2008 – Do You Really Need a .Com Domain?
• December 19, 2011 – Top 10 Domain Registrars