Switching Hosts

[ixora]

I need to move a website from current host to new host (the domain names were originally purchased from this host are still registered there). At the risk of being very stupid, I am assuming the following:the new space must be purchased, the domain names must be "pointed" to the new server and then I must upload the files.

Or, does the new host "move" you?

Also, what is the difference between "transferring domain names" and "pointing to a different server"? I was told that I did have not to transfer the names since they were already registered at the new prospective host.

[opifex]

the most obvious question is...
who is the domain registered to? you or the web host?

if it is in your name you can move it. if it is in the "old" web host's name only they can move it.

ALWAYS buy your domain separately from hosting so that you have control.

[ixora]

The domain name is registered in the clients name and was bought from X who also hosts. But the client went went to host Y. (Therefore the domain names were "pointed" to server Y?) Now client wants to move to host X. So the domain names can be "pointed" to server X without a "transfer"? Host X said the names were already registered with them. A transfer means you need codes from both X and Y and need to pay a transfer fee because the names are registered with Y?

What's the story? Who owns what. What does register mean? I thought it meant a place where your URL was listed like a phone book.

[ixora]

PS Cure my ignorance.

[austany]

why are you hiding the hosting names, if you really have a question just call up the host. but yes you have to point the domain to the host. it can be done.

[opifex]

unfortunately this type of problem is very frequent.

visit internic.net (http://www.internic.net/) and file a complaint if that appears to be the right route.

there are very few domain name registrars that are reliable.
a couple of the things to watch out for are "free domain name with hosting" and "discount domains with hosting" and "free domain for life"....
and the reliable registrars attempt to rope you into "hosting packages" with them.

keep hosting and registration separate.

[ixora]

I have no complaint. I was not hiding the host name for devious purposes. The host is GoDaddy. They respond immediately to all issues by help desk, email, and phone. I did speak to a rep and thought I understood. I was just trying to clarify.

The rep said the domain names were origianlly purchased and still registered with GoDaddy and they do not have to transferred. They will be in effect when the space is purchased.(They will be re-pointed?) But if the names had to be transferred, then two codes would be needed from them and one code from the current host, etc... I thought I understood but now I am confused. Why would names ever need to be transferred?

I am just trying to understand "registered", "pointed". "transfer. I realize anybody can buy space on a server and then buy a name for someone else and host them. Then there is a question of who owns what.

My domain names are bought and registered independent of hosting. I was just trying to clarify the process and the terms.

So, I appear to be still ignorant (although it is curable) but I am not stupid (therefore not terminal.)