Transfering domain name downtime?

[aljames]

I wish to transfer the domain I own www.aljames.co.uk over to Catalyst2, I want everything under one roof and a true web domain, unlike the way I do it just now where I use web forwarding to my blueyonder webspace. I need to do this as the web tracker I am using for statistics seems to only show the referers URL as www.aljames.co.uk?

I originally bought the domain via www.domainexpress.co.uk and would now like to transfer this and also buy the basic £11.99 mega deal for hosting.

Reason I am writing is I need the process to be seamless (or as seamless as can be) as I have new potential clients looking at my site every day. Please can anyone tell me

a) if the transition can be done without downtime and if not, how long downtime do you reckon will be?
b) please could you tell me how I go about it?

Many thanks

Al James

[Tim Marshall]

Hi

I would transfer your domain name to UKREG so you can control nameservers and DNS etc no problem and then point it to your CAT2 Space.

As the worlds web servers propogate some will be seeing your site from your blueyonder space and some from your CAT2 space until they all catch up. This can take 72 hours or so.

I would set your CAT2 account up then FTP your files up, there is a way of doing this via IP to the server and then once your DNS has propogated your site will be able to view files from CAT2's servers as soon as it can. Theoretically downtime should be bordering on non-existant if you play it right.

Tim Marshall

[WhiskyFudge]

I've done this quite a few times now and I've never once noticed any downtime, neither have any of my users. If you do what Tim has suggested you'll be fine.

Jas

[aljames]

Thanks both of you fine gents.

I just this minute found out it was cos me to transfer domain name out so instead, I will opt to take out cat2 hosting.

I will set this up and then do I instruct domain express to change DNS settings to ns1.catalyst2.com and ns2.catalyst2.com are these right? Do these changes incorporat emails too?

Whisky fudge, I think you are right I would like to take out a stats package with cat2 but do they set it all up for me etc? I aint got a clue about how to add this onto ymypage? Do i just paste some code in? How do I access the stats,?

Thanks so much.

Al ('D' for dunse) James

[WhiskyFudge]

I gotta ask - if you site or your domain aint on the Cat2 system then why are you on the forum?!? I aint complain!

It depends on their system, they my have a control pannel where you can change them your selves. If you dont know then I suggest you email domain express's support when it's time.

You need to set up Cat2 side 1st. Order a package (I suggest windows - you go linux and my knowledge drops), in the control pannel you add your domain (this will not effect the current set up), then use the servers IP to FTP your files up. Once that's all done you then get the DNS servers changed.

If you opt for windows the stats package involves clicking a button to set it up, you will then be given a link where you can view the stats. Easy!

If you need more detailed info on all this then drop me and email, find me on msn, or keep posting questions

Jas

[aljames]

Thanks Whisky. Will the basic mega deal 11.99 p/a allow me to setup the stats (extra £5) on that package?...and is it a windows package like you suggest or is it linux?

I assume I can upload using dreamweaver MX2004 to my cat2 server?

I am on cat2 as I have taken out several domains for myself and friends. THese are:

www.smilingproductions.com
www.infinitytherapies.co.uk
www.steadymusic.com
www.alliedwasteservices.co.uk

Hope to hear from you again with my points above.#

Cheers
Al

[WhiskyFudge]

The mega deal could be either windows or linux, Paul has named both packages the same so you can compair the differences between linux and windows.

You can add the stats feature to mega deal.

You can use dreamweaver, but if you're uploading before you move your domain you need to use the serves IP. The IP can be found in website settings after you've signed up.

Jas

[aljames]

THanks Jas,

WIll using Cat2 hosting and changing DNS at domain express make the stats work like so I can see the true referrers address?

Al

[WhiskyFudge]

Yup

[aljames]

Good man, I'll get onto Cat2 now and take out a hossting windows mega deal. It will look much more 'pro' also by not having a cheapo freespace as hosting.

Cheers for yer help wise one.

Al

[WhiskyFudge]

Anytime

[aljames]

Whisky Jas, all done and setup with cat 2 and ready to upload entire site files.

The details under website settings are;

Website URL: http://www.aljames.co.uk/
Web Server: lime
Website IP: 213.230.202.12 (Shared)
Physical Path: d:\domains\aljames.co.uk

Can u tell me what settings i must setup in dreamweavers ftp client?

Cheers
Al

[WhiskyFudge]

FTP Host: 213.230.202.12
login and password what ever you have set them to.

Make sure you put all your files in the '/wwwroot/'

HTH

Jas

[paulredpath]

The ftp host for windows hosting is always 213.230.202.15 as we hve one central ftp server

/me pats jason

[WhiskyFudge]

ooooowwww.

Did not know that, having said that all my DW sites are set to 15. mmm strange.

So it turns out I'm not allows right!

Jas