What do I do to transfer

[David365]

Hello
I started my blog 11 months ago at Midphase, registering the name through them as well. I've had a few niggles, and think you offer a better package. I'm also attracted by your "making it easy" offer regarding transfers. But what do I do first?! Do I go through the order wizard, and then you will sort things out with Midphase? Or do I have to do anything to my blog first.
David

[GvilleRick]

Looks like they also run cPanel so the transfer should be pretty simple. You would need to check with them concerning the domain registration. They offer domains for life so that would raise a concern for me since some companies will register it in their name. If you can change the nameservers then you would have no problems moving here. You should check with them, however, to verify that you can control the domain registration.

If that is not an issue then you would purchase a plan here and once it is set up you will receive information on how to access the account and the nameservers you would need to use. You can then submit a ticket to ask to have your account moved over and the techs will take care of it. I would take a full backup of your site on the old host and download it just to be safe.

[David365]

You're right, the domain is registered in their name. I've just started a dialog with Mid Phase support about this. Can they simply put it in my name, or will I always need to transfer to a third party like yourselves?

Is it normal for companies to do this, or is it a sneaky way to keep mugs like me with them even when their service is poor?! I assume if MidPhase goes belly up - I would lose the domain?
David

[GvilleRick]

They are really the only ones that can answer your question about whether you can have the domain transfered into your name. You would not be able to transfer the domain through a third party unless you are on record as the administrative contact.

I wouldn't say that it is normal but it is not unusual for companies to put the domain in their name if they are providing it for free. Some do use it as leverage to keep you with them but some will allow changing the nameservers, etc.

[Goddess Dix]

i've seen it go both ways in terms of companies that offer free domain names with hosting and register them in their own name. some will be reasonably cooperative when you move, and others won't. all you can do is ask to be added as a contact on the domain and see what they say.

[Rockoids]

Personally, I wouldn't allow this. This is something that should be determined from the outset. As for me, I never worried about the free domain. They're too cheap. I always register at a place of my choice.

[David365]

Hello
In reponse to my questions i have been sent a password for "Full ENOM access" and an EPP key. Is that sufficient to transfer to you? thanks
David

[slapshotw]

Yes, as long as the domain is marked as unlocked (registerTransferProhibited is taken off).

[episkey]

Before you initiate the transfer process, use your full ENOM access to go in and change the contact information. Make yourself the contact for everything, taking particular care to provide a working email address. Also make sure the domain is unlocked.

When you request the transfer, you will be asked to enter the EPP key. When you've done that, you're still not finished. ENOM will send an email to the email address listed in the contact information for the registrant. You must receive that email and follow the instructions it contains to authorize the transfer. After you've done that, you might get an email from the releasing registrar asking for confirmation. You don't have to respond to that last email, but it might speed things up if you do.

Then you wait, checking each day on the status of your transfer request. Should go through within 5 days. If not, contact ENOM.

[Goddess Dix]

good, detailed advice from episkey!