Smf

[Richardgm]

While I haven't had a HTTP downtime since I registered to test out their services on December 20, 2008, the main problem I have is their MYSQL issues.

Two issues:

1. Pages took .2 to .5 seconds to load. On my previous host they took .05... Database server packed? This was a minor, so I blew it off.
   
2. 
   Is the timeout problem. Members constantly get timeout messages ("Lost connection to MySQL server during query"). When I looked into this with SMF, I was told that it was caused when the timeout values were turned down on the database server. I never had this problem with my previous host. This was another minor inconvenience, so I blew it off; again.
   
   
3. Everyday, my forum gets "CONNECTION PROBLEMS" errors. I was told at one point by the staff here that it was caused by the forum system (SMF) using persistent connections.
   
   I know that I never enabled the option, and the forum worked fine the first few days. The problem was the IP address. When did it change? I don't know! How long did it take for this issue to be resolved? 3 hours! Fine, ok, the IP address changed or something! The forum is back up.
   
   The next day? Same thing again, "CONNECTION PROBLEMS". SMF is unable to connect to the database. After one hour, I was told they added my host's IP to the firewall and remote access list. It's the 3rd time I'm hearing them do this. The problem has not been fixed.
   
   I then got: "There's about 34% packetloss on the 7th hop from the server. I recommend contacting your other host and having them investigate this issue."
   
   No. I should not be doing so much everyday, just to keep my website running. I moved my database back to my previous host, and no issues so far.
   
   I will be requested my money back, let's see if that will go through hassle free.

[GatorJacob]

I apologize for the problems, and I can understand your frustration. Is there a ticket number on these issues so I can check them out and see what is happening?

[GatorJacob]

I was able to find a few tickets concerning your account.

One ticket, BEF-3281205, we asked for more information on Dec. 30th, however you never replied back. The main issue on that ticket is that it seems that you are trying to run queries that are taking longer than 45 seconds.

On ticket HIY-3330324, the latest reply is that there is packet loss between our server and your other server. This is not something we can fix, as it's outside our network. This seems to be the main problem that your forum (not hosted on HostGator's network) keeps getting MySQL Problems, because the route from your web site server to our servers has packetloss on po2.dar02.dal01.dallas-datac, which appears to be inside Comcast's network. I ran another Multiple TraceRoute from our server to your webserver, that same router / switch is still giving packetloss.

I hope this helps

[Richardgm]

Not really, because even when I moved DNS to point to you guys (allowing the entire website to be hosted on your server) I still ran into these connection problems & timeout issues.

Queries taking longer than 45 seconds? Never had this problem with the host I'm currently on.

The main reason for queries running for that long is usually when you have not indexed your tables while also running a forum which has a few hundred simultaneous users. I assume that you moved your database here to try to get the site's speed increased. Perhaps you could take a look at http://www.databasejournal.com/featu...nd-Indexes.htm and try the methods explained there to index your tables to prevent these and other problems. I see that you have already cancelled your account and apologize that we were unable to meet your needs, however I hope that this information finds you well and you are able to get your site working better with it.

Kindest regards,

GatorThomas
HostGator Linux Support

[GatorJoshL]

Richard,

I have reviewed your ticket and responded to it. Please reply back to the ticket for me.

Thank you Richard,
Josh Loe

[Richardgm]

It has been a week since Josh () here helped me out personally. Even calling me on a number occasions (and I'm not located in the USA).

Right now, my website has been up and running quite well... no errors, no long load times.
My forum is running the best I've seen it in a long time since I've gotten help from Josh.

Right now, I have nothing bad to say about HostGator, their staff here is excellent at getting issues resolved. I've always wanted a host that I can stay with for long, I think HostGator may finally be the one; cliché as that sounds.

+1

[GatorDHanna]

Richard,

Excellent! I am glad to hear Josh was able to help you. I'll thank him and his supervisor on your behalf as well.