Q: Are there any requirements for registering a domain name?
A: Any person can register a domain name and it doesn't matter where you are
located or if you don't have a web site. As long as you have a valid Visa,
MasterCard or Discover credit or check card for issuing payment; you can
register a domain name via ThinkHost. Top.
Q: What are the fees involved in setting up a domain? Do I need anything
else?
A: Fees for registering a domain name via ThinkHost are only $28.95 a year.
It's important to note that domain name registration and hosting are two
separate services. If you wish to establish a web site, you'll need to open a
hosting account with a provider. Of course, we recommend our own service for
this and invite you to review our excellent range
of hosting packages, starting at just $8.95 per month. Top.
Q: Do I need to get the domain or the hosting account first?
A: It doesn't really make a difference which you do first, although bear in
mind that literally hundreds of thousands of domains are registered each day -
if you've found a great name, you'll want to ensure you secure it - before
someone else does. Top.
Q: How much time does it take to get a domain up and running?
A: After submitting your order, confirmation can take up to 24 hours. Once the
domain is registered, it can take up to 72 hours for DNS (domain name server)
settings to propagate throughout the Internet. DNS settings are basically just
a set of numbers that "point" to the hosting service where your web
site is stored. Top.
Q: Who is Network Solutions, and aren't they the only registrar?
A: Network Solutions was once the only company able to process domain
registrations, although this hasn't been the case for a number of years since
the industry was de-regulated.
Domain registrations are now controlled by ICANN, who is the industry
controlling body and consequently Network Solutions is just another registrar.
Nowadays it makes no difference who you register through, as long as they are
ICANN accredited, or a reseller of an ICANN accredited service. Top.
Q: Are you ICANN-accredited?
A: We are a reseller for OpenSRS managed by Tucows, Inc. Tucows is an
accredited ICANN registrar. All domains are handled within ICANN policy and to
ICANN's and OpenSRS (Tucows) standards. OpenSRS do not provide registration
services directly to end-users, but rather to resellers like such as
ourselves. Top.
Q: Do I own the domain I register? Will it be in my name?
A: Nobody can actually own a domain name, it can only be leased and renewed on
an ongoing basis; but so long as you keep remitting registration fees as they
become due, you will hold the lease on the domain name. Top.
You will also be listed as both the Registrant, Administrative Contact as well
as Billing. By default, ThinkHost is the technical contact, but you can change
that immediately through our Domain
Management Interface. Top.
Q: What about Domain Name Servers? Don't I need those to register a domain?
A: When you register your domain, the DNS servers are set to point to servers
at ThinkHost. You can change these by logging into the Domain
Management Interface. You can host the web site with *any* web host you
choose - they will provide you with the relevant DNS information. Top.
Q: Can I transfer a domain to ThinkHost that was registered with another
company?
A: Yes, and it's a very simple process! Select "transfer" link on
the left hand menu of this and complete the forms. The first $28.95 you pay us
for the transfer will extend the registration of your domain by a year, on top
of any time that is already left with your current registrar. Top.
Q: Can I register an expired domain via ThinkHost?
A: You may only register domains to us that are no longer in the whois
database. Top.
Q: Any special requirements for transferring an existing domain to
ThinkHost?
The transfer process only changes the registration authority, but does not
affect your web site; i.e., you don't need to change your host. You do need to
ensure the following before attempting a transfer:
» The name has not been registered or transferred to a new owner less
than 60 days ago.
» The name is not "on-hold" or "locked" for non-payment
reasons or by request of the owner with another registrar.
» The name has not passed its expiration date or is in the last 4 days
before its expiration.
» The administrative contact email address associated with the name in its
current state is accessible to you.
Please note that if your domain fails one of the above tests, you will
still be billed for the transfer attempt
After requesting a transfer, you must reply to the e-mail OpenSRS or your
current registrar sends you to approve the transfer within five days of the
request being e-mailed, otherwise the transfer process will expire and you
will lose the transfer amount.
By running a WHOIS on the domain, you can get all of the above information and
make sure that the domain fits within the requirements for transfer.
Note: Transfer process for .uk domains
The transfer procedure for .uk domains is different from the regular
procedure. You will first need to have your current registrar change your
domain TAG HOLDER to "TUCOWS-CA" (without the quotes). You may be
able to do it in your registrar's domain control panel or, if not, by
e-mailing them.
Once your domain tag holder has been changed to TUCOWS-CA, please contact
us, so that we can initiate the transfer process. .uk transfers are free, but
they do not extend your domain registration period like transfers for other
domain types do. Top.
Q: How does the transfer process work?
A: Transferring is a simple three step process which authenticates the domain
with you, your current registrar, and ThinkHost/OpenSRS:
» A registration transfer request form is submitted.
»An e-mail is sent for each domain from transfers@opensrs.org to the
current administrative contact of the domain via e-mail which outlines
instructions for authorization. Please be sure to execute the instructions
and process the authorization within five days of the email being sent to
you.
» The current registrar then approves the transfer of the domain. This
usually happens within 5-7 business days.
» Once the transfer authentication process is satisfactorily completed, the
domain name details will will be moved to ThinkHost/OpenSRS, and the
registration period extended by one year. Top.
Q: Will there be any downtime while the domain name is in transfer?
No. The existing name server information is not changed during transfer, and
there is no downtime Top.
Q: What do I need to do to get my web site online, now that I have the
domain?
A: You need to sign up for hosting with a web hosting provider. ThinkHost
provides an excellent range of
packages with great
bonuses, but you are free to choose any hosting company you wish. If
you're not sure of your hosting needs, please don't hesitate in contacting our
friendly support team for obligation free advice. Top.
Q: How do I point my domain name to a specific hosting company?
A: The Domain
Management Interface allows you to change the DNS server details. You'll
need to obtain the DNS server information from your new web host. If you
decide to host with ThinkHost, there's nothing further you need to do after
signing up for a hosting package as the default DNS settings are already
correct. Top.
Q: The domain has been registered, but yet does not appear in whois?
A: Domains take up to 72 hours to appear in whois and to propagate throughout
the Internet - but rest assured that as soon as you have registered the domain
with us, nobody else can register it via ours or any other registrar in the
world. Top.
Q: Is it possible for transfer the ownership of my domain to someone else?
A: Yes, all you need to do is to update the registrant / contact details in
the Domain
Management Interface. Top.
Q: Can I cancel a domain name and get my money back?
A: Cancelling or deleting a domain name registration isn't possible once you
have submitted a registration. We are not able to issue refunds on domain name
registrations, but you are welcome to transfer the domain name to another
registrar if you wish. Top.
Q: How do I edit my domain, its contacts, DNS servers?
A: Our Domain
Management Interface allows you to update these details, quickly and
easily. The only change that takes time are DNS changes, as these take 48-72
hours to propagate throughout the Internet. This is a standard time-frame.
There are absolutely *no* fees involved with any changes made via our Domain
Management Interface. Top.
Q: I forgot the password for my domain? What do I need to do?
A: You will need to contact our support team in order to have your password
mailed to you. ThinkHost does not have direct access to your password in that
we can't view it - the password will be automatically sent to to Admin contact
associated with the domain name. For this reason, it's very important that you
ensure your contact details are current - especially the Administrative
contact email address. Top.
Q: Why is my domain locked and how do I lock/unlock it?
A: Domain locking is to provide extra security to minimize the likelihood of
someone hijacking your domain. Before you can change admin contact details or
transfer the domain name, it must be unlocked. The locking feature can be
found on the main screen of your domain management interface. Click on the
"domain locking" link, select lock/unlock, then click ok. For
security reasons, after you make changes, please remember to relock your
domain name. Top.
Further questions? Please don't hesitate in contacting our friendly support
team via the form on the left hand side of this page.