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.