Help : DNS setting

[thezw]

my domain was registered with Yahoo. How can I use another host to host this domain? What information of the host do I need? And, I see A Record, CNAME, Mail Server, Name Server in Yahoo's Advanced DNS. Which one do I need to change?

[Jesse Vlasveld]

You need to change the nameservers, and add the domain to your hosting package.
You also need to move the domain to the new host.

[thezw]

I know how to change the nameservers and how to add the domain to another hosting. But, I don't know how to move my domain. Could you give me more detail about that? Thank you.

[damien_ls]

You can host a domain anywhere by changing the nameservers - so feel free to do that right now if you've already purchased a hosting package from somewhere...

In terms of "adding it to your hosting package" that part will depend on your current hosting provider. In most cases you'll just add the domain to a control panel, which will set some things up for you on your provider's server - create FTP space, setup mailboxes etc.

A lot of people will argue that you shouldn't move your domain to the same company that you buy hosting from, as this can cause problems should you ever have a "disagreement" with your hosting provider. However, some people find it an easier arrangement once they're happy that they can actually trust the provider they're hosted with.

Actually moving your domain to a different provider (domain registrar) depends on the type (extension) of the domain - for example the .com transfer process is a bit different to the .co.uk transfer process.

Assuming .com (most common), you need to:

• Request the EPP transfer authorisation code from your current domain registrar (Yahoo) - this may be available via a control panel, or you may have to email/fax a request to get it
• Ensure any domain transfer locks are disabled (usually set in your domain control panel)
• Ensure that the domain contact email addresses are correct (and working!) - specifically the registrant email address
• Once you've done all of the above, you need to provide the EPP transfer authorisation code to your new domain registrar, and they will initiate the transfer
• After this it is usual for the registrant to receive one or more emails where you must confirm approval of the pending transfer (usually by following a link and click yes/no); you may have to do this for the registrar losing the domain (Yahoo), and also separately for the registrar gaining the domain (your chosen domain registrar).
• The process should take approximately 5 days from start to finish (i.e. between the transfer initiation by your new domain registrar, and the transfer completing).

Nothing should be changed about your domain during the transfer (i.e. the WHOIS details, and the nameservers should remain constant) - this will ensure that your domain doesn't go offline during the transfer (i.e. your website/email should continue unaffected).

However, note that you can't usually make changes after initiating the transfer (e.g. during that 5 day delay between start/finish of the transfer) - therefore if you want to change nameservers etc. then you should do it before starting the transfer process.