Transferring a domain
Joomla FAQs -
Hosting
Transferring domains isn't difficult, but does require a little bit of patience and attention to detail. Here's what I would describe as the 'ideal' way to transfer a host so that the site experiences no down-time:
1. With the current host: through the control panel, confirm that the domain is UNLOCKED. Only unlock a domain when you want to transfer it; otherwise, always keep it locked.
2. With the current host: make note of the AUTH code for that domain name; some hosts will refer to the AUTH code by another name.
3. With the current host: make sure that the email address for the ADMINISTRATOR is one that you or your client has access to. The transfer will get confirmed by email; if the client needs to do this, make sure they watch for the email and that they forward it to you when it arrives.
4. With the new host: Start the transfer process by providing the domain name to be transferred;
5. With the new host: Provide the AUTH code from step 2;
There may be a couple of other minor steps and/or instructions that the host will provide.
Almost right away you should start seeing emails that the transfer is in process. Some hosts use a multi-step approval process, but they also do a good job typically of explaining what you can expect. In general, the initial process of approving the transfer will take 24-28 hours.
In the meantime, if you haven't:
6. With the new host: replicate your client's web site; when the transfer is complete, the switch from old site to new should be seamless to users;
After approval, the hardest part is waiting: it can take 5-10 business days for transfers to be processed. It is important to keep an eye on the process (in the form of emails from either hosting party) to ensure that there aren't any glitches. Typically, however, this is an easy process, and 5-10 business days is actually a bit pessimistic.
1. With the current host: through the control panel, confirm that the domain is UNLOCKED. Only unlock a domain when you want to transfer it; otherwise, always keep it locked.
2. With the current host: make note of the AUTH code for that domain name; some hosts will refer to the AUTH code by another name.
3. With the current host: make sure that the email address for the ADMINISTRATOR is one that you or your client has access to. The transfer will get confirmed by email; if the client needs to do this, make sure they watch for the email and that they forward it to you when it arrives.
4. With the new host: Start the transfer process by providing the domain name to be transferred;
5. With the new host: Provide the AUTH code from step 2;
There may be a couple of other minor steps and/or instructions that the host will provide.
Almost right away you should start seeing emails that the transfer is in process. Some hosts use a multi-step approval process, but they also do a good job typically of explaining what you can expect. In general, the initial process of approving the transfer will take 24-28 hours.
In the meantime, if you haven't:
6. With the new host: replicate your client's web site; when the transfer is complete, the switch from old site to new should be seamless to users;
After approval, the hardest part is waiting: it can take 5-10 business days for transfers to be processed. It is important to keep an eye on the process (in the form of emails from either hosting party) to ensure that there aren't any glitches. Typically, however, this is an easy process, and 5-10 business days is actually a bit pessimistic.