Changing Nameservers

**pealo86** · 11-02-2009, 10:51 AM

I have signed up with a new hosting company, and need to update the nameservers for my domain to work properly.

I need to know, will the change be instant once I've changed the nameservers? Or will there be some downtime involved?

Thanks.

**chrishirst** · 11-02-2009, 11:41 AM

12 to 72 hours for DNS propagation, some ISPs may take longer.

If possible keep the old hosting up for a week to ensure minimum downtime for users.

**pealo86** · 11-02-2009, 11:43 AM

Thanks.

So while the DNS is propagating, will the nameservers point to my old hosting account? Or will they just point to nowhere?

**chrishirst** · 11-02-2009, 11:47 AM

nope the nameservers should point to the new hosting, it's just the DNS cacheing at various ISP/Providers that needs to update.

When this is a planned move there are some steps that can be done to reduce the propagation time but I would assume it is too late for that, as it needs to be implemented 5 - 7 days before the change.

**pealo86** · 11-02-2009, 11:52 AM

Hmmm, what would this mean in terms of downtime? Do you think there would be any?

I'll probably have to renew my old hosting for a bit I think!

**chrishirst** · 11-02-2009, 12:17 PM

Probably nothing, depending on how quickly your old hosting provider deletes your account and files.

If it takes them a couple of days probably nobody will ever notice.

**pealo86** · 11-02-2009, 12:20 PM

Great thanks!

**vangogh** · 11-02-2009, 06:28 PM

The process is to build the site on the new host first. Then change nameservers. Your old site will be shown until the DNS is updated and once it is your new site will be shown. You can check the IP address of the site to know when it happens or change a word or two on the new site.

Once you're certain it's the new site that's being shown you can close your old account.

**rednimaT** · 11-02-2009, 11:52 PM

there may also be extra wait time for some domain hosts like GoDaddy. I had to contact them to update my nameservers manually because they weren't updating and I thought it was just because of the cache but it wasn't. they handled the situation quickly though after I verified it was me sending the email.

**sumitomo** · 11-04-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

nope the nameservers should point to the new hosting, it's just the DNS cacheing at various ISP/Providers that needs to update.

When this is a planned move there are some steps that can be done to reduce the propagation time but I would assume it is too late for that, as it needs to be implemented 5 - 7 days before the change.

Thats why i really make sure i have not opened site 1 day before ive change dns.

**chrishirst** · 11-04-2009, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumitomo

Thats why i really make sure i have not opened site 1 day before ive change dns.

Well, that's OK for you. What about the rest of the world?

**SiberForum** · 11-05-2009, 09:09 AM

For some reasons that is recommended to have domain name and web hosting from the diffrent providers

**cindyfowler** · 11-08-2009, 07:35 AM

you must contact your former hosting company,in fact ,the process is rough,maybe it is according to your hosting company..

**Brent2** · 11-08-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiberForum

For some reasons that is recommended to have domain name and web hosting from the diffrent providers

The only reason I can think of to keep your domain registration separate is if you don't trust your hosting company. That will allow you to change your nameservers to get away at any time.

That being said, if you trust your registrar, might as well use them for hosting. ICANN requires that whomever your registrar is allows you to change the nameservers at absolutely any time. If you own the domain, you are allowed to host it anywhere.

Provided you're willing to wait the 24 to 72 hours for ISPs to catch up.

For more info on propagation:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/dns.htm