Domain Names
Q. Which domain names can HostGator register, TLD prices? Can an .edu domain register from HostGator?
A: There are few top-level domains (TLDs), they register and the domain prices to register with HostGator are given below.
Note: If the TLD the user wants to register is not on this list, then HostGator cannot register that domain.
Steps to register:
Visit hostgator.com/domains to purchase a domain. The domain registry tool requires credit card payment and is limited to .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .ws, .us, .bz, .cc, .nu, and .tv. If the user wants the type of the domain that cannot purchase online, or if the user needs to pay through other method than credit card, then the user has to email them at sales@hostgator.com for assistance.
o .com – $15/yr
o .net – $15/yr
o .org – $15/yr
o .us – $20/yr
o .info – $20/yr
o .la – $59.95/yr †
o .asia – $29.95/yr †
o .mobi – $19.99/yr †
o .biz – $20/yr
o .tw – $44.95/yr †
o .ca – $25/yr
o .cn – $34.95/yr
CNNIC, the registry that manages .cn registrations has made a temporary policy decision to stop all new .cn registrations from Jan 06, 2010. Renewals will continue to work as expected. Meanwhile, all attempts to register new .cn domains will fail or return as unavailable by eNom. No date has been set for when the new registrations will be re-opened. That is all the information they have at this time but they are working directly with the registry to get this resolved as soon as possible.
.eu – $19.95/yr †
Note: The Registrant contact address for all .EU domain names must specify a country that is a member of the European Union.
.name – $15/yr
.
.kids.us – $95.95/yr † May require additional fees, email sales@hostgator.com for quote
Similarly, many more are available.
** Minimum 2 year registration
† Though we can register a domain like this, we cannot transfer this type of domain to ourselves.
‡ Requires a dynamic DNS service.
Refer the HostGator website for more domain names or contact the administrator.
To register a domain with the .edu extension, there are some special requirements. Regardless, HostGator does not specifically register these domains.
Q. For what purpose DNS glue used.
A: It is used for checking the NS records in the user’s domain’s DNS zone, and make sure that DNS match exactly same the name servers being used at their registrar.
Note: Hatchling, Baby, and Business plans cannot use private name servers, so there is no need to use glue on them.
EXAMPLE: When the private name servers used, there are following to create a NS record
* Login the user’s WHM account.
* Under DNS Functions, click Edit DNS Zone.
* Select the domain name from the list and click the Edit button.
* Look to the right of “SOA” and replace the name server with primary private name server (ns1, be sure to include the trailing dot) [. before the screenshot]
* Look to the right of “NS” and replace each name server with private name servers (ns1 and ns2, be sure to include each trailing dot) [. After the screenshot]
* Scroll down and click the Save button.
After the user creates the name servers and sets the glue on them, check the essential requirement: If the clients are using private name servers, then they must add the necessary A records to their domain.
Q. How DNS update helps the servers?
A: VeriSign has pushed out a change (through their involvement in the management of the root DNS servers on the internet) so if they have private name servers set at their registrar, then their DNS server must have a matching A record or the site will not resolve the updating. The simple way around this is to add an A record to the DNS zone for each name server. It should only concern with those who are using private name servers.
Creating the A records
1. Login the WHM and look under DNS Functions.
2. Click Edit DNS Zone and select the primary domain (the one that appears in private name servers).
3. Click the Edit button and wait for the page to load.
4. Check the welcome email for the correct name server IPs.
EXAMPLE:
* ns1.resellerdomain.com -> 123.123.123.123
* ns2.resellerdomain.com -> 123.123.123.124
5. Enter the record name and address.
6. Back at WHM, scroll down to “Add New Entries Below this Line”.
7. In the first blank below that line, type ns1
8. Skip the 14400, and in the drop down select “A”.
9. A new box will appear. Erase “IP or Hostname” and type NS1 IP address. EXAMPLE: 123.123.123.123
10. In the second blank below that line, type ns2
11. Skip the 14400, and in the drop down select “A”.
12. A new box will appear. Erase “IP or Hostname” and type NS2 IP address. EXAMPLE: 123.123.123.124
13. Scroll all the way down and click the Save button.
If this does not fix the problem, then first check the validity of registered private name servers. To test whether the private name servers are correctly registered, ping each name on the command prompt of the operating system.
EXAMPLE PING TEST: (one that is not registered (ns1.userdomain.com), and then one that is registered (ns1.hostgator.com)).
C:\>ping ns1.userdomain.com
Ping request could not find host ns1.userdomain.com. Please check the name and try again.
C:\>ping ns1.hostgator.com
Pinging ns1.hostgator.com [67.18.54.2] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 67.18.54.2: bytes=32 time=6ms TTL=56
Reply from 67.18.54.2: bytes=32 time=6ms TTL=56
Reply from 67.18.54.2: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=56
Reply from 67.18.54.2: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=56
Ping statistics for 67.18.54.2:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 6ms, Maximum = 8ms, Average = 6ms
C:\>
Q. How is Password reset under Domain control panel?
A: Steps:
* The user has to visit its domain control panel and login on the right hand side (Manage Domain).
* Logging in: Enter the domain name without http or www. Enter its initial password, or try its other HostGator passwords.
* If “Error is found: Domain name not found” then the user does not own that domain. Please, contact the registrar.
* If “Error is found: Passwords do not match” then the user owns the domain but forgot its password or changed its password earlier. Please, try a few more passwords.
* If the user still cannot login, it can try the “Forgot password” link.
* If the user still needs help, it can contact HostGator via phone or live chat.
Q. What is Domain Registration refund?
A: If anyone registered a domain name with HostGator in the past, would reverse that registration and get most of the money back within 5 days, per ICANN. This was helpful in case of Fraud or mistakes in registration orders.
Now, the ICANN policy has changed. It was effective from April 1st, 2009, where they were no longer allowed to refund domain names.
If there are trademark issues or copyright violation, then the user can request to unregister the offending domain name at any time; however, there is no refund for this.
Q. Flush DNS
A: Sometimes there is an issue with DNS resolvers caching the domain name to IP mapping. When the user is trying to go to the domain, it is actually pulling up an old IP address instead of looking for a new one and finding the correct record. Therefore, to expedite this problem of cached DNS, there are the following steps.
Microsoft Windows XP
* Go to the Start menu, choose Run, type cmd and hit OK.
* When the black screen appears, type the command and hit enter.
net stop
* Then type the below command and hit enter.
ipconfig /flushdns
* Restart an application (e.g. browser or email).
Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7
* Click the Start orb and follow All Programs > Accessories, look for Command Prompt. Be sure to right click on Command Prompt and choose “Run as Administrator”. When the black screen appears, type the following command and hit enter.
net stop
* Then type this command and hit enter.
ipconfig /flushdns
* Restart an application (e.g. browser or email).
Mac OSX
* Navigate to its Applications folder, open Utilities, and double click on Terminal. Type the following command and hit enter.
dscacheutil –flushcache
* Then type this command and hit enter.
lookupd –flushcache
* Do not worry if either command says something like “Not found”.
* Restart an application (e.g. browser or email).
Linux
* Open up a terminal window (ctrl T in gnome). Type the following command and hit enter.
/etc/init.d/nscd restart
* Restart the application (e.g. browser or email).
Q. Free Domain Name Transfer
A: The HostGator provides one domain name transfer free per newly purchased account. This free domain transfer is for their client’s primary domain only. The request for the free domain registration transfer can be submitted anytime within the life of their hosting account. For this the user should click the “Request free domain name transfer now”. Additionally, the user can register and transfer additional domain registrations to HostGator.
Q. How can the user check the status of its domain name purchase or transfer?
New domain registrations will only process after the user will pay for them. The new domain should soon appear in eNom’s Whois lookup. Domain transfers will have to initiate after the user pays for them. After fulfilling the requirements, be sure to check an email for a confirmation letter. The transfer should be decided within 7 days. If the transfer was successful, then the domain will appear in eNom’s Whois lookup.
If the user has paid for a domain name, but neither receive any email for confirmation nor able to see it in eNom’s results, then the user have to contact HostGator via email to sales@hostgator.com with the domain name and proof of payment.
Q. How can the user transfer its domain to them?
A: If the user wants to transfer the website files and content, follow the following steps:
* Choose the types of web hosting or servers: Shared, Reseller, VPS, Linux Dedicated, Windows Dedicated, etc.
* For Shared hosting (Hatchling, Baby, and Business), the PRIMARY domain name’s site transfer is free. If the user has add-on domains, they will transfer as it is. However, any separate cPanel become add-on domains (not free), thus, need a quote.
* For Resellers users, they get 30 free transfers within the first 30 days; beyond that, they need a quote. If they have add-on domains, they will transfer exactly as is; and they will not convert add-on domains into separate cPanel.
* Linux and Windows dedicated servers get unlimited transfers within the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, they will need a quote. If they have add-on domains, they will transfer exactly as is; and will not convert add-on domains into separate cPanel.
* VPS customers get unlimited transfers within the first 30 days, but only if the users have a Level 3 or higher VPS with cPanel. Anything else needs a quote. If they have add-on domains, they will transfer exactly as is.
If the user wishes to transfer the domain registration to them just follow the following:
* Go to http://www.hostgator.com/transfer.
* Inside the purple box, under Transfer A Domain Name, enter the domain as per the wish to transfer and click on the Transfer button.
* Complete the domain transfer form and click on the Purchase button, located at the bottom of the form.
Note: This process requires payment immediately with credit card. If the user cannot pay with credit card then the required extension for domain name would not list in the drop-down box. For any assistance, email at sales@hostgator.com.
Instructions must be read before transferring
Registration transfers usually take 5 to 7 days to process. There are two settings, correct on the domain, or the transfer will fail. Please check these two things before submitting a transfer request.
* Check to make sure, if the email on the domain is correct. Once the transfer starts, the current registrar is going to email this address asking for permission to move the domain. If the email listed does not work, then the user cannot respond to this email and thus the transfer will fail.
* Make sure the domain not locked. If it has locked, even if the user agrees to the transfer, the transfer will fail.
o Check both by going to http://www.domaintools.com. Once there, type the domain.com in the field labeled “Whois Lookup:” and click submit. Find where it says “Administrative Contact:” This is where its correct email address must list.
o Now scroll down to where it says “Status:” If the status says, “locked,” just get this changed before doing the transfer. To get the changed the user must contact the registrar (the company from where the user bought the domain), and ask them to make the necessary changes. Some registrars allow the user to make these changes himself from within their control panel.
Note: The user may not transfer a domain unless it has been at the current registrar for at least 60 days. Additionally, if the domain is expired the user may not transfer it until the user first renews the registration with the current company.
Q. How does the user make its private name servers the default for all accounts that the user creates in WHM?
A: If the user wants the private name servers to use for all future accounts that the user creates, this will only set the name server entries in the DNS zones. The customer must still update their name servers with their registrar.
Reseller:
* In WHM, click “Basic cPanel/WHM Setup”.
* Replace the information after “Name server 1:” with the primary private name server (Example: ns1.domain.com).
* Replace the information after “Name server 2:” with the secondary private name server (Example: ns2.domain.com).
* Finally, click Save Changes.
Dedicated:
* In WHM, click “Reseller Center”.
* In the third area called Reseller Modifications, select the user/domain and click “Edit reseller privileges & name servers”.
* Now, scroll all the way to the very bottom.
* Replace the information after “Name server 1:” with the primary private name server (Example: ns1.domain.com).
* Replace the information after “Name server 2:” with the secondary private name server (Example: ns2.domain.com).
* Finally, click Save All Settings.
Q. How do they manage the domain that they have bought from HostGator?
A: Steps that manage the domain are:
Visit their domain control panel and login on the right hand side (“Manage its Domain”). If they have a domain TLD not listed on that page, then refer the following steps to login:
Logging in: Enter the domain name without http or www. Enter the initial password given by the HostGator, or try other HostGator passwords.
* If they get “Error: Domain name not found” then they do not own the domain and contact the registrar.
* If they get “Error: Passwords do not match” then they own the domain. Try a few more passwords.
* If they still cannot login, please contact to the company via phone or live chat.
Updating name servers: Movie tutorial.
Once after logged in, they move the Domain Settings tab. DNS Information and click the Edit button. Then they can choose “Custom” and enter their name servers. Hit “Save” and it has done.
Setting up URL redirect: Once logged in they will see the Domain Settings tab. Look for DNS Information and click the Edit button. They must have the “Default” option selected. Next, look for Host Records and click the Edit button. Enter the records according to the instructions in the Help link. Hit “Save” and it has done.
Updating Whois: a Movie tutorial
Once logged in they will see the Domain Settings tab. Next to that tab, click Contact Information. They will now see all of the contact info for their domain. They may change this and save.
Renew a domain: Once logged in they will see the Domain Settings tab. Next to that tab, click Renew Domain. The user can now update the billing information and the one-time credit card information.
Q. How does the user renew its domain name?
A: When the user registers a domain name, it should be sure to update the Whois information to contain the email. Later, when it is the time to renew, the user will get an email reminder. If the user does not want to rely on email, it can perform a Whois search for its domain, and check the expiration date. HostGator domains can easily manage and renew by their domain control panel. Before the domain is expired, the user must contact the company from where it has bought the domain name (the registrar).
Q. What the company can do to circumvent their policy is to get a dynamic DNS service like dyndns.org?
A: The HostGator can still host the .nl and .de domains, but they have to get a dynamic DNS service. Another alternative is SEO Hosting. If they have SEO hosting, then there will not be any need for a dynamic DNS service, as they provide IPs of separate C class.
Q. How to add an IDN domain with international characters:
A: If a user wants to add domain ????????????-?????.gr to cPanel, it is going to give it a nice error about special characters. One solution for this problem is to get the Punycode (ACE) version of the domain, it would have xn--prefix. The help of http://www.idnstuff.com/ will encode a site that the user uses
For ????????????-?????.gr, the Punycode version is xn—-plbucfmli7bcghsvcof1l.gr
Then just add xn—-plbucfmli7bcghsvcof1l.gr as an add-on/parked domain in cPanel.
This will also work when signing up for a hosting account. Just sign up with domain xn—-plbucfmli7bcghsvcof1l.gr and its Greek characters will work.
Q. Why their domain names are more reliable?
A: DNS stands for “domain name server.” A domain name server is the computer (or one of several) that “serves” requests for the Web site or email address. It works as a battery for its domain name. The more powerful the DNS, the more likely people will be able to see its site, send the user an email, etc. If the DNS is not strong enough, people may have trouble reaching to the user.
Most companies offer customers one or two domain servers — one main server, and one for backup. When the user registers the domain name with them, then the six servers that distributed the domain name around the U.S provides the superior connectivity and reliability.
Q. If the user private name servers are registered. Then what will happen?
A: After the name servers have created, the user must add the necessary A records to the user’s domain. After the A record update, the user and its clients will be able to use the private name servers for all the domains that host with the user. If the user does not know how to change the site’s DNS, it can refer the article Changing DNS and DNS Update.
Q. How can the user have Private Registration, for ID protect?
A: The Company offers the client to protect the client personal domain registration information from whois searches. The Client can enable the ID Protect feature by paying $10 per year per domain through email sales@hostgator.com.
In March 2005, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has said that all owners of .US domains will not have the option of keeping their information private, and that it must be made public.
Sometimes the domains are registered with Brent’s information because the company does the registration manually. This is not private registration, and the client will not get important updates about the domain until the client changes the whois information.
The HostGator actually sell ID Protect, which replaces all of their personal information with ENom contacts, and email redirected to the company. ENom will constantly change their contact email listed in whois. This way a person will only get a temporary email to reach, thus it stops working before it can reach harmful spammers.
Q. What is reverse DNS record, PTR, pointer record and how does it works?
A: The reverse DNS record is also known as the PTR record, pointer record, or IP resolvers. A PTR record lets the receiver of the emails check for possible spoof emails, which will treat as spam. Without this record, the receiver must rely on guessing if the email might be spam.
Generally, when the client has a PTR record, the client emails have a better chance to deliver to their inbox instead of their spam folder.
How it really works:
Shared and Reseller, can create the PTR record for the sake of having the record. However, the PTR record will not function because even if the client buys a dedicated IP, the IP will not apply to emails.
Dedicated and VPS, can create this record on the domains per request. Just contact the company via phone, live chat, or email support@hostgator.com with the domain name.
Q. Understanding Domain Registration
A: The Registrar can be a different company other than the hosting company. If the client is registered with HostGator, the client should always contact HostGator for help, never eNom.
If the client has registered its own domain as an ENom reseller; then most of the issues can handle directly by eNom. The client may still contact HostGator first to be sure.
ICANN – regulates domain registrations and sets prices. Visit www.internic.net to learn the rights as a consumer.
HostGator can host any domain name as long as the client can point the DNS to the company, but the HostGator cannot register every domain.
Domain Name Renewals: Contact the company before the expiration date and renew it.
Expiration: If the client fails to renew, then the client registration will interrupt, and then the registrar will change the client name servers. This means it will take a few more days to be back.
Redemption: After 29 days of being expired, the user enters into a redemption period. Now ENom wants $250.00 plus the normal price to renew the domain name. HostGator will require the client to pay this cost or register a different domain. (They make no profit from domains in redemption. The entire payment goes to eNom.)
Transfers: When the client always initiates the transfer with the new company, (it takes 5 to 7 days). Many obstacles make a valid domain registration transfer fail.
* Domain name is expired. The client must pay the current company before the client can transfer the files and data.
* The time with current registrar is less than 60 days, and then transfer not allowed.
* The domain status is “locked”. This is for protection against false requests; just ask the current registrar to unlock the user’s domain.
* The User whois information is incorrect or private. The user must have a valid email listed as the Admin Contact Email so the client can receive a confirmation letter from the current registrar.
* An invalid EPP code (“Auth key”) provided. This is required for most domain names; the client must get the EPP code from the current registrar and provide it to the new registrar.
The user should initiate domain registration transfers at least 1 month before the domain expires. This will give the user a chance to fix any mistakes and re-initiate the transfer in time.
Q. What are private name servers?
A: If the user uses the company generic name servers, it would look something like ns123.hostgator.com and ns124.hostgator.com or ns19.websitewelcome.com and ns20.websitewelcome.com
Shared Web Hosting: The User must use the company generic name servers.
Reseller Hosting: The user has the option to use their generic name servers, or the client own private name servers that would look like ns1.userdomain.com and ns2.userdomain.com.
Dedicated Server: The client must use private name servers.
Q. What are the client private name servers IPs? How does the client know which IP addresses are correct for the client’s private name servers?
A: When the client signed up with HostGator.com hosting, the company sent the client a welcome email with all of the client account information inside. Please refer to the email for the following information.
For ns1.userdomain.com, the IP would be the IP address listed in the client welcome email.
For ns2.userdomain.com, the IP would the same, except the last number in increased by one.
(Example: If the IP listed in the client welcome email is 69.93.193.74, its ns2.domain.com name server’s IP would be 69.93.193.75.)
If the client lost the welcome email, the client can get the IP by logging in at hostgator.com/billing. Once logged in, hover over the “My Sites” icon and click Packages. There are several types of plans; the client can opt such as Aluminum, Copper, Silver, Gold, or Diamond. Click the name of the plan, and on the right hand side, it will list the client site’s IP address.
Q. What happens if the client domain name expires?
A: If the domain name expired, then the client site will show an advertisement page from the registrar.
Expired domains from HostGator will look like this:
A Whois lookup will reveal that the domain expires in the future, but was updated a day after it renewed, and the name servers are changed. (The name servers will automatically revert when the registration fee is paid.)
Name Server: DNS1.NAME-SERVICES.COM
Name Server: DNS2.NAME-SERVICES.COM
Updated Date: 29-mar-2009
Expiration Date: 28-mar-2010
The client has 29 days to pay for domain name at regular price. After 29 days, it will cost extra to renew ($250 plus regular price), and the client may risk losing the domain to another buyer.
Q. What is the Client EPP code or Authorization Key?
A: This is a code provided by an old registrar, and required by a new registrar to complete a registration transfer. The Client must contact the old registrar to get it.
If HostGator is an old registrar, then mail at sales@hostgator.com with the request id. The HostGator will send the client code to the Registrant contact email, found in the registration whois information of the user.
Q. What is the IPS TAG?
A:Some UK domains require an IPSTAG before the domains can transfer the registration. The domains IP’s tag is ENOM.
[tag = ENOM]
For any assistance, the client may contact the HostGator at sales@hostgator.com to complete the .co.uk transfer.
If the client changes the tag and do not email to sales, then the domain will move into eNom with no account to control it and the client can easily lose the domain name without any information.
Q What is Wildcard DNS, and how does the user use it.
A: Wildcard DNS is a protocol that makes any sub domain redirects to the main website without an error or an interruption.
Therefore, if anyone types randomjunk.domain.com or fakename.domain.com, it will automatically go to http://domain.com/.
The client can add this record via cPanel by following these steps:
* Go into cPanel, and then go to Sub domains.
* Add a sub domain called *
* Make sure the users ets the document root to the client public_html folder.
DOMAIN RESELLER
Q. Tell the eNom’s price list. Does the company provide other domains? If the user has any query, where the user can contact?
A: eNom offers the domain registrations at these prices:
.com – $9.45/yr
.net – $9.45/yr
.org – $9.45/yr
For buying these domains, the client should have an eNom reseller account. Other domain prices will vary. The list of other domain TLD’s eNom can register for its users that can be referred from the HostGator price lists.
The user may contact HostGator.com for questions regarding any domain names the client register.
eNom’s Technical Support hours of operation:
Monday-Friday from 6 am to 6 pm PST (Pacific Standard Time).
Phone: (425) 274-4500 ext. 3
eNom also has an email contact; however, the client will have to log in to their “Support Center”. The support center contact form is located at: http://www.enom.com/contact.aspx.
Q. How does information shown on the eNom API?
A: The information on the eNom API shown in the following way:
* Please login to an eNom account and click Resellers on the left hand side. The client will now see “API Info” and “API Docs”
* The client starts the setup of the API to register domains automatically. Domain registration is one service that everyone might want to consider always processing manually instead of automatically to prevent fraudulent orders.
Q. How does the user remove Rich Content from its account?
A: Currently, eNom users will have the Rich Content and it includes the service automatically. However, the instructions to remove this feature are the following:
The client has to login to the eNom account and cancel this service.
1. Click More Products >> RichContent >> Manage.
2. Click on the RichContent name.
3. Click on “Cancel this service”, at the right bottom of the page.
Q. What is Registry Rocket? In addition, what is the difference between Registry Rocket and eNom API?
A: Registry Rocket is a customizable web page designed as a tool for the user to sell and automatically registers domain names; the user can customize the site name, upload a logo (optional), and set the pricing. An example of Registry Rocket is the company’s registration page of domain name, located at: http://hostgator.com/domains
Registry Rocket is not available to the type of eNom account the company have given to the users by default. Nevertheless, the user can change the client account to the higher level API account that has Registry Rocket; however, it will require a $100 deposit to use towards automated domain sells. When the client deposit runs out, the client will need to log in to the client’s eNom account and deposit more money.
NOTE:
* ENom charges 3% on all deposits made on reseller accounts. The 3% taken from whatever the client deposits, so if the client deposits $100, then the client will have a $97 credit. This is not available per account or per domain, only per deposit.
* In addition, the client should be weary of automatic registration, as the client may have to deal with fraudulent orders. This will leave the client paying the bill, regardless of why the ckient customer’s payment revoked.
* The cliente must upgrade to Reseller API if the client wants to have default name servers and “registered by” in the WHOIS to display the name.
With Registry Rocket, the client may track sales and watch the account balance grow in eNom reseller account. Whether this is a permanent e-commerce solution for domain name sales, or an interim option until the client has its own merchant account established, Registry Rocket works.
There are 2 different types of eNom domain reseller accounts.
By default the company provides the cheaper registration prices account (Registry Rocket), however it has fewer functions. If the user wishes to upgrade to the eNom API reseller account, please email sales@hostgator.com and state what the client wishes to have in the eNom API.
The API also allows merging an eNom reseller account with WHM Autopilot, to allow the purchase of a hosting account at the same time as purchase for a domain.