Domain Addresses ?

[Peely]

Bit of a strange one here !

I run a small business and have had the same web address and email for over 8 years.
My current provider/server hasn't performed too well and charges me for the privelidge every year for hosting the site !

It has just come up for anual renewal and I have decided to look elsewhere.

My question is, what happens to the web address that they re-register every 12mths for me ?

Can I apply to register it for myself, or do I need to buy it off them, can they keep it for themselves ?

Any help appreciated !

[Lawrenzini]

It depends who owns the domain and the contracts you have in place. It's a complex one and they could have you over a barrel.

[Peely]

Originally Posted by Lawrenzini

It depends who owns the domain and the contracts you have in place. It's a complex one and they could have you over a barrel.

I think they own the domain name, which I have been kicking myself ever since I realised I could have registered it in 2001 when I designed the website !
But no contracts in place, I have just told them that I no longer need them for hosting the website !

[Desmo]

Generally the domain belongs to you, even if somebody else has registered it on your behalf. But as said, depends on who this company are and what their blurb states. If you run in to any problems, you could contact nominet directly to sort out any issues.

[Lawrenzini]

oh that shouldn't be a problem at all then. Is it a big company like 1&1? Normally there would be a standard procedure. transfering a domain is really easy - there will be a form on the new providers website to undertake this.

If you are unsure of ownership go to

Whois lookup and Domain name search

and search for your domain. It will tell you who the registered owner is.

[Peely]

Originally Posted by Lawrenzini

oh that shouldn't be a problem at all then. Is it a big company like 1&1? Normally there would be a standard procedure. transfering a domain is really easy - there will be a form on the new providers website to undertake this.

If you are unsure of ownership go to

Whois lookup and Domain name search

and search for your domain. It will tell you who the registered owner is.

Nah, just a small private company.

Thanks for that, just put the name in, but doesn't mean a lot to a newbie like me ?

Sorry, but where exactly does it say who actually owns it ?

ICANN Registrar: ?

Registrant: ?