Domain name renewal query (worry!)

[Jeff FV]

I have a number of domains, mainly registered with either Vidahost or 123 and they are very good at sending me a reminder when due for renewal.

However, today I received an email from nominet to tell me that a domain of mine expires today. They also gave me details of the registrar and told me to contact them for renewal, its not 123 or vidahost, or anyone else Ive heard of. (I got this domain name when I bought webhosting from another provider who gave me a free domain name with my webspace. I've since moved the webspace hosting to Vidahost.)

I visited the website of my registrar and all there is is a contact form - which I've filled in and asked to transfer my domain name to 123. I've also been to 123 and filled in the form to transfer it to them, but apparently I have to " contact your current provider and ask them to change the IPS tag to 123-REG "

I'm a little worried as the registrar didn't contact me in advance to renew my domain name and its website doesn't fill me with confidence. I don't want to lose this domain name. I appreciate that nominet give me a period of grace before cancelling the domain name, but what do I do next if I don't hear back from my registrar to allow me to renew or transfer my domain name?

Many thanks

Jeff

 

[CSHTech]

What is the name of the company that has your domain name registered with?

The IPS tag transfers the domain registration to another provider. If your current provider will not provide the transfer then the internet Registrar can force the IPS change. I think it costs £10 + VAT or something, and some companies like Vidahost give that money to charity.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jeff FV]

Thanks @CSHTech

The email I received from nominet tells me:

You can contact your registrar using the details below:

Domain Name Provider: NETEARTHONE
https://www.advancedregistrar.co.uk

Never heard of them before, their website is a bit "spartan" and I'm surprised they haven't asked me to pay for renewal, all of which leaves me wondering if its still a functioning registrar, or whether it was some-one's bedroom business which they've now given up on.

I could be doing them a disservice and hopefully they'll get back to me tomorrow, but I just want to make sure I have a plan B.

 

[Nuno]

Telephone Nominet tomorrow morning. I have always found them very helpful, both on phone and email queries. If the domain is in your name, (which it obviously is), you should be able to change registrar via Nominet for the small fee mentioned above. (£10 + VAT)

 

[nahosting]

Don't worry too much as you have plenty of time to resolve the issue (92 days until UK doamins are cancelled from expiry date - http://www.nominet.org.uk/uk-domain-names/manage-your-domain/renew)

NetEarthOne or NEO are an american registrar, whom we use for various international domains. They are professional and helpful, but, as you have observed, their customer facing website isn't the best. You can use Nominet directly for all your UK domain needs but they do charge for their services, but are helpful and quick in responding. 123reg have started charging for extra services, like £10 to change your IPS tag on UK domains, so look out for those extras in the long term.

Let us know if we can be of any assistance and good luck.