Refusal to modify a Domain Name Server

[JohntheDom]

Can a DN Registrar refuse to modify a Domain Name Server?

My ISP offers a free Domain Name, which I took up, and once I had found and signed up to a hosting site, they informed me that "With a free .net domain your only allowed to link it to a free or paying hosting... We can't update the names servers as requested."

Is this legal? Can I 'force it'? There's not a lot of money involved here, but it seems to me that the principle is wrong - whether a Domain Name is offered free or not, I feel that you should be able to use it as you wish.

Your thoughts, folks?

Thanks,

John.

 

[katherine]

I agree it sucks but I think the answer lies in the agreement you have with that company.
If I read this right your ISP is the registrar too or has used a third party registrar for the purpose of registering the name.

Often hosting companies will offer a domain for paid hosting you buy from them but you have to read the fine print then and ask yourself:
- will the domain belong to you and be registered in your name
- what will happen to the domain when the contract terminates
- will they apply a 'redeem' fee if you want to recover the domain etc

Legal ? I think so, if the limitations were clearly outlined and made known to you.
Obviously there is not point in owning a domain you do not control.

Now my best advice to you would be to use a registrar of your choosing for your domains, and another company for your hosting / Internet access. In case of a dispute with your ISP / hosting provider at least they won't be able to take your names hostage.
Good luck.
PS: check the whois for the name. If you are listed in the admin section perhaps you could try to transfer away from them.

 

[JohntheDom]

Hi, sdsinc, and thanks for all your advice. I will certainly look into the points you've made...

I only registered the name concerned because they offered it free, and it could be useful to me in the future. I normally use Godaddy.com - cheap & uncomplicated. It's no big sweat, but I've now got a hosting account for a DN I can't use with the host.

Never mind - I have another name that needs hosting, so I'll see if the host will transfer the account to that one. Maybe... ray:

If not, that's another little IT lesson learned! But I'll salvage something...

BTW, I am listed as the Administrative Contact, so I'll also have a look at transferring away. :fencing:

Thanks,

John.

 

[Beachie]

Transfer it out of there.. If they refuse to transfer, complain to ICANN:
http://reports.internic.net/cgi/registrars/problem-report.cgi

 

[RazorNF]

Actually that's what I've noticed with a number of hosting companies. They charge for every little modification where a typical registrar includes all those features as part of the registration fee. Many new users don't realize you don't have to have the domain with the company you host with.

 

[weblord]

quickie lesson: don't register your domains on hosting providers/isp, don't host with domain name registrars.

 

[Luc]

John,

You get what you pay for. Classic catch.

Try to transfer out, you'll still have to pay the $7.50 or whatever and I doubt they'll push it through (the original hosting companies registrar) but it's worth a shot.

Nothing is ever free in this business.

Luc L.

 

[denny007]

I 'd bet the domain whois is the registrars and they have this in TOS. There is no free lunch !