How to configure the Vistaprint DNS to leave the domain registration with Vistaprint and to host the website elsewhere.
I recently wanted to change the DNS settings for a domain which was registered with Vistaprint. The intention was to build the website on one of the popular CMSs. To do this the amendment required was a change to the DNS sub-domain configuration or a change to the nameservers.
Reviewing the DNS options on the Vistaprint website I found that a modification of the domain is not available.
Moving the website to another server therefore necessitates transferring the domain away to another registrar.
Whilst the domain is registered and hosted with Vistaprint the domain is not technically owned by you. Your details are not held against the domain in WHOIS. A release fee is payable which also transfers the ownership of the domain.
This means that if you wish to make such changes you will need to move the domain away.
To begin the transfer the domain is added to your account with another registrar and a transfer request started.
Once the transfer has been initiated a cooling off period is triggered, just in case you change your mind, or more importantly had set this in motion in error.
Following the request to move, once the domain has been released, an email is received with some guidance on the steps required:
- Update contact information at OpenSRS.
- Transfer the web address to another registrar
- Update Nameserver information
1. Update Contact Information at OpenSRS:
Go to http://manage.opensrs.net and click Manage Domain.
Update the Admin Contact, Billing Contact or Technical Contact information for your web address. You should update this information soon after taking ownership of your web address. You will receive important emails with instructions.
2. Transfer Your Web Address to Another Registrar:
To transfer your web address to another web address registrar, set up an account with the new registrar if you have not done so already. You may be asked for an authorization code, which can be found by clicking the “Domain Extras” link at the top of the “Manage Your Domain” page at OpenSRS. For more information on how web address transfers work, see these links:
3. Update Nameservers Information
To update your name servers to point at a new host, log in to your account and click Manage Name Servers on the main page. This will allow you to point your web address name to the address of your new host.
If you are in a hurry to move your domain the cooling-off period may prove frustrating.
With a website change of server there is a period of uncertainty where some visitors will see the old website version and some the new website. Changes start after about 2 hours, and can take up to 72 hours to fully propagate.
