Website hosting - how hard to switch?

[Captcha]

I went through the (for me) ordeal of setting up a website last May, and now it looks like the company I was dealing with has decided to almost double the cost of hosting, up to about $110/year. I don't really think I'm getting any special value for that, so I'd like to switch, if I can.

Can I? I mean, I know I can, somehow, but how hard would it be? I don't really care if I lose the content on the site (it's not all that great, anyway, to be honest), but I'd really want to keep the same internet address.

And if I CAN switch without too much trauma, does anyone have a suggestion for who to switch to? I'm in Canada, if that matters, and I'd like a site that has some level of identity protection (I write erotica under a pseudonym, and I'd like to keep it that way). Thanks for any help.

[Medievalist]

You'll need to find a new host.

You need to move over any data you want to keep, or put up a new site.

You'll then need to change the DNS record at the place you've registered your domain to use the DNS data for your new host. This is not difficult, but you do need to pay attention.

I don't have any information at all about Canadian ISPs, but I suspect someone here will.

Were I you, I would want a Canadian ISP.

[krissybrady]

Hi there Kate,

I am a web designer based in Canada, and I would be more than happy to assist you with transferring your site over to my server. Be sure to let me know the details at info@justjoanmarketing.com. Also let me know what you were paying originally for hosting, and I can match it.

I'm sorry to hear about the troubles you are having with your website! I will help alleviate your stress in any way I can.

[Matera the Mad]

http://www.swifthost.net/ has been my home for some years now. Very affordable and BS-free.

I have had to move other people's sites from one host to another. It should be a painless process. I hope you didn't purchase your domain through your host.

[Lex]

The trickiest part about switching hosting is if you're transferring your domain as well. If you are not doing that, disregard the rest of my post.

You'll need to initiate a domain transfer with your existing host, redirect it to your new hosts servers, get unlock codes to release it and a whole bunch of other confusing and frustrating crap.

In my experience, the best way to do this is to read up on the help documentation of your new host to see exactly what they require. Then, open a support ticket with your existing host requesting that exact information from them. After you initiate the transfer, it can take up to 10 days or more for it to go through. In the mean time, don't panic - your actual files can be on your new host, and the domain can be pointed at their servers. It just takes a little time to physically move the domain to your new host. You'll need to find out ahead of time how long it can take and what charges you may incur from your old host in the process.

Since they sound a little weasly, get their policy in writing. It's best if you get a direct answer from a real person. That being said, as the "owner" of your domain, you do have certain rights. It's very unlikely you'll have to deal with this as anything more than a minor inconvenience, but it's best to be prepared ahead of time.

Good luck!

p.s. I love love love hostmonster. I've been with them for years and can't complain. The worst thing I can say about them is that they occasionally go down for maintenance unannounced, but that's rare, and they're usually back up within an hour. They have responsive and friendly support staff and offer a lot of space for a competitive price.