Host name confusion

I'm redesigning a website for a client and want to upload my files to that domain name through my HostGator cPanel. I spoke with the developer who is currently hosting the site through GoDaddy and he was fine with it. He took down the old site, put up a 'Coming Soon' page, and told me once my site is ready, I can upload it by changing the host name.

It was my impression that in order to transfer the domain name, change the DNS or anything of that nature, it would need to be done from his end. I'm still pretty new to hosting and am having a hard time finding the answer. I would appreciate it if someone would point me in the right direction. Thanks!

 

Hello there,

If they have given you access to the sites GoDaddy hosting control panel, you may be able to go into the DNS records there and change the "A" record for domain name to point the the IP of your server. Once you have completed the design and placed it back on the clients server, you would change the IP back to point to the current hosting account.

If they have not given you this access, then they would be required to make the change.

Regards,
Chris

 

Yes, if you have your domain through GoDaddy you will need to log into that account and change your nameservers "A"record to point to the server where you are hosting the website. It doesn't have to be done through someone's particular "end" but only through the control panel of your domain holder. Also, a note, Godaddy is more of a domain vendor over a top notch hosting company. You don't have to host with the company you purchase your domain from you only have to point the nameservers to the server where your data will reside.

 

you are talking about "transfer the domain name" -> this is not quite needed for what you are doing. but did you want this done as well? To transfer the domain, go to the domain company you are moving TO, and purchase a transfer, then request a CODE from the company you are moving FROM.

You are talking about YOU doing the redesign, but the hosting and domain is with the former developer? If so, then this is *not* good. Be sure that you are not getting into a warzone here. You may want to advise your client to take control of their domain name, moving it directly to a registrar themselves so that this is not in dispute, and it means then that either one of you could then be responsible for hosting and maintaining the site.

To point the domain name to a different server, you do not need to transfer the domain. You can simply point the domain to the new nameservers, OR, let it point to the current server, and then (as mentioned by others) update the DNS records so that it points to the new location. Doing this means that you then have to have 2 servers running.
And either method relies 100% on the former developer working with you.

IF you are simply redesigning it, and it is not finished, then you do not need to really host it online. You should be trying to do your development locally, uploading it only when it is nearing its more final stages of development.
To preview the site (on your host that DOESNT have a domain name) try: SERVER_IP_ADRESS/~account_username and this should show the site that you are developing. This way you can have the old site still accessible, while you develop the new one.