My registrar has locked my domain for transferring. What do I do now?

Most registrars will lock your domain automatically to protect you from unauthorized transfers. If you didn't contact your registrar or use your registrar's domain management tools to unlock your domain before you initiated your transfer, we won't be able to complete the transfer.

Generally if you see a message during the transfer that your domain is locked, you'll simply need to contact your registrar to unlock your domain.

In rare cases, a registrar may lock a domain for transferring while it resolves a billing or other dispute. If your registrar has actively locked your domain, you'll need to contact your registrar directly to resolve this issue and unlock your domain before you can complete your transfer.

I ordered my plan, but you said I can't transfer my domain yet. Now what?

If your domain can't be transferred right away, don't worry: We'll provide a temporary web address that you can use with your plan while you're waiting.

Generally you'll just need to take some simple steps to prepare your domain for transferring. These steps vary depending on your current registrar.

We'll explain the steps you need when you complete your order for a Small Business plan. You can also identify the steps for your domain during the transfer process: If we ask for your authorization code, see authorization code instructions. If instead you're prompted for your registry key, see our registry key steps.

In some cases, you may encounter another error when trying to transfer your domain name. We'll let you know if you need to contact your registrar for more information or you can try again.

If you find that your transfer is taking too long, you can redelegate your domain name while you're waiting. Redelegating means that you'll simply tell your current registrar to redirect your domain name to point to Yahoo!. This process will allow you to use your domain name with your plan, though you'll continue to manage your domain and pay any renewal fees with your current registrar.

Help! I never received the transfer authorization email!

After you initiate the transfer process, you'll need to watch out for an important email from our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT, and respond to this email to complete authorization of your domain transfer.

We'll send the authorization email within 24 hours to the administrative or registrant email address listed in your domain records (WHOIS). We'll ask you to confirm that you can receive mail at this address before you begin the transfer.

If you don't receive the authorization email within a couple of days, please first double-check that the email didn't get caught in your email account's bulk or spam folder.

If you still can't find the email, please double-check the administrative or registrant email addresses listed in your domain records (WHOIS). (Your registrar can help you find this information, or you cancheck it yourself in the public database.) If you can't receive mail at those addresses, please contact your registrar to correct your contact information, then start the process again on your Domain Control Panel.

(Note that some registrars may deny your transfer request for a short time after you update your WHOIS. Please contact your registrar for details.)

If you have private domain registration turned on for your domain, messages sent to your domain contact (including the authorization email) will be delivered to your registrar. If you do not receive your authorization email, we recommend that you contact your registrar or turn off private domain registration. (Note that disabling this service will make your contact information public.)

My transfer didn't work the first time. How can I try again?

Generally if your transfer doesn't work the first time, you can restart the transfer process again from your Domain Control Panel. There you'll see a message explaining why your transfer failed. If you can restart the process immediately, we'll provide a transfer link you can use to try again.

If your domain can't be transferred yet (usually this indicates a problem with your domain registration information), we'll ask you to contact customer care for assistance.

Tip: If you find that you can't transfer your domain yet, or you don't want to wait to begin using your domain with your Yahoo! plan, you can redelegate your domain name instead. Redelegating means that you'll simply tell your current registrar to redirect your domain name to point to Yahoo!. This process will allow you to use your domain name with your plan, though you'll continue to manage your domain and pay any renewal fees with your current registrar.

What might delay transferring my domain to Yahoo!?

Although the transfer process can often be quick and easy, there are a number of reasons why your transfer might not work out the first time. In order to protect your domain (and it does belong to you until your registration expires, no matter which domain registrar you use!), ICANN and all registrars have put into place a lot of rules that can sometimes slow you down.

Before You Start
We recommend that you make sure your domain is ready to move before you begin. The details will vary slightly depending on your current domain registrar, but don't worry, we'll guide you through each step.

During the transfer process, we'll ask you for your authorization code or registry key (two different kinds of that special transfer code we mentioned). If we ask for your authorization code, seeauthorization code instructions. If instead you're prompted for your registry key, see our registry key steps.

Common Reasons a Transfer Might Fail
Note that some of the reasons noted below apply only to transfers from certain registrars. We'll let you know when you sign up for your service and begin the transfer process which restrictions apply to your domain.

Domain is locked: Locking your domain can help protect your domain from unauthorized transfers. To successfully transfer your domain, you'll need to make sure it's unlocked.

Domain was already transferred in last 60 days: ICANN regulations forbid transfer of your domain more than once every 60 days. If you recently registered or transferred your domain name, you'll need to wait until that window has elapsed to transfer your domain again. (Note that this restriction does not apply to domains transferred from our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT, or its other partners.)

Wrong authorization code or registry key: During the transfer process, we'll ask you for yourauthorization code or registry key. You must supply this special code (like a PIN number for your domain) to authorize the transfer. Your registrar can provide the correct code.

Private domain registration is active: For transfers from certain registrars, you must turn off your private domain registration service before you can transfer your domain.

Authorization expires: For some transfers, we'll send you an email after you begin the transfer process. If you don't respond to this authorization email within 5 days, your transfer request will expire.

Domain registration expired: We can transfer your domain only if your registration is still active. If your domain registration has expired, please contact your current registrar for assistance.

I started a domain transfer, but I changed my mind. How can I cancel the transfer?

Generally, once a domain transfer is in progress, it cannot be canceled. Because a transfer relies on communication between domain registrars and public domain services, Yahoo! is unable to stop a transfer that has already been authorized.

Some domain transfers require you to finalize the transfer by responding to an email sent by our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT. If you initiated a transfer but haven't yet responded to that email, you can cancel your transfer by simply ignoring that email. Your domain transfer request will expire after 5 days.

If you change your mind about the transfer, you can transfer your domain away from Yahoo! again. However, please be aware that in accordance with ICANN regulations, you'll need to wait at least 60 days before transferring your domain again.

How do I unlock my domain?

Before you can transfer a domain to Yahoo!, you'll need to be sure that your domain is unlocked. (If your domain is locked, your registrar will reject the transfer.)

To unlock your domain, you'll need to contact your registrar. Many registrars will make tools available for you to unlock your domain yourself; or contact your registrar directly for assistance.

What does it mean that my domain is locked?

Many domain registrars will "lock" your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain to another registrar or web host. Locking your domain can help protect your domain from unauthorized third parties who might try to misdirect or transfer your domain without your permission.

If you would like to transfer your domain to Yahoo!, you'll need to unlock your domain. (If your domain is locked, your registrar will reject the transfer.) Many registrars will make tools available for you to unlock your domain yourself; or contact your registrar directly for assistance.

How do I update my domain contact email address before I transfer my domain to Yahoo!?

If you're transferring a domain to Yahoo! and need to update your domain contact email address, please contact your current registrar.

In many cases, your registrar will provide tools that allow you to update your domain registration information (WHOIS) yourself. You can also just contact you registrar directly for assistance.

Tip: Don't remember which registrar you used?

You must be able to receive mail at your domain contact email address to complete your domain transfer, so it's crucial that your WHOIS details are correct.

(Note that some registrars may deny your transfer request for a short time after you update your WHOIS. Please contact your registrar for details.)

What if I have private domain registration? 
If you have private domain registration, your own email address does not appear in your public domain records, and messages sent to your domain contact (including the email you need to authorize your transfer) will be delivered to your registrar.

To ensure you receive the transfer authorization email, we recommend that you contact your registrar to do one of the following:

• Turn off private domain registration. (Note that disabling this service will make your contact information public.)
• Ask your registrar to confirm that it will forward the authorization email to you promptly.

Why do I need to confirm my domain contact email address to start my transfer?

After you initiate the transfer process, our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT, will send an email to your domain contact email address: either the administrative or registrant contact listed in your domain records (WHOIS).

You'll have 5 days to complete the steps in that email to authorize the transfer, or your transfer request will expire, so it's critical that you can receive this message.

To save time, we recommend that you review your WHOIS and make any updates before you begin the transfer process. You can contact your registrar anytime to confirm your WHOIS, or check yourself in the public WHOIS database.

How do I get my authorization code?

Your registrar can provide your authorization code in the event that you decide to transfer your domain to another provider.

To find the authorization code for a domain you manage with Yahoo!:

1. Sign in to your Business Control Panel (you'll be prompted to enter your Yahoo! ID and password if you haven't already done so).
2. Click the "Domain Control Panel" link under your domain name.

3. On your Domain Control Panel, click "View Your Authorization Code."

4. On the following page, you'll see your domain's unique authorization code. We recommend printing this code for your records, as you'll need it if you decide to transfer.

How do I find my current registrar or domain WHOIS information?

You can identify your current registrar in several ways. If you remember the company to which you paid your original domain registration fee, contact that organization directly. You can also identify your registrar by looking up your domain name in the public WHOIS database using any WHOIS search tool.

Your domain record includes the name of your registrar, publicly available contact information associated with your domain name, and your domain registration and expiration dates.

To search the WHOIS, visit Uwhois.com or Melbourne IT. On the search page, enter your domain name and review the results to find the name of your registrar.

If you registered your domain name through Yahoo!, your registrar is either Melbourne IT or Network Solutions. See more on Yahoo! registrations.

How long do I have to authorize the transfer?

After you initiate the transfer process, our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT, will send an email to the administrative or registrant contact listed in your domain records. You'll have 5 days to complete the steps in that email to authorize the transfer.

After 5 days, your transfer request will expire, and you'll need to start the process again.

What do I do when I receive the authorization email?

After you initiate the transfer process, our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT, will send an email to the administrative or registrant contact listed in your domain records (we'll ask you to confirm this address before you can initiate the transfer).

You must take action when you receive this email to complete your transfer!

The email includes a link to Melbourne IT's transfer authorization steps. Click this link (or cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser) to visit the authorization page for your domain.

(Sorry, because this link is different for every customer, and remains available for only a set time, we can't provide it for you here.)

On the authorization page, you'll be asked to enter your name, confirm that you have read Melbourne IT's terms of service, and retype your authorization code — the same code you entered when you initiated your transfer.

The Melbourne IT authorization page:

Click the Proceed with Transfer button to complete the authorization process. When you see a message confirming that your authorization was successful, you're done!

I started the transfer process. Now what?

(Note: If your transfer steps required you to enter a registry key instead of an authorization code, this step does not apply to you.)

After you initiate the transfer process, you'll need to watch out for an important email from our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT.

You'll need to respond to this email to complete authorization of your domain transfer. Without your reply, we can't complete your transfer.

We'll send the authorization email within 24 hours, and you must reply within 5 days to complete the transfer. After 5 days, your transfer request will expire, and you'll need to start the process again.

Don't see the email? Be sure to check your bulk and spam folders, and double-check the administrative or registrant email addresses listed in your domain records (WHOIS). (Your registrar can help you find this information, or you can check it yourself in the public database.) If you can't receive mail at those addresses, please contact your registrar to correct that information, then start the process again.

How do I transfer my domain to Yahoo!?

We make it easy for anyone to transfer an existing domain to use with a Small Business plan.

Signing Up

If you haven't already signed up for a Small Business plan, you'll need to do that before you can transfer your domain. (If you already have a Small Business plan and are currently redelegating your domain to Yahoo!, you can skip this step.)

Choose a Small Business plan. When you're asked to choose a domain name, click the Use it with your order link, then follow the instructions to sign up for a plan using the domain name you already own.

After you complete your order, we'll guide you through the transfer process.

Please note that you can associate only one domain with each plan. If you already have a Small Business plan, such as Yahoo! Web Hosting, and you would like to transfer additional domains to Yahoo! so you can manage those domains from your Domain Control Panel, please sign up for a separate Yahoo! Domains plan for each domain. (You'll be able to easily redirect traffic from those domains to your web site anytime.)

Preparing to Transfer

The steps required to transfer your domain may vary a little depending on your registrar, but to transfer any domain, you'll need to:

• Ask your registrar for the special code (like a PIN number for your domain) that you'll need to authorize the transfer. Depending on your registrar, you'll need either your authorization code or registry key. (Every domain includes both, but you'll need only one or the other — we'll let you know which one when you start the transfer process.)
• Make sure your domain name is unlocked. Often you can unlock the domain yourself using your registrar's domain management tools. Or just contact your registrar for help.

Tip: Don't remember which registrar you used? Look it up in the public WHOIS.

You may also need to update a few of your domain settings. See more on what you need to prepare for a transfer. (If you already began the transfer process and were asked for your registry key, see our special registry key steps.)

Starting Your Transfer

When you order your plan, we'll check your domain to make sure it's ready to transfer and let you know if you'll need to update any settings before you can transfer. If your domain is ready, you can start the process right away when you click the Get Started button on the order confirmation page.

You can also start the domain transfer process anytime on your Domain Control Panel. There you'll see a message that says, "Domain transfer: not initiated." Click the transfer your domain link to begin.

Completing the Transfer

Your transfer steps will vary depending on your current domain registrar. We'll let you know which steps apply to you when you sign up for a new plan or click the transfer your domain link on your Domain Control Panel. To complete your transfer, you'll follow the authorization code or registry keypath.

Authorization Code
If the page you see when you start your transfer asks for your authorization code, you'll follow the steps below to complete your transfer.

This screen asks for your authorization code: 

1. Verify that you can receive mail at the email address shown. You must reply to the email we'll send to that address to authorize your transfer, so it's crucial we have the correct address. 
   
   If we're unable to read the contact information in your domain records (your WHOIS), we'll ask you to double-check the email addresses yourself before continuing. You can contact your registrar to confirm your WHOIS, or check yourself in the public WHOIS database.
   
   (Don't worry if we can't read your email address — that's usually just a simple system glitch. You just need to make sure your public WHOIS records are accurate.)
2. Enter your 6- to 32-character domain authorization code. If you don't have your authorization code, please contact your registrar.
3. After you click Continue, we'll verify that your domain is ready to transfer, then ask you to review your domain registration information (WHOIS) and make any corrections in preparation for your transfer. Changes here will not change your current records; rather, when your transfer is complete, we'll use this information to populate your public domain records.
   
   If your domain is not ready to transfer — for example, if the domain is locked or has been transferred in the last 60 days — we'll let you know. You'll be able to restart the process again anytime.
4. Click Continue to kick off the transfer process!
5. Important: Within 24 hours we'll send an email to the email address you confirmed in step 1 (the administrative or registrant email address listed in your WHOIS records). Open the email and click the authorization link in the message to go to the final transfer authorization step. (Note that this link is configured for your domain name, and will expire after 5 days, so be sure to take action immediately!)
6. On the authorization page, you'll be asked to enter your name, confirm that you have read Melbourne IT's terms of service, and retype your authorization code — the same code you entered when you initiated your transfer (step 2).
7. Click Proceed with Transfer to authorize your domain transfer from your current registrar to Yahoo!.
8. When you see a message confirming that your authorization was successful, you're done! Your transfer will be complete shortly, usually within a day or two (we'll send you an email to let you know).

Registry Key
If the page you see when you start your transfer asks for your registry key, please make sure your domain is ready to transfer by unlocking your domain and turning off private domain registration, if applicable.

This screen asks for your registry key: 

When your domain is ready to transfer, enter your registry key in the field provided. If you don't have your registry key, please contact your registrar.

When I transfer my domain, will my domain expiration date change?

Yes, when you transfer your domain to Yahoo!, we'll add a year (or more, depending on your plan) to your domain registration.

If you sign up for a Merchant Solutions plan and transfer a domain that will expire in 5 months, we'll add a year to your registration. Your domain won't expire for a year and 5 months.

(If you sign up for a Yahoo! Domains plan for a multiyear term, we'll extend your registration for the length of that term, then renew your domain annually after your original plan term ends.)

More important, when you decide to manage your domain with Yahoo!, we'll take care of renewing your domain for you as long as your plan remains active, so you never have to worry about losing your domain. The cost of your renewals is included in your Small Business plan.

Will my DNS settings change when I transfer my domain to Yahoo!?

Yes. When your domain transfer is complete, we will update your domain's DNS records automatically to work with your Yahoo! plan.

We'll change your name servers to point to Yahoo!'s primary and secondary name servers, yns1.yahoo.com and yns2.yahoo.com. If applicable, we'll also redirect your MX records to point to Yahoo!'s mail servers and reset any A records.

Important: If you are current hosting your web site or store with another host, and plan to move your site to Yahoo!, we recommend that you move your files and publish your site using your temporary web address before you initiate your domain transfer.

When the transfer is complete, your domain will send all visitors to your new site, so you'll want to make sure your site is up and running in your Small Business account before that switch. (If you complete the transfer before republishing your site with your Yahoo! account, visitors to your domain will see an under construction page instead of the pages you intend.)

Can I transfer any domain to Yahoo!?

You can transfer your domain to Yahoo! only if it ends with one of the following extensions: .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, or .us.

If your domain name falls into that category, you'll just need to make sure your domain is ready to transfer before you get started. First check with your current registrar to confirm that your domain is not locked (which will prevent your domain from being transferred); then you're ready to start.

What if I still want to manage my domain name with another company?

We think transferring your domain name to Yahoo! to work with your Small Business plan is the most convenient way to manage your domain with your Small Business services, but if you'd prefer to manage your previously registered domain with your current registrar, you can redelegate your domain instead. Redelegating means that you'll simply tell your current registrar to redirect your domain name to point to Yahoo!.

If you are signing up for a new Small Business plan, click the Use it with your order link when you're asked to choose a domain name for your plan. On the next page, click the link under Don't want to transfer your domain?, then enter your current domain name and click Continue.

I already use a domain I registered elsewhere with Yahoo!. What happens if I transfer instead?

Some of our customers use a domain they registered elsewhere with their Small Business plans by redirecting their domain name to point to Yahoo!. In this process, called redelegation, you're telling the company that registered your domain (your registrar) to associate your domain name with new hosting and email services.

When you redelegate your domain, you'll continue to manage your domain name with your current registrar, and will pay any renewal fees to that company. If you decide to transfer your domain to Yahoo! instead (a process called registrar transfer), you'll be able to manage your entire plan, including your domain name, through Yahoo! Small Business — and with a single bill.

Both redelegation and registrar transfer allow you to associate a domain you already own with your Yahoo! plan, but we think transferring your domain is simply more convenient. When you transfer, we'll also take care of renewing your domain name when it expires. (Your domain name registration is included free with your Small Business plan, so you'll likely even save a few bucks every year by managing your domain and plan together.)

What do I need to prepare to transfer my domain to Yahoo!?

To transfer your domain to Yahoo!, you'll need to sign up for a Small Business plan, make sure your domain is free to transfer, and supply a special code (like a PIN number for your domain) to authorize the transfer.

The details will vary slightly depending on your current domain registrar, but don't worry, we'll guide you through each step when you begin.

During the transfer process, we'll ask you for your authorization code or registry key (two different kinds of that special transfer code we mentioned). Your preparation steps will vary depending on which code your domain requires.

If you're asked for a registry key when you begin the transfer process, please see steps to transfer with a registry key.

If we instead ask for your authorization code, you'll need to complete the following steps to prepare your domain for transferring:

1. Contact your registrar for your 6- to 32-character domain authorization code.
You'll need this code to authorize your transfer.

Tip: Don't remember which registrar you used? Look it up.

2. Confirm that your domain contact information is up-to-date.
After you initiate your transfer, we'll send an email to your administrative or registrant contact email address. You'll need to take action when you receive this message to complete your transfer, so it's critical that your email address is correct!

We'll ask you to verify the email address when you begin your transfer, but to save time, we recommend that you review your domain contact information (WHOIS) and update it if necessary before you begin. You can look up your details in the public WHOIS database, or just contact your current registrar.

(Note that some registrars may deny your transfer request for a short time after you update your WHOIS. Please contact your registrar for details.)

2a. Turn off private domain registration.
If you signed up for private domain registration with your current registrar, your own email address does not appear in your public domain records, and messages sent to your domain contact (including the email you need to authorize your transfer) will be delivered to your registrar instead.

To ensure you receive the transfer authorization email, we recommend that you contact your registrar to do one of the following:

• Turn off private domain registration. (Note that disabling this service will make your contact information public.)
• Ask your registrar to confirm that it will forward the authorization email to you promptly.

3. Confirm that your domain is unlocked. 
Many registrars will lock your domain name to prevent fraudulent transfers. You'll need to make sure your domain is unlocked before you can authorize your own transfer. Often you can unlock the domain yourself using your registrar's domain management tools. Or just contact your registrar for help.

4. Ensure 60 days have elapsed since you registered or last transferred your domain. 
ICANN regulations forbid transfer of your domain more than once every 60 days. If you recently registered or transferred your domain name, you'll need to wait until that window has elapsed to transfer your domain again. (You can use your temporary web address while you're waiting.)

5. Get started.
When you have your authorization code, and your domain is ready to transfer, you can get started!Learn how to transfer your domain.

How long does it take to transfer my domain?

A domain transfer will generally take a few days, but the timing depends on your current registrar (the company with which you manage your domain today) and the status of your domain.

Tip: No matter how long it takes to transfer your domain, we'll provide a temporary web address that you can use to start working with your plan while you're waiting.

Transfers from most registrars usually take at least five days. If your registrar is Melbourne IT or one of its other partners, however, you may be able to transfer your domain name in minutes, if your domain is ready to transfer right away.

When is a domain ready to transfer? Before you can transfer your domain, you'll need to make sure the domain is unlocked. You'll also need to ask your registrar for your authorization code or registry key (we'll let you know which one you need when you start the transfer process), and may need to check a few other settings. Don't worry — we'll guide you through the process.

Why would I want to transfer my domain to Yahoo!?

When you sign up for a Yahoo! Small Business plan, you can transfer a domain you already own to Yahoo! (through Melbourne IT) to use with your service. After you transfer your domain, you'll be able to manage your entire plan through Yahoo! Small Business — and with a single bill. (Your domain name registration is included free with your Small Business plan, so you'll likely even save a few bucks every year by managing your domain and plan together.)

Even better, after you transfer your domain, we'll renew your registration for you automatically every year, you don't ever have to worry about losing your domain.

What is a registrar transfer?

Registrar transfer means moving your domain name registration from one organization to another, such as from Network Solutions to our domain registration partner, Melbourne IT. When you transfer your domain to a different registrar, the new registrar becomes responsible for managing your domain renewal and registration records, and you'll pay that provider any associated renewal fees.

If you already own a domain name, you can transfer that domain (through a registrar transfer) to Yahoo! to use with your Small Business plan. Learn more about the benefits of a registrar transfer.

How do I get my domain listed in search engines?

Search engines change their page ranking and relevancy formulas frequently to keep sites from artificially boosting their rankings above where they would normally be based on their content. The trick that works to boost your ranking today may actually hurt your ranking in the future based on changes that are made.

One example of this is the keywords meta tag. Some web sites stuffed popular keywords into their keywords meta tag to boost their rankings, even though the site contents had nothing to do with the keywords entered. Search engines did rank such sites higher for a period of time. However, search engines gain users by providing quality results when visitors enter search terms, and thus search engines use all means possible to identify, track, and prevent sites from manipulating search results. Today most major search engines no longer use the keywords field, since it is prone to abuse. (See "Death of a Meta Tag.")

With constantly changing methods of ranking, we cannot provide you with a set of steps to ensure that your site will appear in the first page of search results. We can however provide a series of guidelines that, in general, search engine experts agree should help to boost your rankings:

• Build a quality site: This may seem obvious, but a site that looks professional and offers a good experience for visitors will get more traffic, more referrals, and, in the end, higher rankings. Don't submit a work in progress or publish your site before it is truly ready to be seen.
• Get big: Sites with more than 100 pages will attract more attention from search engines looking for sites with quality content. A hundred pages is not a magic number that you have to hit, but you should build unique pages for each product or article on your site.
• Say something: Sites with frequently updated and new content rank higher in search engines typically. If, for example, your store sells aromatherapy bath soaps and candles, you could have an article about the benefits of various scents and the influence they have on well-being and attitude. You could also publish testimonials from your customers on the use of your products as you receive them. As such, your site will become a destination for readers who may then become buyers.
• Use keywords not only as a tag: Choose noncompetitive keywords and include them in your page titles, descriptions, headings, and content. Search engines like when your keywords appear more than once on a page, but if they appear too many times, you could be penalized for trying to spam the search rankings. Try adding page titles to each of your pages.
• Exchange links: Include links to sites similar (but not necessarily competitive) to your own. Send an email asking for a link exchange. Some sites may say yes, some may say no, but the more you get (as long as they are quality sites), the better off you will be.
• Get involved and get your name out there: Read and participate in popular forums that match your site's focus or interests. Many will let you include links to a web site in your forum signature. When the forum gets crawled by search engines, your link should get picked up as well. Don't put your link in postings on noncommercial message boards, however, if this is against the policy of the owner. You could do more harm than good. However, if you have a wealth of knowledge to share, you can become a leader that others will look to for answers and possibly referrals for products or services.

To learn more about submitting your store to search engines, we recommend Search Engine Watch, an unbiased, up-to-date resource for search engine news, submission tips, and strategies.

How do I renew my domain name?

If you registered a domain through Yahoo!, we'll automatically rewew your domain each year. If your billing information is up-to-date, there's no need to do a thing.

You can double-check your billing information by visiting https://billing.yahoo.com. To update your credit card, click the "Update Payment Method" link next to the plan you'd like to edit. Learn more.

Important: If you're using a domain that you registered with another company, that company will continue to renew your domain, and you'll pay any associated fees to that provider. Yahoo! will not renew your domain.

What do you do with my domain name registration info?

Public domain name databases (also known as WHOIS databases) contain contact information domain names. Domain name registries and registrars maintain maintain these WHOIS databases.

Yahoo! registers your domain name through Melbourne IT*, a registrar accredited by the Internet's governing organization, called ICANN.

The personal contact information you provided when you originally placed your order was used to designate the registrant and administrative contacts for your domain name. As required by ICANN, this information is publicly available. For more information, refer to Yahoo's Privacy Center and yourTerms of Service.

Records of all domain names registered by our registrar, Melbourne IT, are maintained in Melbourne IT's public WHOIS database. The information includes registrant, administrator, technical contact, and name server information as well as record creation, update, and expiration dates. You can view and edit your whois data through your Domain Control Panel.

All domain registration information is available to the public through many publicly accessible WHOIS interfaces. You'll find a list of Whois resources in Yahoo!'s directory.