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Domain Name FAQ

Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question that you can't find an answer, please don't hesitate to contact us. For other questions not found in this section, you might want to visit our Pre-sales or customer support FAQ.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Every website you've ever been to, and every e-mail you've ever created, has used a domain name in its address. People register domain names in order to 'stake a claim' to a particular name -- whether for business or for personal reasons. Once a domain name is registered to a person or company, it is that person's to use exclusively as long as they continue to pay the renewal fee.

What is a valid domain name?

The only valid characters for a domain name are letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens (-). A domain name can be up to 67 characters long -- including the characters used to identify the Top Level Domain.

Acceptable domain names that we can register:

  • sample.com
  • sample.net
  • sample.org
  • averyveryverylongname.net

Unacceptable domain names that we cannot register:

  • www.sample.org
  • http://sample.com
  • illegal_a b characters.net (the underscore and the space are not acceptable)

What is a Top Level Domain or TLD?

It is the rightmost component in a domain name. There are two different types of Top Level Domains (TLD): Generic and National.

A Generic TLD such as (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .name and .info) describes the purpose of the organization or entity to which the domain name is registered. Generic TLDs do not differentiate between geographic locations.

A National TLD (.cn, .ca, .uk, and .us) specifies the country or territory of the registered domain name owner. National domains may be restricted to registration for citizens or organizations in that country.

What do some of the top level domains mean?

.com Commercial and business sites.
.net Internet Service Providers, or ISPs.
.org Non-profit organizations.
.biz Commercial and business sites.
.info Informational web sites.
.name Personal sites (i.e. john.smith.name)
.ca Organizations located in Canada
.cn Organizations located in China
.uk Organizations located in the United Kingdom (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, Nortern Ireland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands)
.us Organizations located in United States of America

How long does it take before my domain becomes active?

Usually a domain name is active within 24 hours. Once it becomes active, it may take a few days before the name is seen throughout the Internet.

How do I know if a domain name is available or taken?

There are many domains that are already registered, but do not have web site. Just because a web site doesn't exist doesn't mean the domain name is already taken. Use our domain name search tool to find an available domain.

What happens when I transfer my domain?

Transfers are a multi-step process. After you complete your order, the following happens:

  1. You'll recieve an e-mail confirmation to the current administrative contact of the domain.
  2. When you approve the confirmation, the transfer request is sent to the current registrar.
  3. If the current registrar has no valid reason to deny the transfer, they approve it.
  4. When Empowering Media receives the approval, the registrar transfer is initiated.
  5. When the transfer is complete, the name servers will stay the same.
  6. We will notify you that the transfer is complete.

Are domain name registration fees refundable?

Unfortunately, domain name registration fees are not refundable and are not part of our 30-day money back guarantee.

If I make a typo when I register my domain name, can I get a refund?

Before registering any domain name, please verify that the domain name is correct. All orders are final. Registration fees are not refundable.

Once I've registered or renewed my domain name, how can I make changes?

You can manage your information online at:

https://www.supportem.com/domain.cgi

You will need the domain's username and password to make the desired changes. If you don't have the username and password or have forgotten them, please contact support.

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