Two website on a single hosting plan?

Hi there,

I'm an owner of two different websites here in Italy, and I have two different domains, web hosting, registration fees.
I'm thinking about moving those to Dreamhost, but I need an information: may I use the same L1 hosting plan (therefore, the same ftp space) and store there both, pay for one plan only and two 9,95$/y for the domain name registration? Or do I have to buy a single hosting plan for each site I own?

Thanks in advance for the replies,

Francesco

Yes, you can host an unlimited number of domains on any plan. If you want extra domains, you can use the code FIDGETDOMAIN to get a free extra domain registration plus $82 off.

Thank you so much for the quick answer.
Another short question: how do I setup my ftp dir? Do I have to create two different directories, one for each site, isn't it?

And thanks also for the generous discount code!

By default, Dreamhost gives each domain its own folder. However, you can customize this however you want. For instance, I created a "sites" folder where I keep all of my websites.

Remember that you can't register .it domains from DreamHost, so you'll still need to find a registrar who will do .it domains if those are the domains that you want.

DreamHost will host ANY domain, but you can only register .com, .net, .org, or .info domains through DreamHost.

Its also a hassle for newbies to host in one place and register domains in another place. However, papzadsl if your existing domains are within DreamHosts range then just transfer you domains to here. If not :
1. just keep your existing domain registrar and host with DreamHost (remember you'll still get a life time free .com,.net,.org,.info,.biz or .us domain registration or transfer by default)
2. You can do option (1) and register .com,.net..... domain with your free credit and mirror with your previous domains. So that your visitors you'll be able to access with both .it and .com(or whatever you get) extensions. Thats better i think. The more popular extensions you'll get the more coverage of visitors you'll get. Also its better for visitors easy rememb of your site.
As of there's no extra fee for hosting more domains on DreamHost so no worries,keep going.

6D7=7domain $7#UIP67=1 IP $67#2XDS=200%disk

In reply to:

---

how do I setup my ftp dir? Do I have to create two different directories, one for each site, isn't it?

---

You do not need to create directories for your site by default because DH automatically created them for you under your home directory. However, you can also create your own directories structure and than set each domain's home directory in your web panel.

For FTP, the default user account can log in your home directory and can access all of your account space. So, if you manage them all, there is no need to create other ftp users. However, you can also create new users and limited them to some place such as only one of the domain. You can do this in Web Panel->Users->Manage Users.

Hoped this help.

To be more specific, you have the choice :
you can create a new domain/website on a different folder,
or create a new domain/website with a different login, totally independent.

Guys, you all rock :)

Luckily, my websites are .com and .org, so no bothering with other registars, but thank you so much for the hint.
I've always liked so much the «mood» around here — so casual and damn «foo the corporations, we're better» —, therefore I'm glad to support this company by subscribing an hosting plan with you.

Last thing: I've read the wiki where it speaks about moving a website from «there» to «here», but I didn't catch the sense. As always, I'd like to get the less «black out» period possible for my visitors, but I know there will be some. So, what do you suggest, since my hosting plans are running out (next june)? I'm not so pro in managing website: on one I have a WP platform (silenzi.com), on another — hosted on Windows machine, that sucks — (bloggersforequity.org) an oldish manually built site.

Thanks again!

Francesco

In reply to:

---

Luckily, my websites are .com and .org....

---

So there's no hesitation,no obligation and you're(or being) a DH customer. Ok Francesco Totti, welcome to DH.

In reply to:

---

As always, I'd like to get the less <<black out>> period possible for my visitors, but i know there will be some.

---

No,not even that much if you get the temporary you.dreamhosters.com subdomain while sign up. If you do so,you can transfer your old files to DH and test them with that subdomain. When your site is up and running with that subdomain,just transfer your original domain. So you'll not get that much downtime. If you need more detailed help,ask here. Here're some experts,they will help you.........

6D7=7domain+$7#UIP67=1 IP+$67#2XDS=200%disk

My provider doesn't allow me to redirect my dns: it seems just I can't handle them. Is it possible? If so, what chances do I have to move my domains? I mean: in this case, my website would be offline from the moment the domain name starts to move until the registration process end?

if you want less downtime then take a free you.dreamhosters.com subdomain while sign up and transfer your domains later. Then transfer your old files to DreamHost while your sites are running on the previous server and test your site here in DreamHost using the free subdomain. When your sites are up and running here then point your domain to dreamhost using ns1.dreamhost.com,ns2.dreamhost.com,ns3.dreamhost.com name servers. Then come to your DH panel and go to domains>Reg. Transfer and transfer your domains. If you've free domain credits and haven't used them,you can use them anytime. Wish that helps.

6D7=7domain $7#UIP67=1 IP $67#2XDS=200%disk

Sorry i forgot to answer the main question. There's many providers where domain control panel and hosting panel aren't on the same place. If thats the fact for you,you might forgot to lookup to your domain control panel. If not look around you panel for manage dns/dns management like options.Your provider can't stop your domain transfer unless the domain is own by them(some stupid providers do so) or if your domain is locked. Please check these first. Wish you'll get it.

6D7=7domain+$7#UIP67=1 IP+$67#2XDS=200%disk

If your old service provider do not allow you to set your Nameservers to DreamHost, yes there would be some "downtime" when your do the transfer but you can make it quite invisible.

1. as advised by other, you can create a yourdomain.dreamhost.com and put all the stuff there first.

2. you can create yourdomain.com in dreamhost and point to the same hosting directory.

3. Keep some hosting time in your old hosting company when you transfer the domain. When you do the transfer, some people visiting yourdomain.com will still go to your old host as the DNS cache need time to time out. You can put a tranfer page on your old hosting company to transfer the visitor to yourdomain.dreamhost.com so that they are actually visiting your new site.

4. After within 72 hours, all visitors should be already visiting your new site in dreamhost and you can say goodbye to your old host now.

Ok, I'm going to make a phone call to my hosting provider to clarify wheter I can handle myself those dns or not.
In the latter case, I'd like to follow the first hypotesis listed in your wiki (http://wiki.dreamhost.com/Transfer_your_site_to_us), that is to select, during the subscription procedure, the «I already own a domain, AND transfer the registration...» It seems to be the less difficult, and the fear to screw it all up is worse than having some more blackout days... ;)

Meanwhile, another little question (feel free not to answer if I'm growing too boring!): I'm downloading the whole content of my ftp on my hard drive; once I'll have my new space here at DH, if I'll simply upload them all, will they run or not? We're talking about a WP blog.

Thanks guys, as always!

Francesco

If you are transferring wordpress the only problem would be if you were changing the domain name. If everything is identical there should be no big problems.

If the domain is changing this should either be changed in wp-admin before saving the database or by changing it within wp_options siteurl in the database.

You also need to ensure that you update the wp-config file with the new database details.

In reply to:

---

.........(feel free not to answer if i'm growing too boring)..........

---

Why do you think us always frustrated? We're happy in helping you. Therefore, you gonna be our neighbour(DreamHost customer). Again the question you asked is very logical for someone new on transferring sites. WP site transferring is not that easy like just 'download and upload',rather it needs you to be very careful while transferring WP or you might lose your valuable contents.
Just peace.........

6D7=7domain $7#UIP67=1 IP $67#2XDS=200%disk

So, speaking about WP importing, since I've read somewhere that DH has one-click WP installation, I would rather install a brand new copy of WP and then make an import of my current blog in that. Would it work?

I'm not experienced on transferring WP. But the way you said,its possible. Even it will better if you want WP to be automatically updated to latest stable version by DreamHost. There's ofcourse way to backup from the WP management panel. And before doing that i think it will be wise downloading the whole directory of your WP installation. So anyhow if you get mistake you can use your downloaded files. Wait for a better answer including more instructions on it.

6D7=7domain $7#UIP67=1 IP $67#2XDS=200%diskEdited by Letun on 04/30/07 03:13 AM (server time).

If you are using former version of WP, importing the database to your new site might cause problem. So, you better upgrade your WP for your old site before you do the database backup. This will let you restore the database to your new site in DH smoothly.

I'm on WP 2.1.3, the latest version, so no problems that way.

About the nameservers redirect thing, I'm so mad at my (almost) former hosting provider, since they've just told me I can't handle my nameservers, since I'm on a «shared server». Does it make the switch more difficult?

I'm a bit confused now, since the registration form asks the user to change the nameservers: «Please change your nameservers (to ns1.dreamhost.com, etc...) before the transfer.»

Your nameserver information is generally handled by your *registrar*, not your hosting provider (though it is *nice* that DH lets you create custom DNS records, many hosting companies do not!).

If your current hoster is *also* your registrar, and they won't let you specify DH nameservers, then it's time to xfer those domains ways from them to a registrar that *does* let you define you nameservers.

I think it is more likely that you are just looking in the wrong place to make the change.

--rlparker

As of he own 2 domains he can get his domain move to DH as registrar? Without changing name servers can't he move to DH? And using a promo code including 2 life time free domain would be better for him(already suggested).

6D7=7domain+$7#UIP67=1 IP+$67#2XDS=200%disk

In reply to:

---

As of he own 2 domains he can get his domain move to DH as registrar? Without changing name servers can't he move to DH?

---

Uh, yeah, of course! That, however, was not his question in the previous post to which I was responding. He was talking about a "seamless" xfer, with as little downtime as possible. Many people find that setting up hosting and pointing existing registrations to the new host's nameservers *first*, then xferring domains, allows for less down time.

My post was to point out that he might could still do that, but might have to look at his *registrar* rather than his *host* to make the nameserver change.

None of that has anything at all to do with whether ultimately transferring the domian registrations to DH is a good idea or not, and certainly, if he wishes to do this, a promo code with two lifetime "free" domains is a good deal.

--rlparker

I've used the WordPress export/import feature. It exports all content to an XML file that you then import into your new installation. Works great.

Note that this only exports/imports content and not settings. So you need to do a full setup of all plugins and options in your new installation.

Like you, I used it to be able to take advantage of the one-click system at DreamHost. You should know that others have mentioned that doing manual upgrades is really easy, so you should consider that option too!

So if he wanna xfer domains to DH that might cause upto 72 hours(usually don't need more than 24 hours) downtime. So Fransesco if you don't want this downtime there's another way thats buying DNS management service from your current (hosting?)provider. It may need $2-$5 each to get the service. So that you can point your domains to ns1.dreamhost.com,ns2.dreamhost.com......... And get less downtime. Your choice.

6D7=7domain $7#UIP67=1 IP $67#2XDS=200%diskEdited by letun on 04/30/07 07:59 AM (server time).

In reply to:

---

So Fransesco if you don't want this downtime there's another way thats buying DNS management service from your current (hosting?)provider. It may need $2-$5 each to get the service. So that you can point your domains to ns1.dreamhost.com,ns2.dreamhost.com......... And get less downtime. Your choice.

---

Wow, just "wow." Why in the world would anyone want to pay extra to a hosting provider that they are *leaving* to be able to manage their domains' nameservers?

What makes you think such a service might be available from his existing provider, and on what information did you base your "$2-$5" guess as to what it might cost?

I think it is great that you are participating in the forums, but I also think that "no advice" is usually better than "bad" advice.

--rlparker

Well, guys, thank you so much: I'm really impressed of your kindness... it's kinda unusual to find so many people helping so much :)

So, summarizing:

1. My hosting provider also acts as a registrant to me, that is to say it handles domain registering informations, renewals, and so on. And they've just confirmed by email they won't let me modify any nameserver in the switching process. So, downtime confirmed. Not that bad, it's only a personal website, not a commercial one.

2. On one website I've a WP blog and a Gallery (by Menalto guys) running straight (one of the motives I'm going to move to DH is to run WP Gallery plugin that requires 16mb of php.ini memory that my provider doesn't want to give me) :)
About WP, I'll try either a backup&restore with 1-click DH's WP installation or backing up all my stuff via ftp. Since I've got backups, it won't hurt too much.
About Gallery, do you think that just upload my gallery directory onto DH ftp will work? 'Cause I think there isn't any «export&import» procedure like the one from WP.

3. The other website (a blog humanitarian project that should be translated in english and spread all over the world -- and I want you all be my guests :)) is currently under re-construction, so I don't actually care about now.

4. So, what I have to do now is to subscribe the L1 plan I choose and select the third option («already own a domain, I want to host it AND transfer the registration for free!»). Will it work even with my current hosting provider's DNS (as of now, we ALL know I can't change those!)?

I'm just a step closer to switch, and I'm so excited :D

Thanks, guys!

I think you have it pretty well sorted out! Just a couple of comments on your post:

In reply to:

---

About Gallery, do you think that just upload my gallery directory onto DH ftp will work? 'Cause I think there isn't any «export&import» procedure like the one from WP.

---

It might work, but there might be version (PHP and MySQL) issues that could prevent it from being that simple. Note that you will also have to move your Galley MySQL database to Dreamhost. Even absent any "established procedure", exporting your existing Gallery database from your current host, and importing it into a newly created DH database should not be that difficult. The Gallery forums should give you lots of help with any version/dependency issues and all that.

In reply to:

---

So, what I have to do now is to subscribe the L1 plan I choose and select the third option («already own a domain, I want to host it AND transfer the registration for free!»). Will it work even with my current hosting provider's DNS (as of now, we ALL know I can't change those!)?

---

I think that is the way to go (don't forget that deansfurniture already provided you with a custom promo code to make *both* those domains "free for the life of your hosting account" at DH *and* a cash discount - that's a great deal!). The xfer process should work with your current hosting provider just fine (they have to follow ICANN rules!), but make sure that you:

1) Unlock the domains at your current host/registrar so that they can be transferred

2) Determine what ECC or "authorization codes" you need to facilitate the transfer.

That done, you should be "good to go". Good luck and Welcome to Dreamhost.

--rlparker

Are you running Gallery1 or Gallery2 on your old site? You may be in luck if you're running Gallery1 because you can transfer your old Gallery1 site over via ftp, run Gallery2 at DreamHost and might be able to use the "import Gallery1 albums into Gallery2" feature.

Note that I haven't done this myself and only think that this *might* work. You never can tell with relative vs. absolute paths and such.

I've seen in some providers charging $3.5 for DNS management. Thats why i said it would be within $2-$5. And it was just my comment if he don't want that much downtime. But if you think it as advice,still i don't think it bad advice. For an instance, if you're just going to a party,a friends home or even for business needs what will you do if there's more 1 hour for the bus to come and even if you're in hurry or don't bother to wait for the bus? If you've money wouldn't you get a taxi with higher cost than bus? My words are more than clear now. Isn't it?

6D7=7domain+$7#UIP67=1 IP+$67#2XDS=200%disk

In reply to:

---

I've seen in some providers charging $3.5 for DNS management. Thats why i said it would be within $2-$5...(omitted something about buses and taxis) My words are more than clear now. Isn't it?

---

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but I *think* I understand that you were making a random assertion that he *might* be able to change his nameservers by throwing money at his host, and that might be to his advantage somehow. Meh..

What is still *not* clear is your answer to my question in an earlier thread, so I'll repeat it:

"Did you ever establish a hosting account at DH, or are you still primarily participating in threads as a promo code distribution mechanism?".

I think it is a relevant question. Since you are offering advice on setting up, managing, and migrating sites in the DH environment, I think you should be candid about whether or not you even have a DH account (particularly since you have given incorrect information in more than one thread on these forums)

This is more what I was referring to when I made the comment about "no advice" being preferably to "bad advice". Participation is great when it contributes something other than the publishing of your promo codes; not so much when it doesn't (provide any further useful information), or provides incorrect information.

--rlparker

Regarding the Gallery part of my (hero)quest ;) I'm unluckly on Gallery 2.2.1 (the latest one). With a little help of Gallery's forum itself I should figure out how to port my gallery in such an harmless way, or circa ;)

Tomorrow, I'll do a full backup of the entire ftp content and mysql database; then, using the generous code of 82$ and extra domain discount, I'll go forth and subscribe an L1. I'm so damn eager to run my websites on an hardcore hosting provider as DH seems to be.... geek power also strikes italian people! ;)

Now, even it should sound wierd to your USA ears, time to sleep ;)

See ya guys, thanks SO MUCH for your help!

Francesco (not Totti ;))

Here I am, again: I'm going through the transferring process, and I've just confirmed to my former registrar my willing to move the domain. After a couple of minutes, DreamHost sent me this email:
«Hello,

We're happy to report that your domain registration for silenzi.com
has successfully been transfered to DreamHost! From now on you
can manage your domain registration at...»

Does this mean that soon (as soon as the DNS will refresh on the Internet) my website will point to DH server? If so, it would sound odd to me, since I've read — on DH's wiki — that the registration process would take up to 14 days, not minutes!

Could you please explain this to me?

Thanks, as usual,

Francesco