As a general rule, when renewing domain names - don't leave it to the last minute! Domain name renewal should occur at least 2 months ahead of expiration. Your domain name registration period will continue to run from the expiration date so you don't lose by earlier domain renewals.

If you can, renew for 2 or more years at a time - this will reduce the frequency of the hassle of renewing your domain name. On the other hand; you could forget all about the registration and the domain name expires anyway!

If you have multiple domains, create a spreadsheet or database - or simply a word document with your domain details and domain name renewal schedule so you always can keep track of domain expirations.

Watch who you do business with. There are some shady characters out there who may either not deliver a service or will try to acquire value domains, and they'll be happy to take your money to boot.

Domain name management - Key points to keep in mind

1. Maintain a database of domain details

2. Maintain records of userids, passwords, admin emails for the domain, URLs pertaining to the domain registration

3. Keep whois information current. This is imperative. Do not use your domain name email as your contact info for your domain - no matter how cool it looks.

4. Use a web-based email address like Yahoo, Hotmail, any address that won't go away.

Domain names can go away and if you need to switch hosts; you will be able to do so with a minimum of hassle.

5. Register as close to the registrar as possible (eliminate as many links in the chain).

For example; you may have registered a domain name.

Ideally; you have registered with an Opensrs registrar. Your tracking path or links will look like this:

Registrar (Opensrs) > DomainMonger (Reseller for Opensrs) > You (Opensrs is used here as an example because they are reliable and even it you don't know who the Reseller is; as long as you have a user and pass you can access your control panel to manage domains or get support.) If you have a tracking path that looks like this:

Registrar > Reseller sells for the registrar > Vendor - sells for the reseller who sells for the registrar > Some guy - sells for the vendor who sells for the reseller who sells for the registrar > You It will be extremely difficult to get support; indeed you may not even be able to find out who the registrar is.

6. Use as few registrars as possible.

7. Renew your domain as early as possible to give time to resolve any problems which might arise.

If for whatever reason you are unable to move the domain to a new registrar, and the registrar is not giving you major issues. Go ahead and renew the domain name. In a couple of months; after doing your research, you find another registrar you want to move the domain name to. Move the domain name. You will keep the time you have already invested in with the old registrar. Most registrars require that you sign up for at least a year.

There is *usually* no issues in transferring registrars. It would be wise to check with your registrar.

About the Author ELizabeth Ramer has been working in the web hosting industry since 1997. Visit Flawebworks Web Hosting http://flawebworks.com for web hosting and articles. Contact the Author