I need to perform a registry transfer of a .org domain. Its currently with the registrar MelbourneIT, however it was bought through the resller Yahoo Domains (hey, it was only a USD 2.99). Since the PIR move all .org transfers require an AUTHorization code. This code doesn’t appear in the Yahoo Domains control panel, their FAQ directs intending deserters to contact Yahoo Domains via a webform and ask for the code. I did this and a rep replied by email asking for my zip code etc, I replied immediately with those, I misspelled my mothers maiden name so he asked for other details which I replied with.
All is well so far, however since that time Yahoo Domains has been a blackhole. My emails go unanswered. Further, the registry MelbourneIT is also a blackhole.
Maybe if I close my Yahoo Domains account an automated process will send a MelbourneIT user and pass to my email address, and then hopefully their control panel will be solid enought to actually contain the AUTHorization code. However closing the account could also have the effect of me losing the domains (they would still exist until expiry but I’d have no control panel to control or renew them, and Yahoo support wouldn’t be any help)
A cynic would suggest that both ignore requests because they don’t want to wave goodbye to the ongoing annual fees.
It seems that I am not alone in having transfer problems with Yahoo! Domains, see here & here & here & here and here
I think I have a solution. Cancel domains in te Yahoo Domain control panel, use the yahoo domains contact form to ask for the “melbourneit registry key” (it seems that, they do receive all messages, they just seemingly ignore anything that cannot be answered with a script), once you have the key you can interact directly with melbourneit via their contact form quoting your newly learned “melbourneit registry key”, they will reply in 48hours with the code. Then check the domain is unlocked in the melbourneit “domain management”, it will be by default.
If you are waiting on a response from MelbourneIT don’t hold your breath. I don’t think I’ve every got a response from them when I’ve tried to assist clients move their domains.
Good luck, I had a domain with Yahoo! Domains a few months ago and they just became a blackhole and MalbourneIT too, exactly like you say, eventually I let the domain expire and picked it up using a another registrar, gee I was lucky a korean squatter didn’t snap it up first.
Yahoo won’t reply, I had the same with one of my clients’ domains, no repies from yahoo or melbourne, so we had to renew the domain and stay with yahoo (which must be what they wanted)
I’ve had the same thing. I even phoned Melbourne (using skypeout because they are in AU) I was on hold and then was cut off. I gave up cos it was just a throwaway domain, maybe you could send them a lawyers letter? But I guess a letter would cost too much
Did you get that code off yahoo? I’m trying the same thing myself but with a .biz, I think more people would know about this but .coms don’t need codes, just the .org .biz .info extensions
If have booked a domain at $2,99 then beware… Their terms & condition clearly states domain is non transferable which I’m sure is illegal. Also be aware of the fact that all domain name will be automatically renewed (at a higher price of course) on or before 30th June 2006 even if its booked on 29th June 2006 (at least that’s what they mean I suppose). In case you have booked more than one domain name at this rate then you are a defaulter as it stated you are only eligible to book 1 domain at this price. Very true….you only get what you pay. If you are wise cancel your domain, cancel your credit card & renew the same name when available with some honorable guys on the net.
Yahoo Terms & condition cut n pasted for your info:
(1 Domain registration discount offer is open to new customers who purchase a Yahoo! Domain and applies only to the first year. Domains discount fee offer expires on and must be redeemed prior to 6/30/2006. Domains discount fee offers expire without notice. All offers are open to new Yahoo! Small Business customers only, and are only available through Yahoo! Small Business. Customers are limited to one Offer per customer on a single account for customer’s own purchase only and is non-transferable, and may not be combined with other offers and discounts, exchanged or redeemed for cash. Other terms and conditions apply; see the Yahoo! Small Business Terms of Service when you sign up. Yahoo! expressly reserves the right to change the price or features of these services in its sole discretion at any time.)
I was unaware of a limit, viz one USD 2.88 domain per customer, well all my domains were on seperate accounts under seperate customers (I work in an office and different staff each got theirownname.com or org biz if unavailable)
I too have discovered Yahoo’s [edit by ambrand: removed negative word] procedures and support. My Small Business .org website has been down for 6 days already with 404 error! And finding the correct information for transferring your .org domain away from Yahoo is a nightmare.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
First you should change your Yahoo name servers to point to your new ISP’s name servers. This is not required, just recommended.
Second, you must cancel your Yahoo account. You can do this on your Yahoo control panel. You must do this before you can get your registry key and/or authorization code.
Then you have to call Yahoo about 4 hours later and tell them to release the domain name to MelbourneIT. At that point, Yahoo will send you an email with your domain registry key.
Then you can login into MelbourneIT using your domain name and registry key. But there’s no menu choice to obtain an authorization key automatically or to initiate an transfer, so you still have to send an email to das@ melbourneit.com.au or open a support case. [edit by ambrand: removed expletive]
I am this step right now, don’t know what the results will be yet.
All I can say is, Yahoo Small Business and MelbourneIT are the worst I’ve encountered.
David
Washington, DC USA
[edit by ambrand: I had to change a few words I’m sure the above parties have legal deparments]