The process of changing hosting providers is simple and can be accomplished with minimal hassle and downtime provided certain steps are followed in order. Clients changing hosting service are usually already frustrated and unsatisfied at some level with web hosting. It is our hope that this guide will serve as a road map to a hassle free and successful web hosting experience moving forward.

•Ensure that you have a full working copy of your website files, databases, cgi scripts, etc. stored on your computer. Download or record any pertinent email address settings, passwords, log file data, statistic reports, etc. from your current host.

•Order your new Visual Stream hosting service. Save and print your "Service Signup Email", and/or send this email to your web developer. (they'll know what to do with this information.)

•Using your new IP address; upload (ftp) your website files to your new service, install and configure any databases, scripts, etc. Setup your email accounts. Test your website by using the IP address.

•Modify/Transfer your domain name to use Visual Stream's Name Servers:

ns1.visualstream.com 207.44.197.106
ns2.visualstream.com 207.44.197.199

•In approximately 12-24 hours check your domain name to insure it is now pointing to Visual Stream. Ask for Help

•Double-check the email settings in your email software to make sure your settings work with the new service. (your mail server entries should read something similar to "mail.yourdomain.com")

•Cancel service with your previous host provider. Make sure they remove your domain name from their DNS servers.

Enjoy reliable, hassle free, supported hosting service with Visual Stream.