Are you thinking of switching to ChescoWeb services, but are hesitant because you want to avoid down time? Here are some tips to safely switching hosting services.

Do not tell your current host that you plan on switching

There is no value in letting your current host know that you plan on switching services until your are ready to make the change.

Backup your current web site

You should already be backing up your web site on a regular basis. If you are not, then be sure to make a backup before making any major changes. If your site was created with Microsoft Front Page, then load the web site and "publish" it to your local computer.

Setup a ChescoWeb account

You will receive an IP address, a username and a password when you setup a ChescoWeb hosting account. Each account gets FTP access. Your site can be copied to your ChescoWeb account while your old account is still active. It is important that you thoroughly test your web site running on your ChescoWeb account before you cancel your old account.

If you are using FrontPage, log on to your current web hosting account and "publish" your web site to the IP address assigned to you by ChescoWeb.

Make a list of your current e-mail address

ChescoWeb e-mail can function using an IP address. When you sign up for a ChescoWeb hosting account, you will receive an IP address for e-mail. Setup your e-mail client (i.e. Outlook) so that it received e-mail from both your old account and your new account. Info for setting up Outlook

What operating system is your web site currently running under?

Many web sites can run equally as well on most available web servers, however web sites that use scripting will need special attention. ChescoWeb hosts on Windows Server 2003. Call ChescoWeb at 800-465-8690 if you have any concerns about running on Windows Server 2003.

Does your web site use any server side scripting like Cold Fusion or Active Server Pages?

All ChescoWeb hosting accounts come with ASP and Perl scripting functionality enabled.
ChescoWeb does not support Cold Fusion.

Does your web site automatically send e-mail?

ChescoWeb servers are installed with the CDONTS (Collaboration Data Object for NT servers). This Microsoft component works fine for most e-mail scripting requirements. However, your site may be already scripted to run using a different server object such as ASPMail. ChescoWeb can help you update your scripting before making the change.

Make a list of any folders with special permissions

Many web site have folders that are password protected. Make a list of any security permissions that you need set up. E-mail the list to support@chescoweb.net.

Does your web site use a database?

If your computer uses a database, you must test the connection before you make the switch. ChescoWeb can provide your web site with database connections to Access databases, SQLServer database and MySQL databases. You will not require technical support if you are using an Access database, FrontPage and plan on using a DNS-less connection. For any other case, please contact  support@chescoweb.net.

Change the DNS Servers

You must contact your registrar to change the domain name servers. Each web site is assigned two DNS addresses. ChescoWeb DNS addresses are ns1.chescoweb.net and ns2.chescoweb.net.

Do not cancel your old account immediately

Your site may work fine on your computer, but that is no guarantee that it will work on every computer. Many Internet service providers manage their own domain name servers and they are updated on different time schedules.

Delete the old e-mail accounts from your e-mail client

Don't forget to delete the old e-mail account from your e-mail software AFTER you cancel your web hosting account.