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#1
Domain Names and DNS / Your Domain Name Renewal Optio...
Last post by Dynaweb - June 05, 2025, 03:11:42 PM
For those who have domain names registered with us, you may occasionally receive an email regarding the upcoming renewal of your domain name (e.g.,
yourdomain.com). 

These emails typically come with a subject line similar to: "YourDomain.com will expire on [Date]" and include a renewal link.

We understand these emails can sometimes cause confusion, so we want to clarify how your domain renewals are handled with HostNed.



Why You Receive These Emails:
HostNed partners with an upstream provider to provide seamless domain registration services. While we manage your domain billing directly through your HostNed client portal (https://my.hostned.com), our system sends out these automated notices to ensure you are well-informed about your domain's expiration date.

How to Be Assured This Email is Genuine (and Not a Scam):
It's wise to be cautious about emails concerning domain renewals, as malicious actors often send fake ones to trick you into paying for services you don't need or to steal your information. Here's how you can verify the legitimacy of the renewal notice you receive:
  • Check the Sender Address: Genuine renewal emails from our registrar will come from a domain directly associated with domain registration, often
    extendregistration.com

     or
    domainrenewals.com

    . While the "From" name might appear as "HostNed Domains," always check the full sender email address to ensure it's not from a suspicious or unfamiliar domain (e.g.,
    renewals@your-domain-support.xyz

    ).
  • Look for Your Specific Domain Name: Legitimate notices will always clearly state your specific domain name (e.g.,
    yourdomain.com

    ) in the subject line and within the email body. Generic "Your Domain" messages are a red flag.
  • Verify the Expiration Date: Cross-reference the expiration date mentioned in the email with the date shown in your HostNed client portal (https://my.hostned.com).
  • Hover Over Links (DO NOT CLICK SUSPICIOUS LINKS!): Before clicking any links, hover your mouse cursor over them (on a desktop computer) to see the actual URL. A legitimate link for renewal from our registrar will typically start with
    https://www.extendregistration.com/

     or a similar official domain. If the link points to a strange or unrelated website, it's likely a scam.
If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of an email, please DO NOT click any links in it. Instead, log directly into your HostNed client portal at https://my.hostned.com to check your domain's status and invoices, or contact our support team immediately.



The Important Part: Your Renewal Options
You have two ways to renew your domain name:
  • Through the Link in the Genuine Email (Direct with Registrar): A genuine email from our registrar will include a link (like
    https://www.extendregistration.com/...

    ). If you click this link and complete the payment, your domain will be renewed directly through our registrar. This is a valid way to renew your domain.
  • Through Your HostNed Client Portal (Recommended): We strongly recommend renewing your domain directly through your HostNed client portal at https://my.hostned.com.
    • Consolidated Billing: This allows you to manage and pay for all your HostNed services (hosting, domains, etc.) in one convenient place.
    • Automated Invoicing: If you have auto-renewal set up for your services with us, your domain renewal will typically be included in your regular HostNed invoices, simplifying the process.
    • Easier Management: All your service details and billing history remain consolidated under your HostNed account.

What You Need To Do:
  • If you prefer to pay through your HostNed portal: Simply disregard the payment link in the email from
    extendregistration.com

     (or similar legitimate registrar notice). An invoice for your domain renewal will be generated in your HostNed client portal at https://my.hostned.com closer to the expiration date. Please ensure your billing information there is up-to-date.
  • If you choose to pay via the provided link in the email: Your domain will be renewed, and we will be notified by our system. No further action is required from your HostNed portal for that specific renewal.

Important Reminders:
  • Do not ignore renewal notices: Whether through the email link or your HostNed portal, ensuring your domain is renewed on time is critical.
  • Keep your contact information updated: Ensure your contact details in your HostNed client portal are current so you always receive important notifications.

We aim to make your domain and hosting management as smooth and secure as possible. If you have any questions about these renewal notices or need assistance renewing your domain, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.

#2
Announcements / New Guide: Hosting Multiple Do...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 26, 2025, 06:57:56 AM
Save time and money by hosting more than one domain on a single hosting plan! Our new support article walks you through setting up addon domains in cPanel, with tips on DNS, email, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Have another domain you want to use for a promotional site, microsite, or small web project—but don't want the cost or hassle of a second hosting plan? Great news: you can host multiple domains on your existing HostNed account!

We've just published a new Knowledge Base article that explains exactly how to do this using Addon Domains in cPanel.

✅ Step-by-step instructions
✅ DNS setup help
✅ How to add email for the new domain
✅ SSL info
✅ And a helpful warning about mixing forwarders with inboxes

Check out the full guide here →
https://my.hostned.com/forum/web-hosting/how-to-host-multiple-domains-on-a-single-hosting-account-addon-domains/

As always, if you get stuck or want us to double-check anything for you, just reach out to support—we're happy to help!
#3
Web Hosting / How To Host Multiple Domains o...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 26, 2025, 06:46:26 AM
Want to host more than one domain on your existing HostNed web hosting account? You can! This is commonly done using what's called an Add-on Domain.

This guide will walk you through how to add an additional domain (e.g., for a promotional website) to your existing cPanel-based hosting account. (Plesk-based accounts offer the same but steps are a little different.) The number of additional domains you can add on depends on your level of hosting plan.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up an Add-on Domain

1. Register the New Domain
Make sure the domain you want to use is registered. (You can have it registered with us, our partner DomainsNed, or most any 3rd party registrar.)

2. Log In to Your Hosting Control Panel
Visit your cPanel by going to:
https://yourdomain.com/cpanel
(Replace "yourdomain.com" with the domain of your main hosting account.)

3. Add the Domain in cPanel
In cPanel:
Go to DOMAINSCreate a New Domain
– Enter the domain name (e.g., examplepromo.com)
– Leave "Share Document Root" unchecked
– The "Subdomain" field will auto-fill—this is just for internal reference and can be left as-is

4. Update DNS at Your Registrar
Log in to your domain registrar (HostNed or 3rd party) and update the domain's nameservers to point to HostNed.

You can use either of the following pairs:

Primary option:
yin.ssl1.us
yang.ssl1.us

Alternate option (cPanel accounts only):
ns1cp3.ssl1.us
ns2cp3.ssl1.us

5. Upload Your Website Files
Once the domain is added and DNS has propagated, upload your new site files to the folder created (usually something like:
/public_html/examplepromo.com/)

6. (Optional) Set Up Email for the New Domain
In cPanel:
Go to EMAILEmail Accounts
Click CREATE, select the new domain from the dropdown, and fill in the rest.

7. SSL Certificate
SSL (https://) is automatically provided and installed for free (now with our SSH Series hosting plans). Just give it a little time to go live, typically within a few hours after setup.

That's it. You're all se up!


Note: Add-on domains are supported on SSH Plus level plans and higher. See our full offering of hosting plans here.

Need Help?
Just contact HostNed Support with your new domain name, and we'll be glad to assist you further or check the setup.
Also inquire with us if you have one of our older hosting plans, you will really enjoy the power and convenience of our new updated plans.
#4
Announcements / Updated: Using Gmail With Your...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 21, 2025, 08:39:56 AM
Article "Using Gmail With Your HostNed Email" updated for modern methods and practices.

#5
Email and Webmail / Email Cleanup Policy & Best Pr...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 21, 2025, 07:14:46 AM
To maintain reliable service performance and reduce storage bloat, HostNed is implementing a routine cleanup policy for email folders that commonly accumulate unnecessary data over time.

What's Changing?
Beginning June 1 2025, the following automatic cleanup policy will apply to all shared hosting accounts:
  • Trash Folder: Messages older than 21 days will be automatically deleted
  • Spam (Junk) Folder: Messages older than 21 days will be automatically deleted
This policy helps reduce server load, improves mail delivery performance, and encourages healthy email management practices.

What You Should Do
To avoid losing important messages:
  • Regularly empty your Trash and Spam folders manually if you want more immediate cleanup.
  • Move important messages out of Spam or Trash and back into your Inbox or a custom folder.
  • Create backups of your email by using a mail client (like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail) that supports local storage or exporting.
  • Set filters or rules in webmail or your email client to sort mail more effectively.

Email Management Tips
  • Archive old messages to custom folders if you want to keep them longer-term.
  • Unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters or mass mailings to reduce inbox clutter.
  • Check Spam regularly in case legitimate emails land there by mistake.
  • Enable Auto-Expunge in your email client if available, to streamline the cleanup process.

Why This Matters
Keeping your email storage under control not only improves performance for you but also for others on the shared system. It also helps:
  • Improve mail server speed and reliability
  • Reduce the risk of full mailboxes or delivery failures
  • Maintain compliance with industry standards for good mailbox hygiene

📩 Need Help?
If you'd like personalized advice or need help configuring your email client, feel free to open a support ticket through the member portal at https://my.hostned.com
#6
Billing / Why Do I Still See the Old Web...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 03, 2025, 11:07:34 AM
Question: My HostNed account was recently suspended and has now been reactivated. However, when I visit my website, I'm still seeing the old content (like the Plesk or cPanel default page) instead of my actual website. Why is this happening?

Answer: This issue is most commonly caused by your web browser storing an older version of the website in its cache. Even though your website files are now live on our servers, your browser might be displaying the previously saved version. This is a normal behavior designed to make browsing faster, but it can sometimes lead to displaying outdated content after changes or service interruptions.

Here are the steps you can take to resolve this:

1. Perform a Hard Refresh (Force Reload):
This forces your browser to bypass its cache and request the latest version of the page directly from our server.
  • Windows/Linux (Chrome, Firefox, Edge): Press Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5 while on your website.
  • Mac (Chrome, Safari): Press Cmd + Shift + R while on your website.

2. Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies:
If a hard refresh doesn't work, you may need to clear your browser's stored files and cookies for your website. Here's how to do it in some popular browsers:
  • Google Chrome:
    • Click the three vertical dots (the "Customize and control Google Chrome" menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Hover over More tools and then click Clear browsing data.
    • At the top, select a Time range. To clear everything, choose All time.
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked.
    • Click the Clear data button.
  • Mozilla Firefox:
    • Click the three horizontal lines (the "Menu" button) in the top-right corner.
    • Click Options.
    • Select Privacy & Security on the left sidebar.
    • In the "Cookies and Site Data" section, click Clear Data....
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cached Web Content and Cookies and Site Data are checked.
    • Click Clear.
  • Microsoft Edge:
    • Click the three horizontal dots (the "Settings and more" menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Go to Settings.
    • Select Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
    • Under "Clear browsing data," click Choose what to clear.
    • Select a Time range (e.g., "All time").
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data are checked.
    • Click Clear now.
  • Safari (Mac):
    • Click Safari in the menu bar, then select Preferences.
    • Go to the Privacy tab.
    • Click Manage Website Data....
    • Find your website in the list, select it, and click Remove. You can also click Remove All, but be aware this will clear data for all websites.
    • Click Done.

3. Try Incognito/Private Browsing Mode:
Opening your website in a private or incognito window bypasses your browser's existing cache and cookies.
  • Chrome: Click the three vertical dots (menu) > New Incognito window.
  • Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines (menu) > New Private Window.
  • Edge: Click the three horizontal dots (menu) > New InPrivate window.
  • Safari: Click File > New Private Window.
If your website loads correctly in a private window, it strongly indicates that the issue is with your browser's cached data in your regular browsing session.

4. Restart Your Browser:
After clearing your cache and cookies, close and reopen your web browser completely.

5. Restart Your Computer and Router (Less Common):
In some rare instances, a local network issue or a persistent cache within your operating system might be involved. Restarting your computer and your internet router can sometimes resolve these unusual cases.

If the issue persists after trying all these steps, please don't hesitate to contact our support team, and we'll be happy to investigate further.
#7
Web Hosting / Why Do I Still See the Old Web...
Last post by Dynaweb - May 03, 2025, 11:05:30 AM
Question: I've recently made changes to my website files through the HostNed control panel (File Manager, FTP, etc.), but when I visit my website in a browser, I'm still seeing the old version. Why aren't my changes showing up?

Answer: This is a very common occurrence and is almost always due to your web browser storing an older version of your website in its cache. Browsers save website files (like images, CSS, and HTML) locally to speed up loading times on subsequent visits. When you make changes, your browser might still be displaying the cached version instead of fetching the latest files from our server.
Here are the steps you can take to see your recent website updates:

1. Perform a Hard Refresh (Force Reload):
This is the quickest way to try and bypass your browser's cache for the specific page you're viewing.
  • Windows/Linux (Chrome, Firefox, Edge): Press Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5 while on your website.
  • Mac (Chrome, Safari): Press Cmd + Shift + R while on your website.

2. Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies:
If a hard refresh doesn't work, you may need to clear your browser's stored files and cookies for your website or even for all websites. Here's how to do it in some popular browsers:
  • Google Chrome:
    • Click the three vertical dots (the "Customize and control Google Chrome" menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Hover over More tools and then click Clear browsing data.
    • At the top, select a Time range. To ensure you see the latest changes, try clearing data for Last hour or Last 24 hours. If that doesn't work, you can try All time.
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked.
    • Click the Clear data button.
  • Mozilla Firefox:
    • Click the three horizontal lines (the "Menu" button) in the top-right corner.
    • Click Options.
    • Select Privacy & Security on the left sidebar.
    • In the "Cookies and Site Data" section, click Clear Data....
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cached Web Content and Cookies and Site Data are checked.
    • Click Clear.
  • Microsoft Edge:
    • Click the three horizontal dots (the "Settings and more" menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Go to Settings.
    • Select Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar.
    • Under "Clear browsing data," click Choose what to clear.
    • Select a Time range (try Last hour or Last 24 hours first, then All time if needed).
    • Make sure the boxes next to Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data are checked.
    • Click Clear now.
  • Safari (Mac):
    • Click Safari in the menu bar, then select Preferences.
    • Go to the Privacy tab.
    • Click Manage Website Data....
    • Find your website in the list, select it, and click Remove. You can also click Remove All, but be aware this will clear data for all websites.
    • Click Done.

3. Try Incognito/Private Browsing Mode:
Opening your website in a private or incognito window bypasses your browser's existing cache and cookies, forcing it to load the latest version from the server.
  • Chrome: Click the three vertical dots (menu) > New Incognito window.
  • Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines (menu) > New Private Window.
  • Edge: Click the three horizontal dots (menu) > New InPrivate window.
  • Safari: Click File > New Private Window.
If your changes are visible in a private window, it confirms that the issue is with your browser's cached data in your regular browsing session.

4. Restart Your Browser:
After clearing your cache and cookies, close and reopen your web browser completely.

5. Check for Server-Side Caching (Less Common for Immediate Changes):
While less likely to cause immediate delays after you've directly edited files, some websites utilize server-side caching mechanisms (like caching plugins in WordPress or server-level caching). If you've recently made changes and they are still not appearing after trying the browser steps, you might need to clear any server-side caches as well. If you are using a CMS like WordPress, check for caching plugin settings. If you're unsure, you can contact our support team to inquire about server-side caching.

In most cases, a hard refresh or clearing your browser's cache will resolve this issue and allow you to see your latest website changes. If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, please don't hesitate to contact our support team, and we'll be happy to assist you further.
#8
Announcements / Phishing Email Alert: Beware o...
Last post by Dynaweb - April 24, 2025, 08:58:54 AM

A new wave of phishing emails is targeting users with fake "password expiration" warnings, aiming to steal your login credentials and compromise your online security. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.

---

What Does the Scam Look Like?

You might receive an email like this:


Subject: ACCOUNT DEACTIVATION IN PROGRESS 
From: "yourdomain.com" <ai@badgirl.co.jp> 

Password expires today, [date]

Your you@yourdomain.com will be considered dormant and closed within 24 hours, if no action is taken. 

You can keep your password using the link below. 

[Keep Current Password] [Confirm Password] 

Account Information Concerned: 
Email address: you@yourdomain.com 
Password status: Expired


The email pressures you to click a button or link to "keep" or "confirm" your password, claiming your account will be deactivated if you don't act immediately.

---

Why Is This a Scam?

  • Fake Urgency: Scammers use threats of account deactivation to create panic and prompt quick action without thinking.
  • Phishing Links: The buttons or links lead to a fake login page designed to steal your email address and password.
  • Impersonation: The sender's address and branding may look similar to your real provider, but often uses a suspicious or unrelated domain.
  • Generic Content: These emails rarely address you by name and often have awkward phrasing or grammar mistakes.
---

What Happens If You Click?

If you enter your credentials on the fake site, attackers can:

  • Take over your email account and lock you out.
  • Access sensitive information, impersonate you, or contact your friends and colleagues for further scams.
  • Attempt to access other accounts where you use the same email and password combination.

---

How to Spot and Avoid These Scams

  • Check the sender's address: Is it from your actual provider or a suspicious domain?
  • Look for generic greetings and urgent language: Real providers rarely use threats or urgent deadlines in email.
  • Hover over links: Don't click! Hover to see if the URL matches your provider's official website.
  • Watch for spelling and grammar errors: Many phishing emails have awkward or incorrect language.
  • When in doubt, don't click: Go directly to your provider's website by typing the address manually, or contact your IT department or provider support.
---
What to Do If You See One Of These

  • Do not reply to the email. 
  • If you see a button "Display External Images", do not click it, as doing so will alert the sender they have a phishing nibble and may continue to target you as a known qualified account.
  • Move it to Spam folder (or Report_spam for future prevention training)
  • Contact us so we can evaluate the message and block the sender.


What to Do If You Fell for the Scam

  • Change your password immediately on the affected account and any other accounts using the same password.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available, for added security.
  • Notify us (or your IT department) or provider so they can monitor for suspicious activity.
  • Warn your contacts—attackers may use your account to target others.

---

Summary

Password expiration phishing emails are a common and dangerous scam these days. Stay vigilant, verify suspicious messages, and never click links or provide credentials in response to unsolicited emails. When in doubt, contact your host or it admin directly and report the phishing attempt.

Stay safe. Think before you click.
#9
Announcements / Scam Alert: Beware Domain Netw...
Last post by Dynaweb - January 31, 2025, 10:34:09 AM
Beware of another snail-mail Domain Registration Scam. This one from a company named Domain Networks (domainnatworks.com) from Santa Fe, NM, USA (although their solicitation says Hendersonville, NC).

DO NOT CONTACT THIS COMPANY

DO NOT SEND THEM MONEY

If you need help determining your real Domain Registrar, feel free to contact us or use our WHOIS Lookup here..

Domain Networks are deceptively sending what appears to be Domain Expiration Notices over USPS to homes and businesses. Their notices pretending to be from your current Domain Name Registrar, even listing your current registrar's name and your DNS settings at the very top of the document. It is very deceptive marketing attempting to fool domain owners. Beware!

Although they do have some mild legalese stating "This is not a bill. This is a solicitation. You are under no obligation to pay the amount stated above unless you accept this offer.", very similar could be stated for regular renewals. This verbiage comes directly after they state that they are not even a registrar and they are just there to "enhance exposure". However, the notice very much so looks like a registration renewal notice!

Here is an example of the notice they are mailing:
#10
Industry News / WHOIS Sunset: Major Changes Co...
Last post by Dynaweb - January 16, 2025, 03:41:45 PM
QuoteWHOIS (1982 - 2025)

A Quiet Farewell to a Digital Pioneer Born in the early days of ARPANET, WHOIS emerged as a simple yet revolutionary protocol that helped connect and identify users across emerging digital networks. For 43 years, it faithfully served the internet community, providing transparent domain registration information with remarkable consistency. From its humble beginnings at SRI International to becoming a global standard for domain lookup, WHOIS witnessed the internet's transformation from a small research network to a global communication infrastructure. It stood as a beacon of transparency, allowing anyone to discover the human behind a domain name. Now, as we approach January 28, 2025, WHOIS will quietly sunset, not with a dramatic shutdown, but with a dignified transition to RDAP. It leaves behind a legacy of openness and a foundational role in internet governance. Though technology moves forward, we pause to remember a protocol that connected us, informed us, and helped build trust in the early digital age. Rest in peace, WHOIS. Your work is done.



As we approach a significant milestone in the domain name industry, it's crucial for our HostNed community to be aware of the upcoming changes. On January 28, 2025, just days from now, ICANN will implement the WHOIS Sunset Date, marking the end of an era for how we access domain registration data.

What's Changing?

  • WHOIS servers for generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) will no longer be required after January 28, 2025.
  • Many registrars are expected to shut down their public WHOIS servers on this date.
  • The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) will replace WHOIS as the primary method for accessing domain registration data.

Why This Matters

This transition affects various aspects of domain management and verification:

  • Domain owners may need to adapt to new methods for updating and accessing their registration information.
  • Certificate Authorities will need to adjust their domain control validation processes, potentially affecting SSL/TLS certificate issuance.
  • Services relying on WHOIS data for domain research, cybersecurity, and legal purposes will need to transition to RDAP.

What You Need to Do

  • 1. If you're a domain owner, check with your registrar about their plans for the transition and any actions you need to take.
  • 2. For those using WHOIS data in automated systems or workflows, start planning your migration to RDAP-based solutions.
  • 3. Be prepared for potential changes in how you verify domain ownership or obtain SSL/TLS certificates.

Benefits of RDAP

While this change may seem disruptive, RDAP offers several improvements over WHOIS:

  • Enhanced security features
  • Standardized data format for easier processing
  • Better support for internationalized domain names

Stay Informed

As a staple hosting provider since 2000, HostNed is committed to helping you navigate this transition smoothly. We'll perform updates transparently in the backend and provide updates as we approach the sunset date and assist with any questions you may have about how these changes affect your domains or services.

We encourage our community members to share their thoughts, concerns, or questions about the WHOIS sunset in the comments below. Let's work together to ensure a smooth transition to this new era of domain data management.