Not the best solution i now

[Tmw-Websites]

I can't go into details why we have had to do it this way but its a temporary solution until we can get some dedicated hosting servers set up.

Im having to host an array of Zen Carts on one shared host while registering the domains for these via a different host, now to questions.

1. If i set the zen cart up on host 1 using the real path to the files (home/public_html/catalog) and using the url and folder path to that hosting space (http://www.host1.co.uk/carts/catalog) i can access it via that url and path and it all works fine but the client using this cart needs a url more catering for there business so now we have to register the domain name on a different host, if we do a HTML forward to the hosting1 path it works but replaces the domain name back to the hosting1 url after loading.

Now if we use frame forwarding for this it works fine (dont replace the url with real one)

so using the frame forwarding how is the site indexed by search engines, as they hate frames, also if they do index the site using the forwarded URL will all the products be indexed under the real hosting1 URL or the forwarded one?

2. is there anyway to install a Zen cart on one host while having the domain name on a different host and forwarded via HTTP and it work correctly?

As i under stand it if i change the virtual path name in the configure.php files to the domain on the other host zen cart will not be able to find the correct physical path and try to find it on the hosting where the domain name is.

Sorry for the long post, like i say this isn't practical and is temporary but its the only solution we have until we can get some dedicated servers up and running.

Thanks

[gjh42]

Domain name registration and site hosting are two different things, and will not interfere with each other. If you are having problems, you may need to explain better exactly what you have set up where.

[Tmw-Websites]

They are.

I have hosting space on one host, lets call this HOST1
Im having to register domain names on a different host to HOST1 lets call these HOST2

There is one domain set up on the same server as HOST1 thats mapped to the home folder of the shared hosting account.

HOST1 only allows us to have 1 domain name mapped to oour shared hosting account with them.

HOST2 where only allowed to register domain names.

So when a client needs a zen cart and domain we install the zen cart on HOST1 and register the name on HOST2 redirecting that name to there cart on HOST1.

and the rest as above

Does that help??

Thanks

[Website Rob]

I think you are just creating a lot of problems for yourself.

Domain name Registrations take a few hours at most and can be pointed to where you want. You can setup URL Forwarding with your Registrar and, if your current Hoster provides cPanel, use ADDON Domains to setup seperate Zen Cart; which would use the proper Domain name for each.

Once your Server(s) are setup you can then transfer everything over, make the necessary changes with the Registrars and you are golden.


Although a Forum may help to provide some answers / insight into what needs to be done, it could take a really long time if at all. You need an experienced Hoster or really good Web person, to help you achieve the above. Otherwise, might be best to wait until your Servers(s) are functional.

[Tmw-Websites]

I know what you mean but if we had the right hosts for that it would be done.

I have over 10 years experiance my self in this game, to take the work load off us we enroled a hosting company to do all this for us but it turned out they was using a resellers account and was complete amiture muppits and extriamly rude.

So we decidered we would just some how cope with this work load out selfs and get some dedicated hosting servers.

like i say its a temp solution.

The host we are using for domain reg only allows for HTTP redirect and Frame redirect. so mapping like you say isn't an option other wise it would have been done and HOST1 don't allow for addon domains (we only have these hosts for basic other sites - we intended for the other host to do all the zen cart hosting and domain mapping)

Frame redirect is usless as search engines will not index the site
HTTP redirect is usless as thats all it does is redirect (HOST1 url shows up)

The main problem due to the hic up with our enroled host we are out of capital to splach the cash on other GOOD temp hosting.

Im not talking 1 or 2 zen carts here, where talking 100's, all that need to be back up and running as they where before the hic up and FAST

But maybe ordering a £40 per month reseller account just for one month might help, that would keep the customers happy and give us time to set up what we need to with braking the budget.

[Website Rob]

Sounds like you've backed yourself into a corner. Without the funds to even do a proper temporary fix, such as a Reseller account like you mentioned, you are in a hard place to do anything constructive.

If the money has already spend on your own Server then it shouldn't take more than few days to get it up & running, then another day or so to secure, customize and setup the accounts.

BTW, you might want to use a good Registrar like eNom. They offer URL Redirects and it works beautifully. Also the way Search Engines prefer redirects, rather than using redirect in an .htaccess file. And some Hosters even provide a Free eNom Reseller account.

[lazy_666]

Not a best answer i know...
but why dont u switch hosting provider?
I dont want to make advertisement here, so i will ask u to mail me at lazy666 (at) gmail.com

the hosting I use offers for .. like $1.5 monthly
3.5G web space
21G traffic
Subdomains 1/100
Parked Domains 1/3
Addon Domains 0/1


there are other plans and some other features wich i will discuss with you if u r interested ofcourse. i just hope i can help you with that. Seems to me to be the less painfull solution.

P.S. if that offer looks stuupod ... just ignore the lame poster ;)

[afo]

You are much better registering the domains yourself through one of the many registrar companies. It's a bad idea to register your domains through your hosting service. I learned that lesson the hard way when the hosting company I was using went out of business without warning and I had to fight with the registrar to get control of the domains I had registered through my former host. As it stands, I can't get control over 2 names and will have to wait until they expire and hope I can get them back before someone else grabs them.

[Website Rob]

Although I agree that Registering Domain names yourself is a good way to go, it makes no difference where / how the Domain name is Registered "If you are not listed as the Registrant".

Registrant is the technical term that in normal language means Owner. If you are listed as the Owner of the Domain name there is no problem doing whatever "you" want.

If a Hosting company offers Domain name registration Services, many do and many people for their own reason will use it, then always make sure the listed Registrant is yourself.

[afo]

You're right, Website Rob, but I've had an unbelievably difficult time with this registrar because they're geared to resellers (like my previous host) and I had to jump through all sorts of hoops - including putting money on deposit with them - to get control of the domains. I would NEVER register a domain through a hosting service again.