FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

DNS Cache and your ISP

There is also the issue of DNS cache, which is something we won't go into great detail about here, but here's the short version. Every time you access a site from your ISP, they cache the URL, as well as its associated IP number. If their network is properly setup, these DNS cache records should "Expire" at least every 24-hours. If they did not (which is often the case), you'll experience this: You enter your http://www.mydomain.com URL, and it keeps taking you back to your old server account.

In a large number of cases, it's the result of an ISP who "Did Not" configure their servers to "Expire" the DNS cache records at the appropriate intervals. Unfortunately, this adds additional confusion to their clients, and especially the ones whom are trying to point their domain name to a new server. Yes, it will make you want to scream sometimes, however if you understand whom is actually at fault, then you'll know who to scream at :)

Related Topics:
The DNS propagation process is not limited to ISP's!
What to expect during this 2 to 4 day propagation period
Working on your account during the DNS propagation period
What is DNS?
Accessing your domain manager
Changing your Name Server settings, so your domain points to your Server Pro account
Side effects that can be expected during the propagation time frame
Where are all of the DNS records kept?
Where do the Root Name Servers receive their information from?
The 3 to 4 day propagation period - Understanding what happens during this time frame
Setting up your own Name Server (for advanced webmasters)
Understanding DNS and Name servers
Checking your DNS update status (outside of your ISP)