KB 380

How come the domain I want isn't available?

Article:380
Created:2005-03-31 10:56:48
Categories:
  General Concepts
  Domain names/DNS

Question or Symptom

There's no website on it.

Resolution

There are a number of reasons why someone might own a domain, but not have a website installed using it.

• They may be holding the domain for future business.
• They may be in the process of developing a web site.
• They may be using the domain for email only and never have a web site associated with it.
• They may be cyber-squatters and would like to sell this domain to someone who really wants it.

You can use the Unix command whois to view the information that was provided when the domain was registered. That may give you clues who owns it and what they may intend. You can use the Unix command dig to see how they have set up the domain for email use or a web site.