I'm a little confised - you say that your files are gone, yet the page still loads? If I went to your site and the page loaded, the files are there somewhere, since I doubt I've ever been to your site (and since you don't give a URL, I'm going to assumet his to be the case).

As far as the access denied - has your host recently moved to another provider? Have you recently requested any changes to your setup? The first case might explain the denied (i.e., the username/password are no longer correct on that server, the address is no longer what you have listed in your FTP prog, etc.). The second case might explain it if your host has done something to hose your account/permission settings.

No response from your host after that many emails is a bigger problem. It would certainly make me start looking around for a new host.

My husband and I are using a hosting service that NEVER responds to emails for support. We're reasonably proficient, and don't ask for help unless there's something obviously wrong on the server end.

We own several domain names, each has its own FTP. Yesterday, I tried to upload a new page, but the only file that's showing under that domain name is "autoname.dat", and I'm getting a 550/access denied error message when I try to upload (using ws_FTP).

The rest of our files are gone! Meanwhile, the existing pages for that site are loading on the web just fine.

Something that may or may not be tied to this problem. Couple of weeks ago, one of our friends mentioned that he tried to go to this site, but kept getting a web hosting service instead! Neither of us have ever had this happen.

I've sent ten emails to support since yesterday, as usual, no response.

Do you guys have any ideas about what might be going on here? And, if there's anything I can do to fix it?

Thanks,
Ivo

Originally posted by Annette:
I'm a little confised - you say that your files are gone, yet the page still loads? If I went to your site and the page loaded, the files are there somewhere, since I doubt I've ever been to your site (and since you don't give a URL, I'm going to assumet his to be the case).

LOL, I'm pretty confused about all this, too -- that's why I'm here. :-) The only file that's showing up on the server for this particular domain name is "autoname.dat". Like you, I feel certain my files must be somewhere, if the pages are loading on the web. But, I have no idea where they could be, or where to start looking. And, no, you've probably never visited this site, it's still in development and hasn't been listed w/search engines yet.

As far as the access denied - has your host recently moved to another provider? Have you recently requested any changes to your setup? The first case might explain the denied (i.e., the username/password are no longer correct on that server, the address is no longer what you have listed in your FTP prog, etc.). The second case might explain it if your host has done something to hose your account/permission settings.

I did a trace route on my host yesterday, and everything is still the same. The FTP is letting me log on, so username and password are OK. We haven't changed anything in our set-up since the account was established (last summer). And our other four domain names are the same as ever.

No response from your host after that many emails is a bigger problem. It would certainly make me start looking around for a new host.

We paid a year in advance, which will be up next month, so we're looking for a new host (another reason why I'm here). Except for non-response to support requests, our current host hasn't been too bad -- their uptime record has been pretty good, and everything works correctly more often than not. We figured we'd never get a refund, so better the devil we knew, than the one we didn't etc.

Thanks,
Ivo

This should be a little more clear than my response above.

Originally posted by Annette:
I'm a little confised - you say that your files are gone, yet the page still loads? If I went to your site and the page loaded, the files are there somewhere, since I doubt I've ever been to your site (and since you don't give a URL, I'm going to assumet his to be the case).

As far as the access denied - has your host recently moved to another provider? Have you recently requested any changes to your setup? The first case might explain the denied (i.e., the username/password are no longer correct on that server, the address is no longer what you have listed in your FTP prog, etc.). The second case might explain it if your host has done something to hose your account/permission settings.

No response from your host after that many emails is a bigger problem. It would certainly make me start looking around for a new host.

LOL, I'm pretty confused about all this, too -- that's why I'm here. :-) The only file that's showing up on the server for this particular domain name is "autoname.dat". Like you, I feel certain my files must be somewhere, if the pages are loading on the web. But, I have no idea where they could be, or where to start looking. And, no, you've probably never visited this site, it's still in development and hasn't been listed w/search engines yet.

I did a trace route on my host yesterday, and everything is still the same. The FTP is letting me log on, so username and password are OK. We haven't changed anything in our set-up since the account was established (last summer). And our other four domain names are the same as ever.

We paid a year in advance, which will be up next month, so we're looking for a new host (another reason why I'm here). Except for non-response to support requests, our current host hasn't been too bad -- their uptime record has been pretty good, and everything works correctly more often than not. We figured we'd never get a refund, so better the devil we knew, than the one we didn't etc.

Thanks,
Ivo

That is pretty odd, then. Something does seem to have cocked up somewhere. Unfortunately, really only your host can get in there (unless you want to go the extra step and contact theupstream, if any) and poke around to see what the problem is. And of course, if they won't answer your email...well...

Sorry not to have any brighter news/suggestions. Have you tried a chmod to see if it will let you reset the perms yourself? Might not let you if your perms are totally offed, but it's the last of a list I have right now. I think some ice cream and caffeine are in order....

Quick Question is is your host ? then maybe someone can help you they could of had the same problem on that host.

Originally posted by Annette:
That is pretty odd, then. Something does seem to have cocked up somewhere. Unfortunately, really only your host can get in there (unless you want to go the extra step and contact theupstream, if any) and poke around to see what the problem is. And of course, if they won't answer your email...well...

Sorry not to have any brighter news/suggestions. Have you tried a chmod to see if it will let you reset the perms yourself? Might not let you if your perms are totally offed, but it's the last of a list I have right now. I think some ice cream and caffeine are in order....

Originally posted by Annette:
That is pretty odd, then. Something does seem to have cocked up somewhere. Unfortunately, really only your host can get in there (unless you want to go the extra step and contact theupstream, if any) and poke around to see what the problem is. And of course, if they won't answer your email...well...

Sorry not to have any brighter news/suggestions. Have you tried a chmod to see if it will let you reset the perms yourself? Might not let you if your perms are totally offed, but it's the last of a list I have right now. I think some ice cream and caffeine are in order....

Hmmmm, we're not sure what a chmod is, so I guess we haven't checked it. The server did let me download the "autoname.dat" file that's showing (did it to a floppy and threw it out). So it's definitely letting me in, just not allowing me to upload files.

Thanks,
Ivo

Originally posted by fthosting:
Quick Question is is your host ? then maybe someone can help you they could of had the same problem on that host.




24hrHost

You use ws_FTP. Once you connect to your FTP space, right click on one of your directories there. In the pop up list, you'll see an option that says chmod (unix). If you choose that, you'll see the current permission settings for that directory: owner, group, and other. You'll see chmod referenced as "set so-and-so to 755". It works (binarily) like this:
4 Read
2 Write
1 Execute

So, if you set a directory to 755, it means that the owner has RWX (4+2+1), group has RX (4+1), and others has RX (4+1). If you, as owner, don't have Write permission, it'll give you the same sort of error(s) that you're receiving. Unfortunately, on some systems, if you, as owner, set the permissions so that you can't write to a directory, you're locked out until an admin resets it. It's something to check - and if it won't let you reset it (if you don't, in fact, have write permissions), you absolutely will need to get your support involved, if you can.

Originally posted by Annette:
You use ws_FTP. Once you connect to your FTP space, right click on one of your directories there. In the pop up list, you'll see an option that says chmod (unix). If you choose that, you'll see the current permission settings for that directory: owner, group, and other. You'll see chmod referenced as "set so-and-so to 755". It works (binarily) like this:
4 Read
2 Write
1 Execute

So, if you set a directory to 755, it means that the owner has RWX (4+2+1), group has RX (4+1), and others has RX (4+1). If you, as owner, don't have Write permission, it'll give you the same sort of error(s) that you're receiving. Unfortunately, on some systems, if you, as owner, set the permissions so that you can't write to a directory, you're locked out until an admin resets it. It's something to check - and if it won't let you reset it (if you don't, in fact, have write permissions), you absolutely will need to get your support involved, if you can.

Darn. It's an NT host.

This really stinks. Guess I'd better get busy looking for a new host. Who are you using?

Thanks,
Ivo

I'm currently using ValueWeb (www.valueweb.com), but will be switching to a dedicated server in the next week or so.

Thanks again, Annette :-) I really appreciate all the advice!

Ivo as you can see by reading several of the threads here, you have a choice of public information, which is then subject to scrutiny and correction, or to private information which is not. Perhaps list your particular future direction/requirements and see what the members suggest?

Originally posted by Ivo:
Thanks again, Annette :-) I really appreciate all the advice!

Hey, sure. When I'm not getting digs for blasting TH, I can usually be pretty helpful. :)

As far as other hosts go: the list of good hosts is definitely shorter than the list of bad ones, so I've started keeping track of them when I run across them. Here are a few that people have praised:
Superior Host (http://www.superior-host.com)
Your-Site (http://www.your-site.com)
Dream Host (http://www.dreamhost.com) (note that they offer adult hosting, too, so if you have some kind of moral objection, they're probably not for you.)


Here are a few to *definitely* avoid, based on reviews both here and in newsgroups:
True Hosting
linuxweb
*****

I would add Interland.net to the list NOT to use. They had double billed me before when I used them and it took a complaint to the States Attorney office and a long time before I got that cash back. This was back around Oct. of 98, but there are more recent similar complaints at http://recellar.com

------------------
Chuck Fox
Owner
http://cfoxhost.com

Originally posted by Nightflames:
Ivo as you can see by reading several of the threads here, you have a choice of public information, which is then subject to scrutiny and correction, or to private information which is not. Perhaps list your particular future direction/requirements and see what the members suggest?

Thanks Nightflames -

We're still "discussing" what we're going to do. Meanwhile, if anybody would like to make suggestions, here's what we've got:

Domain #1 - One site at top level, we own .com, .net and .org for this one, have it set up so all three go to same page, etc. This one will need around 100 MB when completed, due to online magazine archive. We do this site for free for our religious organization.

Domain #2 - One site at top level, .com only. This is another organization site, belongs to my husband. This one will probably top-out no more than 25 MB.

Domain #3 - One site at top level, .com only. This one is basically inactive at this time, just a home page. Will be an e-store at some point in the next year or so. Probably will need 200MB, due to large photo archive (examples, etc.)

Domain #4 - .com only. This one currently has around 10 small sites on it, probably using 75MB or so.

We also have email for all the domains.

Thanks,
Ivo

Originally posted by StarfoxZL:
try www.pcisd.com...if (http://www.pcisd.com...if) your sites are not high bandwith then they're pretty good for you

Thanks StarfoxZL. None of our sites are very busy yet, the one with the most traffic has had about 45,000 hits since November 99.

Something we're running into with some of the services -- because we host the site for our religious organization, they say we're technically resellers. We've thought about becoming resellers on a very limited level, mostly for a few of our friends. But we're not sure if it'd be more trouble than it's worth.

Thanks,
Ivo

I'm just starting out as a hosting company,Ivo. If you want to take a chance working with a new company check out my site at http://cfoxhost.com and leave me mail. I'll give you a bulk rate deal (not free, but reasonable :-)

try www.pcisd.com...if (http://www.pcisd.com...if) your sites are not high bandwith then they're pretty good for you

Ivo,

You're discovering the different definitions of "reseller" and why some hosts are better than others. To many companies "reseller" means selling their accounts for them for a couple of dollars off their regular price. They suggest you can charge whatever you want over their price. I began hosting to save my customers money and make it easier for me, not to gouge them. Since I do everything for them, a couple of dollars a month doesn't make it worthwhile. That type of
reseller deal doesn't interest me at all.

It sounds like you may want a virtual server account (unless you decide on a dedicated server). You rent a certain amount of space, say 600 mb, and can host other domains in that space. Through a control panel, you can handle several administrative functions for your customers, and they may have access to certain functions they can perform for themselves. You'll generally pay anywhere from nothing to a few dollars per domain per month, though much less than their smallest account since you are using the disk space you already pay for.

I started doing that a few years ago for clients whose sites I created and picked up a few more that I later redesigned. I was offering lower rates than were generally available. For me, it's been worth it, and for them as well. They know little or nothing about the Internet and I handle everything for them. Having them all on one server makes it easier for me in many ways, including being able to standardize certain things.

I'm moving to my own dedicated server so I can do even more for them, including better technical support. My own site will benefit along with theirs. I've got lots of plans that call for a dedicated server and I took my time checking companies out so I'd pick a good company on a more informaed basis. This site, and several people on it (and others), have been helpful in that respect.

An old carpenter's adage applies here metaphorically, "measure twice, cut once." I would suggest checking carefully and not being hasty, as you seem to be doing. It's worth the time and effort. It seems like the reputable companies out there are a definite minority, so we have to work to beat the odds of getting a lousy one.

Stay away from http://cfoxhost.com - They are ***** resellers. He claims that he's getting a dedicated server (woo-hoo), but will probably stick it on the ***** network.

Thanks Duster,

Yes, it looks like either a virtual or a dedicated server is the way we're going to go. I've been researching companies, but there are so many, it's enough to drive one completely bonkers after awhile!

While we're primarily concerned with responsive customer service/support, cost is also a consideration. It seems like by the time one adds everything up for a virtual server, it'd be almost the same price to go with a dedicated server (in the long run).

Also, with a dedicated server -- are the ones on the "low end" fast enough to keep customers satisfied? Especially because we would be hosting for friends -- even though we'd be giving them a great deal, I wouldn't want to create any tension between us, i.e. their feeling like they're getting sub-standard service, etc.

Any wisdom you or anybody else are willing to share, would be totally appreciated!

Thanks again,
Ivo

Concerned, read where I said "new company". That is because I was a reseller (actually just hosting companies I did websites for). Last Fri I signed a contract with Alabanza for a dedicated server. It is online now, I just sent the nameserver registration in (please note that takes a few days to go through). I am not a reseller anymore, and when I was I never misrepresented that fact.

Hum, Its the way I see it you are definitively not (at least yet) ready for a dedicated server, it will be too expensive.

But you also seem to not be sure to bacame a reselers. Since most of your site are for friends you can also try to get an arangement with a host. I mean tell them that you have around x sites and ask them if they can make you a good price.

I Forgot, I own an hosting companie, leave an e-mail adress so we can reach you

Don't sign up with PCISD.com.
READ THIS:
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000101.html

Originally posted by Ivo:
My husband and I are using a hosting service that NEVER responds to emails for support. We're reasonably proficient, and don't ask for help unless there's something obviously wrong on the server end.

We own several domain names, each has its own FTP. Yesterday, I tried to upload a new page, but the only file that's showing under that domain name is "autoname.dat", and I'm getting a 550/access denied error message when I try to upload (using ws_FTP).

The rest of our files are gone! Meanwhile, the existing pages for that site are loading on the web just fine.

Something that may or may not be tied to this problem. Couple of weeks ago, one of our friends mentioned that he tried to go to this site, but kept getting a web hosting service instead! Neither of us have ever had this happen.

I've sent ten emails to support since yesterday, as usual, no response.

Do you guys have any ideas about what might be going on here? And, if there's anything I can do to fix it?

Thanks,
Ivo

I was with true hosting, then *****, now with itsLondon.com. They have great tech support, and do their utmost to help if you have any queries.

So that readers are not mislead by Concerned's above post regarding whether cfoxhost.com is a reseller or not, would a registered member please run a trace route on the site and post the results here?
Thanks in advance!


------------------
Chuck Fox

http://cfoxhost.com

Your domain did resolve to a ***** IP prior to this post, as I checked this out myself after reading the above post.

However, your NIC record was changed on the 15th of May, and now you've got a dedicated server with Alabanza.

Originally posted by CFoxHost:
So that readers are not mislead by Concerned's above post regarding whether cfoxhost.com is a reseller or not, would a registered member please run a trace route on the site and post the results here?
Thanks in advance!




Trying 208.56.139 at ARIN
Alabanza, Inc. (NETBLK-ALABANZA-BALT-3)
10 E. Baltimore St. Suite 1300

Baltimore, MD 21244

US

Netname: ALABANZA-BALT-3
Netblock: 208.56.0.0 - 208.56.255.255
Maintainer: ALAB

Coordinator:
Cunningham, Thomas (TC12-ARIN) ipadmin@alabanza.com
410-779-1400

Domain System inverse mapping provided by:

NS.ALABANZA.COM 209.239.47.252
NS2.ALABANZA.COM 209.239.47.201

ADDRESSES WITHIN THIS BLOCK ARE NON-PORTABLE

Record last updated on 15-May-2000.
Database last updated on 6-Jun-2000 17:46:31 EDT.

The ARIN Registration Services Host contains ONLY Internet
Network Information: Networks, ASN's, and related POC's.
Please use the whois server at rs.internic.net for DOMAIN related
Information and whois.nic.mil for NIPRNET Information.

----------

Dig cfoxhost.com@208.56.138.106 ...
Authoritative Answer
Recursive queries supported by this server
Query for cfoxhost.com type=255 class=1
cfoxhost.com NS (Nameserver) ns.cfoxhost.com
cfoxhost.com SOA (Zone of Authority) Primary NS:ns.cfoxhost.com Responsible person:hostmaster@cfoxhost.com
serial:200013209
refresh:86000s (230 hours)
retry:7200s (2 hours)
expire:3600000s (410 days)
minimum-ttl:43200s (12 hours)
cfoxhost.com NS (Nameserver) ns2.cfoxhost.com
cfoxhost.com A (Address) 208.56.216.2
cfoxhost.com MX (Mail Exchanger) Priority: 10 mail.cfoxhost.com
cfoxhost.com NS (Nameserver) ns.cfoxhost.com
cfoxhost.com NS (Nameserver) ns2.cfoxhost.com
ns.cfoxhost.com A (Address) 208.56.139.120
ns2.cfoxhost.com A (Address) 208.56.138.106
mail.cfoxhost.com A (Address) 208.56.216.2


----------



------------------

Hello Ivo,
My situaton resembles yours as my prior host
did not answer emails for support questions. So I like you decided to shop for a new hosting company...spent hours on the web searching and looking...when I finally made a decision to transfer..I realized that my prior host never made it clear who he registered domains with(I have four sites) and had to do detective work to figure it all out. Luckily I found this board..as I was so irritated with my prior host I wanted to know where can one file complaints on a host..if there was any industry related something like the Better Business Bureau. Two things came to mind..I was appalled on how many hosts in this business were similar to my prior host and anyway you look at it, because there does not seem to be anything that can be done less than legal, that going to any host is a crap shoot. Luckily for me. Chuck from CFOXhost replied to my initial post(the only Host company that did) and he guided me to places to go to solve my problems with my prior host. With Chucks advice and the help of Bulkregister and Opensrc..I finally got a response from my prior host and decided to transfer my sites to CFOXhost.com. He has been guiding me the whole way thru the transfer process and as a newbie to this biz I greatly appreciate that. There seems to be so much blasting of hosts on this board..kinda makes me wonder about the nature of this whole industry..I can only share with you that my relationship
with CFOxhost has been a good one. Good luck finding a new host..you are going to need it..be careful of the blue sky and smokescreens..cuz there is a lot of that out there!

Dale
Gourmet Chili and Herb Company www.saucegal.com (http://www.saucegal.com)