I was looking at a domain name I want to buy and noticed it expired 8 days ago (lucky huh).

When do they get deleted from the database so I can register it? I'm assuming the give the owner some leway and I was just wondering how much.

no problem if I don't get the name, it would just be really nice.

This is a very common question. It may vary with the registrar, but if it's a Network Solutions domain I wouldn't hold your breath as they tend to hold onto them for quite some time, years even. There's no real surefire way to tell when it's going to be dropped, but if or when the record isn't showing anymore, you might be close. Good luck.

Is there any places you can stick a domain on a automagic notifier-when-free list or the such?

I looked harder in the network solutions FAQs and they said, "Many factors may cause the "expiration date" to vary from the eventual date of deletion."

I love FAQs. :)

Originally posted by Studio-51
Is there any places you can stick a domain on a automagic notifier-when-free list or the such?

There is a service snapnames.com, that you can register with for $$ to have them register the name for you if it becomes available.