Does anyone know the timetable for the availability of expired domains. There are two domains I really want that have expired, one this month one a week ago. When will they be released?

Is there a way to force the issue?

Thanks

Originally posted by newedge
Is there a way to force the issue?
Nope. The original registrant has 45 days after the expiration date to renew, so they won't become available before that. But registrars generally aren't releasing names immediately after that grace period either, so they might drop any day after that period -- maybe the next day, maybe much later. You'll just have to watch and wait. And do so early; 630 am eastern time if you want the best shot at a desirable name.

Are there any free services out there that monitor this sort of thing. I think myDomains.com used to have a service like this, but it isn't mentioned anymore.

There arn't any free services. Network solutions and some other companies offer a service when as soon as the domain drops (6:30 am EST) they register for you under your name. But its a total rip, $50 bucks per domain. I would just keep waiting and check everyday.

Thats what I did... I waited for one of the domains to drop.. and I registerd it it 10 mintues after it dropped. Best of luck.

I'll just start the waiting game :)

The registry has temporarily ceased domain drops.

http://www.icann.org/announcements/icann-pr10aug01.htm

I can see how this is a very serious problem. I do wonder how they are going to solve this issue and how long a "reasonable solution" will take to find.

http://www.expirefish.com/scripts/index.php

Great site, worth the membership fee. I joined, and am very happy.
MB

XTNet - Thanks looks like a nice service. I'll give that a try.

Aloha
if you are trying to get 2 names use
http://www.snapnames.com
if you do not get them you do not pay ??
might be your best bet

The word from the snapnames newsletter is they are dropping names but not in batches, and at different times of the day. One way or the other they'll have to find a way to release them.