I am ready to move websites from a Windows 2000 Server to the RaQ3s'. I can publish to the RaQ3, but I am concerned about the correct procedure. For example, I have a DNS server, DNS1.domainname.com. I want to have the following websites on the DNS1 server. I want to publish three websites to the DNS1 server, for example, www.domainname1.com, www.domainname2.com, www.domainname3.com. Do I need to first create a virtual site for each domain name and then publish the websites to the new server? Then after changing the IP address on register.com, how soon will these websites be available for use? Also, can I keep the current websites on the Windows 2000 server up and running until the IP changes are propagated?

When moving sites from one server to another, set up the site fully on the new server as if it were live (it won't be). Set up the sites, upload the files, etc. You can do this via IP address of the site and ftp username/pass.

Once the site is on the new server, you can modify the DNS to point to the new server and you won't even notice the changeover (traceroute to confirm). Email won't be lost, as you'll be able to log into the old server and get anything that is left there.

I'd allow 1-2 weeks before you fully take the other server offline. Changes generally take 24-48 hours, but just to be safe, a week or two will insure that everything is updated (world-wide), and everyone will be able to access your site (be it on the new server or the old).