im trying to buy this domain that expired 2/21/06 and ive been checking weekly to see when its available and it never became available :bawling: i checked it today on godaddy and it showed me this
Registrar: **********, INC.
Whois Server: whois.**********
Referral URL: http://www.**********
Name Server: NS1.PENDING-RENEWAL-DOMAIN.COM
Name Server: NS2.PENDING-RENEWAL-DOMAIN.COM
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 27-feb-2006
Creation Date: 21-feb-2005
Expiration Date: 21-feb-2007
what exactly does that mean?

It's in redemption period. Meaning, the registrar allows the registrant a grace period to renew the domain after it expires. This period varies from registrar to registrar - a couple of months on average. Meanwhile, the whois records will appear as if the domain was renewed for a whole year.
After the redemption period, the status will switch to PENDINGDELETE, and then drop (after 5 days).
You might want to backorder it to make sure that you get it the moment it becomes available.
Read more about status codes. (http://www.midano.com/FAQ/statusCodes.asp)

It may have expired 2/21/06 but it was renewed on or about 27-feb-2006 for another year

... but it was renewed on or about 27-feb-2006 for another year
No, it wasn't. Look at the nameservers: NS1.PENDING-RENEWAL-DOMAIN.COM
That's what that particula registrar is using for expired domains in redemption period. It can still be renewed by the registrant. Otherwise - it will drop.

Exactly. Names are AUTOMATICALLY renewed by the registry, and the registrar billed. It's up to the Registrar to chase the Registrant for payment, and put the name into the redemption/restore/delete system.

In this case it APPEARS the Registrant is yet to pay but it's not in redemption period, or else the status would show that.

Without knowing the domain name to do more tests, it's difficult to be any more detailed. Especially since you won't tell us the Registrar.

Without knowing the domain name to do more tests, it's difficult to be any more detailed. Especially since you won't tell us the Registrar.PENDING-RENEWAL-DOMAIN.COM belongs to ICANN Accredited Registrar Biz CN.com - The People's Republic of China

I have no idea what their policies are on domains registered through them.

Yes, but they may be a catcher for Pool, or for Snapnames etc. Or the NS may not actually belong to the registrar of record. Lord knows why he blanked out that bit.

Yes, but they may be a catcher for Pool, or for Snapnames etc. Or the NS may not actually belong to the registrar of record. Lord knows why he blanked out that bit.He didn't ... notice that I put a space in there because their link is banned here on WHT. It automatically comes up blanked out with stars.

I don't know what they did to upset the great WHT moderators.

He didn't ... notice that I put a space in there because their link is banned here on WHT. It automatically comes up blanked out with stars.

I don't know what they did to upset the great WHT moderators.

Right. I'm with you now. :^)

and ive been checking weekly to see when its available
If you are serious about an expiring domain, you may want to check more frequently than *weekly*.

The grace period for the buyer probably has not expired.

Is there a history (not on topic but I would like to learn - more so before I poke stuff) as to why it's banned?

KGIII

Is there a history (not on topic but I would like to learn - more so before I poke stuff) as to why it's banned?The mods usually keep these matters private. I don't know of any history listing concerning these matters that is accessible to us, the regular members.

LOL Either way - it's a GOOD indication to me (at any rate) to not go with them for any of my business needs. I'd like to know a bit more as to why, of course, but well you learn who you can and who you can't trust and as I've been looking at some moderate domaining lately it's a clear sign to at least avoid THAT URL and that's a good a help as I've had so far. ;)

Another clue for me is, well, look in WHT - if they have no bad reviews they're amazing or unheard of. ;)

KGIII

well, I was thinking the program was messed up (like many others are)...since it says Expiration Date: 21-feb-2007 :)

thx for the responses i guess ill just wait