I am trying to register a domain for a customer. When I did so it said it was taken but if I search the Whois database it says it is available. If I search at GoDaddy or Dotster it says it is unavailable.

Anyone have any idea of what is going on?

Thanks,
Andrew

Some whois's aren't updated as quickly or frequently as others. I find this particularly a problem with Stargate.

also, if a domain name is on hold, some domain registration companies, will initially show the domain as available, whilst others show it as unavailable.

This has nothing to do with the registrars whois. Some registrars query the registry for availabilty and others query the internic. The internics whois is generally 24-72 hours behind the registry. Registry look ups are real-time, no delays.

Just try again ever couple of hours - and wish for the best :)

Was the domain availabe or no?