How long does it take for changes made to DNS records to take effect? When adding a CNAME record, the addition was effective immediately when I accessed it through my dial-up ISP.

If I change the IP address of my domain in the DNS "A record", would I be able to see the change immediately through my dial-up ISP as well?

Not necessarily. It depends on the remainder of the settings that your DNS server uses. Things like the TTL parameter. These parameters will define the amount of time that a server can cache the information. You will need to ensure that these are set very low if you intend to attempt the move that you are proposing.

refresh = 3600, retry = 600, expire = 4000, minimum = 3600.
I believe these are the TTL parameters you're referring to. Which one(s) affect how soon the updated DNS entry goes into effect? (i.e. how soon visitor's ISPs figure out the IP address for the domain has changed?)

kreativ, if you stay with your current host, until the nameservers of your new host fully propogate, you should be fine.

For sites based heavily on visitor interaction (e.g. message boards), it's desirable to be able to switch over ASAP rather than drag it out over a week. Assuming there's an easy way to do this. ;)

Well, my way would work just fine...

dave is correct. ive done this when switching clients over to my servers. theyve only had a few hours downtime at the most. some none.

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Does the new server have an IP Address? If so you can redirect the users that go to the old server's forum, to the new server's IP, do you follow me?

That's a good suggestion and would work as long as the site isn't depending on name-based IP on the new server. :)

I'm mainly wondering how long it takes for changes made to DNS records to take effect though, rather than an actual need to change hosts and nameservers.

PS I like your member title.:D

Originally posted by kreativ
That's a good suggestion and would work as long as the site isn't depending on name-based IP on the new server. :)

I'm mainly wondering how long it takes for changes made to DNS records to take effect though, rather than an actual need to change hosts and nameservers.

PS I like your member title.:D Good luck, and thank you.