Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: How do I auto redirect browsers to a new website?

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Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-22-2008, 02:44 PM:

I maintain a site for my VFW Post and because of space limitations we moved to a new server. The old webmaster can't remember who he got the domain from so we created a new one. I still maintain a mirror image homepage on the old server and any clicks there put you into the new one.

Here's my issue. I'm tired of trying to keep two homepages in sync. I want to have a new page on the old server notifying the user that we have moved, and then automatically transfer to the new host. I'd also provide a hyperlink in case the transfer doesn't work.

Anyone know how to do it, preferably in Front Page?

Thanks in advance...Rick

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 11-22-2008, 03:01 PM:

You said you have a new domain name so I would contact the registrar of the old domain and point it to your new server.
Put a message right up on top of the page of course saying to update bookmarks and such if you don't intend to keep both domains.

EDIT: I just reread your post and realize you said you didn't know who the registrar was -- what is the old domain name? I'll tell you who to call.

Or, if you wish to simply redirect from the old server to the new one for a few months and then close the account you can update (if your site has one for other reasons) or create the .htaccess file in the root directory (where index.html or whatever your default page is lives) and in that file put this line:

redirect 301 /old/old.htm http://www.you.com/new.htm

Tailor it of course to your needs.

301 is http/1.1 for permanently moved.

If you need further assistance with this feel free to e-mail me.
G'Luck.

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-22-2008, 04:16 PM:

We did trace the domain and eventually came down to a high probability he purchased it from Yahoo. They refused to remap it without the account password, which of course he also can't remember. Its good until 2011 and by then we will have propagated the new URL and just let the old one die. Perhaps you can give me a helping hand with the specifics of the htaccess code. I'll send you a PM.

Thx---Rick

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 11-22-2008, 06:00 PM:

If you don't have access to utilize the .htaccess file, replace the index page with the following html:

[code]
<html>
<head>
<title>PAGETITLE</title>

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0; url=www.newurl.com">

</head>
</html>
[/code]

Posted by Wayne Keyser (Member # 2420) on 11-22-2008, 06:18 PM:

That last one is the way I do it, but you should also add (under the above) "You are being redirected to our new website - click HERE [add link] if you are not redirected in 5 seconds."

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-23-2008, 08:40 AM:

Thanks Adam. That is exactly what I wanted to do. I changed the content value from 0 to 5 to allow a delay.

I first built the .htaccess file but the server deletes it immediately after I upload. The original server is not a web hosting service but rather an ISP's web space allocation. So I think it is rather restrictive on what it allows.

Thanks for the help.

Check it out

---Rick

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 11-24-2008, 06:54 AM:

Rick, I wouldn't just let the old domain die. It doesn't actually die, even if you stop paying the yearly fee, it goes into limbo where after 6 months I believe, it becomes available for anyone to purchase. You don't want someone to get your original domain name, no matter if for good or malicious intentions. Yours does have a four digit number as part of the name, so it is unlikely that someone would accidently create, but that doens't mean some crazy out there or some disgruntled idiot wouldn't grab the name for as I said, malicious purposes. Domains names are not that expensive to maintain; you might want to consider keeping it just so no one else can get it. It also might be good to own the .com version as well.

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 11-24-2008, 03:29 PM:

Frank:

I agree on not letting the original domain die.

We were hoping that it would be billed to the original webmaster when it nears expiration sometime in 2011. Then we could have it remapped. Of course he just might have a resurgence of memory before then and remember the password. Then we could avoid the wait. Until that time we will continue with the redirect code. The original site is part of our DSL service and maintaining it now is no hassle.

---Rick