TOPIC:

Hi FTH
Further to your recent assistance May 25, ref #95122  (response to FTH warning message about the validity of our .org.au domain) and finding the option of an "alias" solution not an ideal outcome (results in search opening the FTH "Request a Website" page), we are now proceeding to update our domain in Australia from charlestowntoastmasters.org.au to charlestowntoastmasters.au.
N.B.  Please note, our current website is operating satisfactorily and we have until Feb 2026 before our .org.au domain expires, so there is no emergency, we just need to move forward with the change.
We wish to request your assistance to confirm our interpretation of FTH guidance is correct (ref " Configuring DNS settings for a Custom Domain Name " and a couple of clarifying questions, as outlined below.
Regards Greg DeLore - VPPR Charlestown TM (Club 6345) NSW AustraliaClub Action required:  
i.  Noting, "The Toastmasters server is known as the “FreeToastHost” server - in DNS records it is identified by its IP address, 50.19.253.65"
ii. FTH guide advises at para 1.2, to change DNS records:1.2 You need to create or change four DNS records so they read as below - i.e. to point to the FreeToastHost server (substitute your domain name for domain.ext below):Record
TypeEntryIP Address/URLAdomain.ext50.19.253.65A www.domain.ext 50.19.253.65Amail.domain.ext50.19.253.65MX10mail.domain.extiii.  Given:  our current domain.ext as per the guide example above would be charlestowntoastmasters.org.au
      Then:  Charlestown Toastmasters current DNS records would be:Record
TypeEntryIP Address/URLAcharlestowntoastmasters.org.au50.19.253.65Awww. charlestowntoastmasters.org.au50.19.253.65Amail. charlestowntoastmasters.org.au50.19.253.65MX10mail.charlestowntoastmasters.org.auiv.  If we purchase charlestowntoastmasters.au and substitute same for above ".org.au" domain, Charlestown Toastmasters DNS records need to change as follows:Record
TypeEntryIP Address/URLAcharlestowntoastmasters.au50.19.253.65A www.charlestowntoastmasters.au 50.19.253.65Amail.charlestowntoastmasters.au50.19.253.65MX10mail.charlestowntoastmasters.auQuestions1.     Sequence of changes?
         Ref FTH guide :  “Warning” below “Generic instructions for changing your registrar's DNS Settings” (below para 1.1), extract as follows:
              "WARNING: If you've already using your domain for your existing club website and/or for the domain's email, make sure your new FreeToastHost website is ready to go before making any DNS changes."
         Our question is, given we are already using a ".org.au" domain, could you please clarify if there are any special sequence of changes, as we tend to think:

• firstly, we will purchase new .au domain from our current providor
• then we update the DNS record, presumably through the providor's digital "dashboard", "DNS Manager" (to change settings)
• finally, we update our FTH Admin Console, ref FTH guide , 2 Changing your FreeToastHost settings and 3 Changing your FreeToastHost settings when you've changed to a different domain name (given we've already been using a domain and our domain name field is not empty)

2.     Impact on stored emails?
        Ref "Warning" same as above:  “WARNING: ...Soon after you make the changes your previous website and any previous email services (including stored emails) will no longer be directly available. Your website and      email will subsequently be handled by FreeToastHost."
         Our question is, Could you please clarify:

• That this may not apply to our website, as it may refer to setting up a new web site, as opposed to what we are doing, changing an existing domain?
• the only emails we have which may qualify as "stored emails" are "standard" FTH admin records, as follows:  (1) member and officer contacts (all currently with ".org.au" suffix); and (2) “Contact Us” system generated email to visitors initiated by clicking 3rd tab down on FTH website menu, ref charlestowntoastmasters.org.au ?
• our above emails ("standard" FTH admin records) may automatically update when we change the DNS record, with no further action required from us?

End of query
 

That all looks correct - BUT:
I've just set up an alias for you and it is working:  charlestown.toastmastersclubs.org/     It might not have worked earlier due to a conflict with the bad setup of the custom domain at that time.  

If you decide to use the alias, it will be easier to transition as you can use both until your current domain expires.  You can start using the new alias version right away - encourage members to use that, change any flyers etc.  The custom domain will still work until it expires unless you remove the link on your website.  

If you prefer not to use the alias please delete the entry on your website

 

6345 wrote:

2.     Impact on stored emails?
        Ref "Warning" same as above:  “WARNING: ...Soon after you make the changes your previous website and any previous email services (including stored emails) will no longer be directly available. Your website and      email will subsequently be handled by FreeToastHost."
         Our question is, Could you please clarify:

• That this may not apply to our website, as it may refer to setting up a new web site, as opposed to what we are doing, changing an existing domain?
• the only emails we have which may qualify as "stored emails" are "standard" FTH admin records, as follows:  (1) member and officer contacts (all currently with ".org.au" suffix); and (2) “Contact Us” system generated email to visitors initiated by clicking 3rd tab down on FTH website menu, ref charlestowntoastmasters.org.au ?
• our above emails ("standard" FTH admin records) may automatically update when we change the DNS record, with no further action required from us?

The email warning pertains only to a club using an email service they purchased along with their domain.

1st bullet point; 'does not apply' if you have not purchased @charlestowntoastmasters.org.au email service along with your domain.

2nd bullet point; 'stored emails' refers to emails in a client configured for aforementioned purchased outside email service, not the FTH email forwarding service.

3rd bullet point; Whether email is sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., FTH is forwarding it to your personal email so your domain swap has no effect. No action required beyond configuring your DNS and updating your FTH site admin console to the new domain.