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Knowledgebase: Domain Names
After changing my DNS, how will I know propagation has completed?
Posted on 24 October 2003 02:30 PM
Information regarding site locations is recorded on DNS tables or nameservers. These records are updated by Internet Presence & Service Providers to reflect the addition and changes of site locations. The update of these records is referred to as propagation. Propagation normally lasts 24 - 48 hours.

After registering your domain name and making the necessary DNS changes to point it to the FutureQuest name servers, the first sign that the propagation is nearing completion is when your domain name shows unavailable when performing a whois search. If you view the whois information provided and it shows you as the owner and lists FutureQuest's name servers, then your domain name has either completed propagation or will have within the next day or two.

To view the status of your domain name, check multiple whois searches rather than just one.

Some places you may want to check include:
CORE
VeriSign Whois Search

For a visual, visit:
https://www.futurequest.net/dns/

If the results all match, then the nameservers shown reflect where your domain is at currently. If they do not all match, then you are in the middle of propagation.

During this propagation period, some ISPs will still point visitors to the web site located on your previous web host's servers, while other ISPs that have already updated their DNS tables will point your visitors to the web site located on your new web host's servers. The same is true for email that is sent to name@yourdomain.tld. This is usually a frustrating and confusing time for the site owner and visitors as well. It is also not uncommon for a visitor to randomly see the new and old web sites each time they point their browser to your domain name due to the DNS cache kept within their personal computers conflicting with the DNS entries provided by their ISP.

Please note: FutureQuest does not know the status of your domain registration and where your domain is at in the "transfer" process other than what can be seen by using the above tools. To request domain status information, you would need to contact your domain registrar.

When you are able to point your browser to your domain name and see your web site and a few of your friends can do the same that would indicate propagation has completed.