My webhost manashosting offered a free domain with my webhosting package. But the said domain registered with their name? is it usual among webhosts? Can i claim the domain? They did not provide domain control panel.
It is unusual, normally domain name needs to be registered under the owner's name, I suggest you request for the domain control panel and the change of ownership immediately before you start developing the domain. If they do not give it to you, rather sacrifice the domain now and look for alternatives. Don't wait till you developed the domain and it becomes popular, that would be a bit too late.
Usualy a webhost will release the free domain to you after you have been a client for a few months! If you pay on a monthly basis with a free domain, then most likely after 3 months (depends on host) you will be able to get and take full control over the domain! If you paid yearly and recieved a domain, then you should be able to get full control over the domain after the refund policy run out!
True but the domain name will still be registered under the owner's name no matter what. It should not be registered under the host name.
Wrong, this process is NOT usual! Usually they register it in your name, but they "lock" the domain for transfers so you cannot transfer it, nor will they give you access to maintain the domain until the amount of months the host decides has ran by!
You are right that the process is not usual. They should register under the owners name but lock the domain, not register under their name.
Hey...I would bolt from this shared web host if i were you. There are a lot of affordable web hosting companies out there who are honest.
If you had searched forums like WHT or DP earlier, you would not have gone to that host on first count. They are considered the most oversold hosts in India. I heard of such horror stories earlier too. They MUST give your domain back to you if you at all times (if at all may ask you to pay the cost of domain at max if you need it immediately - Whatever it may be DEMAND for the domain to be registered in your name. You need not worry if they lock the domain till end of the specified contract period)
First off try to get the domain cp from them, if they are not giving then as far as i know they are the directi resellers... i will suggest you to contact directi and tell them about the issue.. i am sure they will help you..