Can I use the domain I bought from WordPress but self-host it?
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I signed up for a wordpress.com account last night, and upgraded to get the $99 package so that I could own kadeskakes.com. However, I didn’t realize that would change how wordpress works! I didn’t realize that I wouldn’t be able to use plugins or upload a custom theme. (You should really have this article http://en.support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org/ linked to when you offer that upgrade at the beginning of the process)
I know that I have 2 days for a refund, so I’m trying to act quickly. I’d like to move the hosting to a separate company like DreamHost, but I don’t want to lose kadeskakes.com. Is there a way for me to keep paying you the $13 a year for kadeskakes.com, but then have someone else actually host the site so that I can use plugins and upload a custom theme? Or if not, do you know the likelihood that I would still be able to buy kadeskakes.com from someone else if I cancel that transaction with y’all?
Thanks for your help.
Blog url: http://kadeskakes.wordpress.com/The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Thank you for the feedback. I understand that a self-hosted WordPress installation might be better suited for your needs. Just wanted to mention that we do have tons of features (galleries, social sharing, polls, etc – any particular features you are looking to use plugins for?) and over 200 themes in the Theme Showcase, so you might be able to create just the right site on WordPress.com without worrying about managing your own host and installation.
Is there a way for me to keep paying you the $13 a year for kadeskakes.com, but then have someone else actually host the site so that I can use plugins and upload a custom theme?
Yes, you can keep the domain name registered with us and point the nameservers to your new host. After 60 days, you can transfer out your domain name to a new registrar, if you’d like. Please see the following support articles for more info and detailed instructions:
http://en.support.wordpress.com/domains/change-name-servers/ -
Thanks for responding! Okay, so I signed up for DreamHost, and I know that I can’t transfer the domain name for 60 days. But do I need to transfer the actual hosting to DreamHost from WordPress or do I do that in 60 days when I transfer the domain name? (sorry – I’m a total beginner at all this. I keep wandering the support blogs and googling things but I can’t seem to figure any of this out.) I tried to do the one-click installer at DreamHost, but it gives me an error because it says wordpress has already been installed at kadeskakes.com
Also, now that I’ve cancelled my premium/upgraded account, how do I transfer back to the free .org version where I can see the plugins menu?
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But do I need to transfer the actual hosting to DreamHost from WordPress
You would need to point the nameservers for your domain to Dreamhost with the instructions here:
I tried to do the one-click installer at DreamHost, but it gives me an error because it says wordpress has already been installed at kadeskakes.com
That’s accurate since your domain is still pointing to http://kadeskakes.wordpress.com/ .
how do I transfer back to the free .org version where I can see the plugins menu?
Once you update the nameservers and the DNS changes take effect, you can clear your browser cache and flush your DNS cache, then you’ll be able to use the one-click WordPress installer at DreamHost.
After you’ve installed WordPress there, when you log in as the administrator for the blog, you’ll see the Plugins menu on the left.
If you need more assistance with your blog at DreamHost (after your domain is pointing there), WordPress.org has complete support and documentation sites for self-hosted/installed versions of WordPress via their Codex and Support Forums.
I hope this helps! :-)
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