I allowed our ISP provider to register our domain name but I recently found out he was overcharging me so I didn't renew my registration with him anymore but the problem is I cannot register my domain with other registration site. It says "domain status: redemption period" what does this mean? when did it begin and more importantly when will it end?? The expiration of the registration was last Dec.2007 but up to now the domain name cannot be registered/renewed why? My former ISP provider refuses to tell me the answer why I can't register my domain with others. I suspect they are blackmailing me so I would renew my registration with them. What should I do?

Who is actually listed as registrant of the domain? If it is your ISP--and I think you mean your web host not ISP--then THEY actually own the name and not you. Even if you pay them again for the name, THEY own it not you.

Can you add more details to your question. Who is the web host or isp? How much did they charge you? Were you doing business with the name? A domain name is generally $9 a year.

You can go to godaddy and back order the name. It will cost $18 to do so.

After expiration the domain goes into a grace period that can last as long as 45 days during which you can still renew with your old registrar. Then into redemption period which is supposed to be 30 days. If not renewed it then enters pending delete status - usually 5 days. Then it is made available for registration by anyone.

If you wait til the name drops and it has any value to others then it will probably go into a drop auction in which case you could be looking at being in a bidding war for the name.

Unless your registrar is charging hundreds for a renewal at this point you might be better off paying the extortion fee and transferring to another registrar before it comes up for renewal again.

What you should have done is transfer to another registrar before it expired. Too late. Good luck.