cherokeepresbytery

UPDATE: Problem Solved, so I’m posting this here for others in case they run into the same problem…

Quick Background: We set up our website using WordPress. Initially, by mistake, we established a WordPress.com account, and purchased two domains (cherokeepresbytery.org & cherokeepresbytery.com). Realizing the limitations within WordPress.com, we upgraded to WordPress.org and thought everything was fine. A year later, we got an email indicating it was time to renew our domain registration. That’s when we discovered the nightmare that is Wild West Domains, and their lack of “ownership” or “support” for WordPress.com customers.

The solution is real simple. If you made the same mistake that we made, and that “socialbttrfly” made – you’ll need to:

1. Locate your WordPress.com login credentials.

2. Login to WordPress.com, and go to your Dashboard. (NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS YOUR WEBSITE’S WORDPRESS DASHBOARD!)

You can try: yoursitename.wordpress.com/wp-admin.

3. GO TO “SETTINGS” > “DOMAINS”

(URL should look like this https://yoursitename.wordpress.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=domains

4. From there you have two options…

(A) Click Renew by the domain that you purchased.
(B) Scroll down to “Domain Administration” and follow the instructions (Set a new password. Copy the Customer Number located under the password set box. Click on the link “Manage Your Domains”

5. If you chose option A above. You should be set.
If you chose option B above, continue @ #6.

6. Log-in to the Automattic Domain Management Panel using the Customer Number you copied in step 4B above, and the password you created.

7. Select the domain you wish to manage.

8. Under Domain Information, you should see several items, one of which is “Locked: __________.” If it’s set to LOCKED, click the blue “Manage” link and unlock it. If it says Unlocked, continue to #8.

8. Again under Domain Information, now look for the item that says “Authorization Code” – there is a blue “Send by Email” link. Click it, and it will email you the EPP code (to the email address that is associated with the Administrator of the domain registration).

9. Once you have the EPP code, you can contact your desired registrar, and give them the code to complete the transfer.

Good luck, and peace be with you.