If your domain is registered with Hostfactory and you want to use CURIAWEB hosting, you do not necessarily have to transfer the domain to CURIAWEB.
You can keep the domain registered with Hostfactory and simply adjust the nameservers or DNS records. Alternatively, you can fully transfer the domain from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB and also manage the domain through CURIAWEB in the future.
Briefly explained: If you only want to move your hosting to CURIAWEB, the domain can remain with Hostfactory. If you also want to transfer domain management, you need a domain transfer and – if required for the respective domain extension – the auth code from Hostfactory.
Option 1: Keep the domain at Hostfactory and use CURIAWEB Hosting #
Domain registration and web hosting are technically separate from each other.
A domain registered with Hostfactory can therefore continue to be managed and renewed there while your website is operated via CURIAWEB.
There are basically two options available for this:
- You change the nameservers at Hostfactory to the CURIAWEB nameservers.
- You keep your existing DNS management and only adjust the DNS records required for CURIAWEB hosting.
We explain the fundamental differences under Keep domain with another registrar and connect to CURIAWEB Hosting.
Configure CURIAWEB nameserver at Hostfactory #
If your domain is registered with Hostfactory, you can configure external nameservers directly via the Hostfactory customer center.
According to the current Hostfactory documentation, you can find this setting under:
my.hostfactory.ch → Domain registrations → Select domain → More → Change nameservers / handles
That is where you enter the nameservers of your new hosting provider.
For CURIAWEB, they are:
ns1.curiaweb.ch
ns2.curiaweb.chHostfactory points out that a corresponding DNS zone for the domain must already exist on the target host. Otherwise, the nameserver change may fail.
You can find further information at Finding and correctly using CURIAWEB nameservers.
Important: Prepare the DNS zone in CURIAWEB before changing the nameservers of a domain that is currently in production. Changing the nameservers does not automatically copy the existing DNS configuration from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB.
Why does Hostfactory only require a primary nameserver? #
The current Hostfactory manual describes the entry of the for a domain registered there primary nameserver of the destination host. Hostfactory states that the secondary nameserver will then be queried automatically and entered accordingly.
The primary CURIAWEB nameserver is:
ns1.curiaweb.ch
The corresponding second CURIAWEB nameserver is:
ns2.curiaweb.ch
Practical Tip: If the Hostfactory customer center only requires the primary nameserver, follow the procedure provided there. The crucial point afterwards is that the domain has actually been delegated with the designated CURIAWEB nameservers.
What should be considered with DNSSEC? #
DNSSEC must be given special consideration when changing name servers.
Hostfactory also supports configurations where a domain registered with Hostfactory uses external nameservers. In this case, the DNSSEC keys are generated by the external DNS provider and must be entered accordingly in Hostfactory.
An existing DNSSEC configuration must therefore not be reused without verification along with a new DNS zone.
Attention: In the event of an incorrect DNSSEC configuration, DNSSEC-validating resolvers may consider the domain invalid. Therefore, clarify before changing the nameserver whether DNSSEC is active and how it should be continued with the new DNS infrastructure.
Check existing DNS records before the switch #
Before you change the nameservers, you should document which DNS records your domain currently uses.
In addition to the website, services such as email, subdomains, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, external services, or domain verifications can depend on the DNS zone.
With the CURIAWEB DNS-Check can you check publicly visible DNS information of your domain.
You can find more information at Check DNS records: View current DNS configuration of a domain.
Can I keep the Hostfactory nameservers? #
Basically yes.
Hostfactory itself points out that for many use cases a domain transfer is not necessary and instead the existing nameserver can continue to be used and only individual DNS records can be adjusted.
This can be particularly useful if, for example, the website is to be switched to CURIAWEB while email or other services continue to be operated via Hostfactory.
In this case, the DNS records required for these services remain in place, and only the records for the website are adjusted.
Edit DNS records at Hostfactory #
Hostfactory provides DNS management for both domains and web hosting in the customer center.
During a domain registration, the current path generally goes through:
my.hostfactory.ch → Domain registrations → Select domain → DNS
With web hosting, DNS management is handled via the corresponding web hosting and the associated domain account.
Which records need to be changed depends on which services are actually going to switch to CURIAWEB.
We explain the most important record types under DNS Records Explained: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and CAA.
Important: For the connection to CURIAWEB, use exclusively the specific server or DNS data of your hosting account. A general guide cannot name a universally valid CURIAWEB hosting IP.
How long does the nameserver change take? #
Hostfactory points out that global DNS propagation after a nameserver update can take up to 24 hours can take advantage of.
That does not mean that every domain takes exactly 24 hours. During the transition phase, DNS caches and TTL values can cause different resolvers to still use different information.
We explain the technical background at What is DNS propagation and why does a DNS change take time?.
Option 2: Transfer domain from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB #
If you want to transfer not only the hosting but also the domain management from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB, you perform a domain transfer.
For many domain extensions, this requires a Auth Code required.
Hostfactory refers to this, among other things, as an auth code, auth info, EPP key, or domain key.
Request Auth-Code from Hostfactory #
Hostfactory provides the auth code directly via the customer center.
According to the current official instructions, you can find the feature under:
my.hostfactory.ch → Domain registrations → Select domain → More → Request Auth-Code
Using this function, you can request the auth code required for the transfer.
Important: Unlike some other hosting providers, Hostfactory does not require prior cancellation of the domain as a necessary step to obtain the auth code. Therefore, use the intended function for this. Request auth code.
Does every domain need an auth code? #
No.
Hostfactory itself points out that an auth code is only required for domain extensions whose transfer procedure provides for such a code.
The specific rules depend on the respective registry and domain extension. Therefore, the transfer rules of a .com-domain, for example, not automatically to a .ch-domain or other country-code extensions can be transferred.
What do I do with the auth code? #
You use the auth code received from Hostfactory to authorize the domain transfer to CURIAWEB.
Treat him confidentially. The code serves to prevent unauthorized takeover of the domain.
We explain the general procedure under Domain transfer to CURIAWEB: How the transfer works.
Do I need to unlock the domain as well? #
That depends on the domain extension and the current domain status.
Hostfactory explicitly mentions the registrar lock as a possible component of a transfer in its own information regarding domain transfers.
Therefore, you should check whether the transfer lock on a domain needs to be lifted before transferring it away.
You can find more information at Unlock domain for transfer: Registrar Lock and transfer lock explained.
Do I need to change the nameservers before the domain transfer? #
No, not fundamentally.
Domain transfer and nameserver change are two different processes.
Hostfactory confirms for transfers to Hostfactory itself that the previously stored nameservers generally remain unchanged during a registrar change. This shows why registrar changes and DNS migrations should be viewed as technically separate.
For an upcoming transfer from Hostfactory, you should still document in advance which nameservers and DNS records are currently used and how the DNS management should look after the transfer.
Practical Tip: Do not simultaneously change the domain registration, nameservers, website, and email on a working system unless necessary. A controlled, step-by-step migration makes troubleshooting significantly easier.
What happens to my website at Hostfactory? #
A domain transfer does not automatically copy your website to CURIAWEB.
Website files and databases belong to the hosting and must be transferred separately to the new hosting environment.
Therefore, the existing Hostfactory hosting should not be terminated as long as the website is still running there or data is needed for the migration.
What will happen to my email accounts at Hostfactory? #
Email accounts and existing messages are also not automatically transferred by a domain transfer.
If your email accounts are also to be moved to CURIAWEB, the accounts must be set up in the new hosting environment and existing messages migrated if necessary.
If email is to continue being hosted with Hostfactory, the required MX and other DNS records must be retained.
You don't want to migrate your website and emails yourself? #
If, in addition to the domain, your website and email accounts are also to be transferred from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB, you do not need to perform the technical migration yourself.
CURIAWEB handles the migration of a website, including databases and email mailboxes, for new customers as part of the Free moving service.
The new hosting environment is being prepared before the final DNS switchover takes place.
Practical Tip: If you want to use our relocation service, do not terminate your previous Hostfactory hosting prematurely. Also, do not change nameservers or DNS records prematurely while the migration is still being prepared.
Can the domain stay with Hostfactory and only the hosting be changed? #
Yes.
A domain transfer is not required for this.
You can continue to keep the domain registered with Hostfactory and either switch the nameservers to CURIAWEB or only change the required DNS records.
Can only the website be switched to CURIAWEB while the email remains with Hostfactory? #
Yes, provided your Hostfactory contract still includes the mail service.
In this case, only the DNS records required for the website will be pointed to CURIAWEB. The MX and other DNS records required for Hostfactory Email will remain in place.
Hostfactory itself describes this model as a potential use case when using external websites or hosting.
What is the safest order for a complete move? #
If domain, website, and email are to be completely transferred from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB, you should first document the existing DNS configuration and check whether DNSSEC is active.
Subsequently, the CURIAWEB hosting is prepared and the website including the database is transferred. If the email is also to be switched, the new mailboxes are prepared and existing messages are migrated.
Afterwards, all required DNS records are set up on the DNS infrastructure that will be used in the future. Only when the new environment is prepared will the controlled DNS or nameserver switchover take place.
If the domain management should also be transferred, you request via Request auth code enter the required transfer code and start the domain transfer.
After the switch, the website, HTTPS, email, subdomains, and other important services should be tested. You should only terminate Hostfactory services that are no longer needed after that.
How long does the domain transfer from Hostfactory to CURIAWEB take? #
The duration depends on the respective domain extension and its transfer procedure.
Hostfactory itself states a possible timeframe of up to 14 business days for domain transfers. However, this information should not be understood as a fixed transfer duration for every domain extension.
You can find more information at How long does a domain transfer to CURIAWEB take?.
How do I check the domain after the transfer? #
After a nameserver change or a complete migration, you should check which DNS information is publicly visible.
With the CURIAWEB DNS-Check Can you check the current DNS configuration?.
If the CURIAWEB nameservers are to be used, you expect:
ns1.curiaweb.ch
ns2.curiaweb.chThen also check the website and HTTPS, email receiving and sending, subdomains, forms, as well as external services and domain verifications.
Change nameservers or transfer domain? #
If you only want to use CURIAWEB Hosting, you do not need to transfer your domain away from Hostfactory. You can leave the domain registered there and adjust the nameservers or DNS records.
If, on the other hand, you also want to manage and renew your domain through CURIAWEB in the future, a domain transfer is required.
Note: Domain registration, DNS, website, and email are technically distinct components. A hosting change therefore does not automatically mean that the domain also has to be transferred.
Summary #
A domain registered with Hostfactory can be used with CURIAWEB hosting without necessarily having to be transferred.
For a nameserver change, the current Hostfactory path leads via Domain registration → Domain → More → Change nameservers / handles. There, the primary CURIAWEB nameserver ns1.curiaweb.ch be specified; Hostfactory describes that the secondary nameserver is automatically queried and entered.
If you want to keep the existing DNS management, you can instead just adjust the required DNS records.
For a domain transfer, you can find the auth code under Domain registration → Domain → More → Request auth code request. Hostfactory does not mention a prior domain cancellation for this in its current instructions.
If the website and email are also switching to CURIAWEB, these services should be prepared or migrated before the final DNS switchover takes place.
