Member Avatar for koolhq

I wasn't really sure where to post this one. My client got web hosting from Networksolutions.com. He hired me as a web designer, but his hosting plan was Windows, with ASP. That's it ASP and MsSQL. I have no clue how to use ASP and I hate Windows hosting. He already payed $120 for the year. Is there any way to switch from a Windows host to a UNIX host on Networksolutions.com. Like I said I hate Windows hosting and any help would be greatly appreciated. I do not have the time to wait until next year to switch to a UNIX host with PHP. I am not wasting his $120 either. HELP!

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A concise, practical checklist that follows the thread from and the tips from and .

First steps and preparation:
Confirm what is actually on the account (look for server-side files and a database) and make full backups of files and the database before any change. The account owner must contact Network Solutions support; have account numbers and domain info ready and request written confirmation of any plan change, pro‑rated credit, data-migration options and effects on email. Keep support ticket IDs and any quoted timelines.

Feasible paths and trade-offs:

  • Keep the current Windows plan and run the site there (many Windows hosts can host PHP or provide connectors), or move to a Linux/PHP host and port/rewrite server code.
  • Porting classic ASP to PHP is manual work and often involves rewriting data access and stored procedures; MS SQL -> MySQL conversions need careful type and SQL-dialect mapping.
  • Third‑party “run ASP on Linux” projects exist but are rare and can fail on COM components, vendor libraries or MS‑specific behavior (as hinted) — not recommended for production without extensive testing.

A short migration workflow:

  1. Inventory files and DB schema. 2) Export full DB and download all site files. 3) Open the account-change request with Network Solutions (owner), asking about refunds, migration assistance and DNS/email handling. 4) Provision a test site on the target environment and validate functionality before switching DNS (use low TTL to reduce downtime). 5) Keep detailed change logs and rollback steps.

Caveat:
If time is short, the least risky route is to keep a Windows host that supports the required runtime or hire a developer to do a controlled port. Documentation and backups are the priorities.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for MidiMagic

He would have to negotiate a change with the hosting company.

Member Avatar for almostbob

They list both in the $9.96/month category, and have a fairly helpful helpdesk,
even though I'm not a subscriber to their service there was immediate email reply.
help desk rep said " have the Customer contact us and switch to a *nix hosting package"
hope it works, the *nix packs have a larger bundle of includes

Member Avatar for ithelp

Does ASP work in unix ?

Member Avatar for drumichael87

there is something you can install to make ASP work with *nix but i'm not positive on how well it works.

Member Avatar for almostbob

Does ASP work in unix ?

asp for windows hosting
php for *nix hosts

LiKe Macs & PCs (windows & ASP are the Mac of the server world)
about 2% think that .asp is the best thing since sliced bread
the other 98% just go on about the task at hand,

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