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Frequently Asked Questions (with answers)

We will add to this page any other questions about our hosting that might arise. If you have any questions not answered here, please use our contact form, and we will answer them ASAP.




Login issues top

What are my free hosting login details?
Your username consists of a prefix, an underscore and a number, e.g. host_123456. If you cannot remember your login or password, use Lost Password link. If that fails contact us through the web interface and provide some form of identification.

My account was suspended, what can I do?
Please contact support through our web interface.

I cannot login, what can I do?
You can contact support through our web interface.

What is my FTP hostname?
Hostname to use is ftp.intl.uk.to, standard port 21. You can login with your username and password. Always upload to htdocs folder. All standard FTP software is supported. We recommend FireFTP Firefox addon.


Domain names / DNS top

What domains can I add?
You can add any registered domain or subdomain that you own and are in control of (i.e. via your preferred domain registrar).

How many domains am I allowed to add?
You may add 6 addon domains (a regular domain that you own) AND 6 sub-domains (i.e. subdomainof.myaddondomain.com) AND 6 parked domains (a domain that points to another addon or sub-domain). So you may add 6 of each.

What nameservers do I use for my domain?
ns1.intl.uk.to and ns2.intl.uk.to. You need to add these to your domain registrar's configuration. How to add domain with DNS.

How can I add a new domain to my account?
Please follow how to set up domain with DNS instructions here.


Hosting limitations top

What are the limits of free accounts?
Aside your monthly quotas, some PHP functions are disabled (find full list with phpInfo()), maximum file upload size via PHP is 2 MB, maximum file size you can upload via FTP is 4 MB. Executable files (*.exe, *.bat, ...) and some archives (*.rar) are not allowed. PHP scripts are limited to 20 seconds execution time. Maximum inode count (number of files) is 35,000. Database triggers and stored MySQL procedures are not available on free accounts. There are no such limitations on our premium unlimited hosting!

Why are there restrictions on free accounts?
Without these restrictions spammers would use our servers to distribute SPAM, naughty hackers would never stop invoking malicious attacks, pirates and leechers wouldn't reconsider storing overwhelming amounts of pirated warez on our servers, etc. Having to provide your payment details for paid account tends to reduce these activities, and also covers the costs of our high-class services.

Is hotlinking images allowed?
No, image hotlinking is forbidden by our configuration, so that we discurage creating free image hosts or bandwidth leechers. There are no hotlinking limits on premium hosting.

Would you add a missing feature support for me?
We might, but not on our free accounts. Please consider one of our affordable upgrades and check with support, or, alternatively, use a less demanding script and alternatives.

Do you support cURL?
Yes! Note however, that only outgoing TCP port 80 is enabled by default (no HTTPS), and we will not tolerate any misuse of this service.

Do you support fsockopen?
Yes! However, you may only connect to sites in our network (i.e. your premium account, your other free account, etc.). We will not tolerate any misuse of this service.

What happens if I exceed my account quotas?
You are sent a notification e-mail when you reach 90% or your limits. You may then find way around overusing your account until next month. When you use over 100% of resources, your account is temporarily suspended. If you are regularly running into these limits, we suggest you go for one of our cheap upgrades. If you are running more than one website, you can also register a separate account for each site.

Do you support Zend Optimizer or Ioncube?
Yes, both are fully supported.


Advertising top

Why do you offer ad-free hosting?
Because we believe everybody should be provided their free web space, and each should be able to decide for himself, whether he wants to impose ads on his visitors or not. Also because we can afford it, and because it is the least we must do to remain competitive. Most importantly, we just like to make our users happy!

Am I allowed to run ads on my pages?
Of course! You can put on your pages any content that does not indirectly violate our Terms of Service. If you'd like to earn money with ads, and don't know where to start, please see adsense and free ebooks section.


General questions top

How do I start building a website?
If you don't know any HTML, it's probably best if you use our free website builder and choose between over 600 templates. If you, however, would like to write your own website from scratch, you are welcome to do so, just make sure you always upload your files to /htdocs subfolder.

Where do I find SiteBuilder?
In your control panel click either on Addon domains or Subdomains. There is a SiteBuilder button next to each (sub)domain.

How do I install guestbook/forum/blog etc.?
We have preconfigured over 30 common scripts that you can install with a few clicks. Find Fantastico type installer in your control panel.

How do I set up a WordPress blog?
After you have signed up for our free blog host service, sign into your control panel. There under Software/Services follow Fantastico type installer link. Select preferred domain from the list of your domains and proceed. Now pick desired blog script (i.e. WordPress) and click to install. Proceed with defaults and you're done. You will be asked of your database login credentials that were supplied in a PDF when you signed up for our hosting, and can always be obtained to the left in your cPanel. Note, database names always start with your username (e.g. username_dbName). After installation, you may further optimize your blog's performance with WP-Cache plugin.

How do I set up a phpBB forum?
After you have signed up for our free forum hosting, sign into your control panel. There under Software/Services follow Fantastico type installer link. Select preferred domain from the list of your domains and proceed. Now pick desired forum script (i.e. phpBB 3) and click to install. Proceed with defaults and you're done. You will be asked of your database login credentials that were supplied in a PDF when you signed up for our hosting, and can always be obtained to the left in your cPanel. Note, database names always start with your username (e.g. username_dbName).

I don't find my way in this VistaPanel...
You can find many VistaPanel tutorials here.

Do you provide cron jobs or scheduler?
Unfortunately, we can't provide cron with free hosting. You may find online cron services such as SetCronJob, OnlineCronJobs, CronJobs.Org, CronLess, or CronMe.org useful.

How many free accounts am I allowed to create?
At the moment you are allowed up to three (3) different accounts per one valid email/IP address.

How long do I have to wait for tech support?
Please wait until you get a reply. Our premium users enjoy fast live technical support. Our free users have to wait until our free support team is available. We usually answer a support ticket in under 12 hours, but it may sometimes take longer.

Will you help me debug my "nulled script"?
No. Please do not raise support tickets if you are using pirated PHP software (also known as "nulled scripts"). Please consider switching to an open alternative instead. Stay reminded hosting pirated scripts is against our Terms of Service.


Configuration top

How do I create my own custom error pages?
Please see how to create custom error pages instructions here.

How do I disable directory showing its contents?
Please see how to manage Apache .htaccess instructions here.

How do I configure a script to use database?
Sometimes a script comes with its own install.php or similar file that you can open in web browser and use it to preconfigure the script. Other times is uses a config.php or /config/config.php or similar files that contain SQL configuration options. Use your username (e.g. prefix_0000000) and password, and MySQL hostname. Both are available to the left in your hosting control panel. If you need to specify database name, you might first need to create a new database in the control panel.

My website is inaccessible (blank page)...
Most probable cause is an error directive in your .htaccess file. Please rename ".htaccess" to ".htaccess_broken", and after (at most a couple of minutes) revisit your site. If that problem persists, please open a new support ticket. Otherwise rename the file back to default (".htaccess"), comment all directives (precede the lines with '#' symbol), and uncomment one after another until you find the one causing problems. Note that .htaccess can be located in each separate directory.

My website redirects to some other site...
The redirect might be an error page informing you of a error (e.g. 404 Not Found, 403 Forbidden, etc.). See how you can customize your own error pages. If you are certain that the redirect is not to an error info page, then you either uploaded what we believe to be a phishing page, or your account in whole was suspended due to violation of our Terms of Service. Please contact us if you need further information.


E-mail top

I can't send or receive mail to webmail or through POP...
We were recently forced to limit access to sending mail with mail() and receiving mail to webmail or through POP protocol. Now you can only do so after you have added your own addon domain (i.e. used another domain than our subdomain).

I can't receive e-mail sent by PHP mail() function?
You will receive that email shortly. Note, that relaying email for our paying customers is somewhat prioritized, and all outgoing e-mail is also scanned for spam/malware. On rare occasions delivery may take up to 12 hours, but it is usually dispatched in less than an hour. Once out of our system we cannot influence the deliverance of your mail. Also, always check your SPAM folder. If you would like faster, priority and guaranteed email delivery, please consider a hosting upgrade, or use custom SMTP servers (e.g. Google's).

How can I use free email on my own domain?
Please see how to get free domain e-mail instructions here.

How do I create a contact form that sends me email?
Please see how to get free domain e-mail instructions here. If you find this procedure too hard to follow, you could make use of a simple alternative, such as EmailMeForm.


MySQL top

What is my MySQL hostname?
The hostname is sqlXXX.intl.uk.to, where XXX is a number you were assigned during signup. You can find this information in your control panel to the left.

Can I connect to MySQL from my home computer?
No, you may only connect to your MySQL database through a PHP script or phpMyAdmin in your control panel. However, if you order premium hosting, you can connect from home as well.

I can't connect to MySQL database...
Make sure you used valid username and password. Also make sure MySQL hostname is correct (and not localhost, which is a common default). If you can connect to your database via phpMyAdmin, then the problem is in your script.

How do I backup MySQL database?
In your control panel click MySQL Databases and then [Backup] next to each database.MySQL Databases > Database name: prefix_123456_dbName [Backup] [Admin] A new file called Backup.tar.gz will appear in your root directory (/) that you can download and open with archiver, such as 7zip. Alternatively, you can export your tables via phpMyAdmin.

I am running out of MySQL space, what can I do?
First, what you should do is create a database backup. Then use phpMyAdmin (Admin link) to trim and shrink the database by, for instance, removing old or unwanted posts (in case of a forum). What you should also do is optimize your SQL tables by clicking Check All and then Optimize table.Check All, Optimize table If this isn't enough, we encourage you to consider one of our unlimited hosting packages, or for total control our cheapest VPS for only $9.99 pm.


Upgrading to premium top

What is the difference between free and premium hosting?
Aside the obvious higher and unlimited disk and traffic quotas, you won't suffer any environmental restrictions, you will also get considerably more CPU and memory resources at your disposal, unlimited cronjobs (task scheduler), priority e-mail delivery, even higher stability, and best of all - our dedicated technical support. You will also help support and maintain this fabulous hosting service. :-)

Will I be able to use SSL, SSH, video streaming, etc.?
No, for SSH with full root access and streaming support you would need a business class hosting package or a virtual private server. Regarding SSL you will need to contact support, they might give you a really affordable quote.

What is the difference between premium and business hosting?
All business hosting plans are hosted on separate servers where there is strict limit on the number of hosted accounts. This guarantees there are always enough server resources available to serve all visiting customers, and that one account's traffic cannot eat into resources of another. Reliable 100% uptime is guaranteed even at peak hours, spikes are handled, so not one visitor is lost. In addition to that our business plans include SSH access to the machine you are maintaining. This proves very useful and is just a minor step away from VPS or dedicated server, hence a one-dollar dedicated IP offer (i.e. dedicated static IP for only $1 per month).

Do you offer money back guarantee?
We might, but only at our sole discretion and on individual basis. For example, if you submit payment for one year of hosting service, we will provide the service for 12 months and will not give refund if you choose to discontinue service mid-way through the term.

Ok, I've upgraded to premium, how do I transfer my files to new account?
Please open a support ticket and provide account details. We will be happy to transfer your files and match the environment to your needs.

Is adult content allowed?
Yes, on all our premium plans starting with cheapest unlimited hosting we allow legal adult content when handled according to US laws and regulations and your local laws.

I don't have PayPal, can I pay with direct bank transfer?
No, sorry, at this time we are only accepting payment through PayPal or 2CheckOut. Along with all major credit cards, they both also accept all minor regional debit cards. Please consider that option.


VPS top

What is the difference between burstable and static RAM?
Your server is assigned a static amount of RAM it can always use, however, for application processing it may use up to burstable amount of RAM for short constant periods of time. Heavy-weight websites will require 32 to 64 MB of static RAM.


Dedicated server top

When will my server be ready?
Our general turn around time is less than 24 hours after your order has been placed and verified.

If I cancel my server, do I get a refund?
Yes, we offer a 7 day money back guarantee if there is a hardware or service related problem.

What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel at anytime, however, you must cancel before the 1st of the month to avoid being billed for that month.

How much do you charge for going over the alloted bandwidth?
Most our servers come with 1000GB of bandwidth, which is roughly 3Mbps 24/7 on average. We allow our customers to purchase additional 1000GB for $75 per month.

What kind of DDoS protection do you have in place?
We don't specialize in DDoS protected dedicated servers. If a DDoS attack was to hit us, we would probably null route at the edges of the network. We do have mitigation in place, however, this is not our core offering, and would not offer it as a service to a client, so if you expect to get DDoS'd a lot, we recommend you look elsewhere.

Do you offer 24/7/365 support?
Yes, in addition to our regular support hours, we have always a technician available to call for emergency support incidents.


Affiliates top

May I sign up under my own affiliate link?
No. If we find you doing so, you risk loosing at least all your commissions. Only one account is allowed.

I didn't receive commission for one Monthly Standard subscription...
Commissions for Monthly Standard plans start with the beginning of third month of service, because we are already giving away free domain with every order, or the customer might reconsider and request refund, and so we cannot afford to pay commissions in the first months as well.

Can my commissions count towards my hosting order?
Yes. Upon receiving your request we will redeem your commissions into account balance that you can use to buy our services. You may also request payout before you reach designated threshold.


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