How to transfer domain from yahoo to another registrar?

Can I reuse my email address when I transfer my custom domain?

• I have a custom domain, <myfirstname><mylastname>.com. Microsoft Office Live Small Business used to host it and provide the design software. Now Microsoft is ending that service, so I need to move my domain somewhere else and rebuild my site by the end of April. I'm not thrilled about it, but I can do it, I hope. The scuttlebutt in the forums is that my current host (Melbourne IT) is a pain in the neck about releasing domains. Can there be a problem when I move my site to a new host and try to re-use my current email address ( <myfirstname>@<myfirstname><mylastname>.… I've been reading up on DNRs and DNSs, but they confuse me. I'm not sure I understand the differences between servers, hosts and registrars, etc. It seems as if email servers are distinct from domain name servers. If that's the case, is it possible that I could transfer my domain to GoDaddy or Yahoo! Small Business, but the email account would get stuck? Could the registrar refuse to release it? Before I make any moves, I plan to export my contacts to a flat file, and I'm prepared to lose all my current messages. But I'm afraid that if I move my website I'll make a mistake and lose my email address entirely. Do I even understand correctly about the servers? If I do, how can I make sure I retain my email address? In addition, if you have recommendations about website hosts that provide design software, please let me know. I'm not going to move anything until I'm relatively sure I can use my email address uninterrupted.

• Answer:

  Hi Katharine, You're in luck! Melbourne IT is the Registrar that Yahoo! Small Business is partnered with for domain registration so it's extremely easy to transfer domains in from them to us and can be completed with minimal downtime to your Business Mail, unlike transferring to a new registrar which can take much longer. Yahoo! Small Business Web Hosting includes your domain registration and Business Mail address (yes, the same one you're using can be recreated with us) in addition to the Web Hosting all in one package. Check out our services at http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com or contact our sales team at 866-781-9246 Mon-Fri, 7AM-5PM with any questions or if you need help getting started!