Whois error messages

You may see this error message:

“Whois error message – “invalid value - Parameter value policy error: V358 Contact with type IND cannot have trading name Modify failed.”

If you’ve tried to update your Whois details through your BT account in the BT Domains Centre.

Why have I got this error message?

When you’re registering a domain with a registrant type of UK Individual, the details applied should be saved as an individual name, not a trading name. Otherwise, you’ll get this message.

How do I stop receiving the error message?

You'll need to amend the registrant contact details. Just so you know, the email address that appears on the domains Whois details in the BT Domains Centre is the Administration contact, it's not guaranteed that this is the Registration contact.

Here’s how to amend the registrant contact details:

1. Using the domains Registration contact email address, log in to Nominet.
2. Go to the Domains section.
3. Click on the drop-down link for the domain.
4. Under the Registrant section select EDIT.
5. If it shows you trading as a UK Individual, remove the Trading As field details and click Update Details. 
6. If it appears as UK Individual but you trade as a UK Limited Company, change the Registrant Type field to the correct type, update your details or enter your company number, and click Update Details.
7. Give Nominet up to 4 hours to review the details saved.
8. After 4 hours, try updating the domain’s Whois contact details in the BT Domains Centre.

What if I don’t know what my domains Registration contact email address is?

In this case, you’ll need to contact the BT’s domain name services team.

I don’t have an account with Nominet using the Registration contact email address, how do I create one?

To create an account with Nominet, go to Nominet Online Services, and at the top of the page enter your email address and click Submit.

You’ll then receive an email from Nominet with a link to create a password for your account.

Who are Nominet and how do I contact them?

Nominet are the governing body for domains ending with .uk. You can see all Nominet contact options here.