Character Transfer problems?

Q u o t e:
I started a transfer this morning to move one of my characters from one account to another. Now i've done alot of transfers in the past and it always has told me an average wait time of 1 hour, but usually never even took that long. This time the average wait time has been increasing, up to 6 hr wait now.

Is there something wrong with character transfers atm, or have i just been incredibly lucky in the past to have had such quick responce times?

Reports of issues with the Paid Character Transfer system are being investigated. Please remember though that most people wait until after Tuesday maintenance to initiate their transfers. This can bog down the system and delay what would normally be fairly quick process.

If I am able to find any information regarding the system I will let everyone know, until then check the following link now and then to see if the transfer needs to be finalized.

https://www.worldofwarcraft.com/account/character-transfer-status.html

Q u o t e:
When you begin your transfer there is a warning that it could take up to several days for it to be completed.

Although true it has rarely ever taken that long to transfer, most transfers are processed within an hour. The time increases of course with multiple requests. Hopefully we'll figure out if it is just too many people making a request at the same time or if there is an issue and we need to tweak something.

Q u o t e:
missed my first raid night with a new guild, GG Blizzard.

Transfers can take up to 5 days, which is part of the transfer approval. Yes it normally takes less time, but let me remind you that you agreed to the transfer knowing that it can take up to 5 days. I'm sorry you missed your raid but read the normal size print before you start throwing your GG's around please.

Q u o t e:
Still no blue post?

I thought they are paid to moderate these forums?

Generally speaking, Defixio, I don't normally pop into a thread every 5 minutes to tell you that I don't have an update. When I have one I will return and pass along the information.

Q u o t e:
I can add him as a friend on CC yet he can't log onto his character...

Which means the transfer process is still progressing. Have your friend check the link below to see if his approval is still pending or he is ready to finalize the transfer.

https://www.worldofwarcraft.com/account/character-transfer-status.html

Brunx, I am a Game Master which is very different from a Technician. So no, I'm not going to resolve the issues with the realms because that is not my job.

Q u o t e:
nice sarcasm, looks like you are a model employee...

I use it now and then to make my point. I think I made it with the first quote.

The reply to you contained no sarcasm, at least none that was intended. I was telling you why I hadn't replied in this thread for awhile.

If you have an issue with how I do my job, Defixio, you are welcome to write to [email protected].

Q u o t e:
yes that is true but anyone in their right minds would come to the conclusion that something is wrong. All we ask is for a explanation.

Sometimes that isn't available, Poonzilla, our technicians are looking into it that is all I know at the moment. If I receive an update I will let you know.

There was an earlier issue with the Paid character name change service so it is possible the issues are related.

Q u o t e:
Ok thanks blue. Thats all I ask was atlease to know they are looking at it.

/clap
/thank

I thought I said that earlier. O.o Hehe.

Q u o t e:

In all seriousness, good luck with the problem. Oh, and Vrakthris, I like your style.

Direct and slightly snarky?

<.<
>.>

Ok folks I have another update, it looks like the transfers were progressing slowly earlier but the current issue with the Nightfall battlegroup has caused the processes to stop.

All signs indicate that the system will return to normal as soon as the issue with Nightfall has been resolved, which we hope to be very soon.

Q u o t e:
Any chance to answer what gets approved?

Moving a character is a complex process. The approval process is the time necessary for the transfer to take place. Be it waiting in a queue for the system to process your request to actually moving your character to the new realm.

Remember that your character contains a great deal of information. Your Class/Race/Gender/Features are only a part of it. You also have reputation, quests, flight points, zones visited, exposed areas of your map, etc...

Q u o t e:
still not fixed huh? damn

Nightfall is slowing coming back online, we'll be able to tell if the issue is resolved after that. :)

Q u o t e:


I didn't really get a chance to read through everything, but from what i skimmed, Nightfall being down has something to do with the Delayed Character transfer?

From what our technicians could find when they were looking into the issue, yes.

Here's my post from earlier:

Q u o t e:
Ok folks I have another update, it looks like the transfers were progressing slowly earlier but the current issue with the Nightfall battlegroup has caused the processes to stop.

All signs indicate that the system will return to normal as soon as the issue with Nightfall has been resolved, which we hope to be very soon.

I don't have any more word on this at the moment guys, but it's not all that unusual when the transfer process has had a backlog for it to take a few hours to sort itself out.

We'll keep an eye on it and give you updates as we can.

Q u o t e:
one more question before i stop posting, the account atm i can log into the char screen, is it bad to play the toon? ( missing out on raid ). also if i cancel the transfer will it eat my money?

Did you finalize that transfer, Xilath? Normally they do request you not be on the character from the time the request is submitted - until it's done.

The character should be Locked while the transfer is still pending, so if you are able to log into the character it is likely that the request did not go through correctly. Please check the status page to see if the request went in.

You can log into the character selection screen while pending and you can play any other character not attempting transfer.

As far as charges, that's an excellent question, and one I'd be asking myself. Rest assured if any duplicate charges were ever created as a result of something of this nature, our Billing Department could handle them.

When you submit a transfer for approval you enter your credit card information. This charges you a $1 test fee (a fee that is returned to the card usually in 3-5 business days). If the transfer is canceled that fee will still return to the card in 3-5 business days.

No other fees have been charged if the transfer wasn't finalized.

If you can actually log into the character, right now, I'd say that was a yes.

If you are in pending status and cannot finalize, I'd back out and try again.

Remember - you have to finalize the transfer before it really starts the process.

I've still got an inquiry as to the best course of action out on this folks, not forgotten about you.

Q u o t e:
Thanks for keeping an eye on it for us Orlyia <3

I just cancelled my transfer and started the process again just in case whatever bug it is was caused by me starting the process while the other servers were down today.

No luck as yet though on it going through, but im sure it will happen eventually.

It hasn't reached the finalization stage for you on the second attempt Elenkala?

Q u o t e:
sounds like the issue still isnt even identified, thats very disappointing to hear.

Some servers were down earlier Brunx, it was certainly due to that before.

That queue can become backed up a bit when that happens. I'm waiting on word if that is the case right now, or if something else may be up.

Q u o t e:


So if that is the case and it is just backed up, there's no point in canceling the transfer and starting over again?

That's what I'm waiting on word on now Ahoq.

Transfers are processing at this point in time, though quite slowly. Our Technicans are attempting to discern how best to speed up the rate of completion as we speak.

Oxidation—

Q u o t e:
Transfers are processing at this point in time, though quite slowly. Our Technicans are attempting to discern how best to speed up the rate of completion as we speak.

I'm unsure whether or not canceling and resubmitting the request is the appropriate course of action at this point, though I'll try to find out on your behalf. :)

Alright, there's been no evidence yet to suggest that any transfer has failed, so restarting the process if your character is locked is not necessary at this point in time. There's just a very, very, very large queue at the moment.

Should this information change at all, I will be certain to let you all know. That said, simply resubmitting will not negatively affect anything save for placing you towards the back of the queue (which, admittedly, is quite long); it's your choice. :)

Once I have one to provide, sure. :)

Means of expediting the approval process is still on table. Unfortunately, I've no further information at this time as to when or if we can achieve this, but I'll be sure to keep you as updated as possible.

Thanks for sticking with us through this, guys. It's very much appreciated and I am greatly obliged. :)

Q u o t e:
What would cause the transfer approval process to be so slow?

There were compounding issues yesterday with both battlegroup Nightfall and the PCT and PCNC services. Prior to Nightfall's realms being brought back online, PCNCs and PCTs were simply backing up, though were not processing properly; moreover, we had to temporarily bring down the feature totally in order to ensure a full resolution for the aforementioned battlegroup. During this time, the queue was simply growing, and growing, and growing.

It's now simply taking time to process and complete all the currently-queued requests. More time than we'd like, however, which is why I noted efforts to hopefully speed up the processing rate. :)

It's all good, guys. Tensions are high, everyone's a bit on edge. Let's just be respectful and mindful of that. And, above all, not dis cheesy poofs. :)

All transfers, Bugglette. Nightfall is a-okay right now; its issue just impacted the normal flow of our PCNC and PCT services. :)

I'll check back again regarding restarting the process. Give me a few.

Don't phone into line just yet, gents and ladies. I'm trying to confirm this on my end to spare you the time. :)

Xenu, I am unable to provide an answer until one is reached. As soon as I am made aware, you all will be the first to know. The question of whether or not transfer requests need to be resubmitted is still on the table.

Whenever I respond back with the information, Mobius. :)

Yes, transfers have successfully processed. While easy to forget or overlook, this thread only represents a small population of players and not all affected.

Reiterating—

Q u o t e:
Xenu, I am unable to provide an answer until one is reached. As soon as I am made aware, you all will be the first to know. The question of whether or not transfer requests need to be resubmitted is still on the table.

In short: The question has been posed twice nice now; no answer or consensus has yet been reached.

Secondary issue verified and restarted. The queue should be stabilizing shortly.

Q u o t e:
Still no Blue post after all this time?

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=13#242
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=13#251
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=14#263
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=15#295
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=16#311
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=18#356
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7903768496&sid=1&pageNo=20#386


Those are simply from this morning till now, Berad. May I ask what you're looking for, specifically? :)

Please do not request an update, my friends. I'm monitoring this thread and its issue's progress closely and have provided (and will continue to provide) information as soon as it becomes available.

I just had several accounts looked into and, based upon those results, I'm going to advise that those of you pushing past 28, 29 hours cancel and retry.

Edit: Apologies for the delay on this information. The investigation simply took some time to complete.

I extended the thread cap. :)

Q u o t e:
I have no problem canceling and retrying but is it still going to take 24 more hours (I have been waiting 30 hours so far, if i have to wait another 30 i'm just going to wait until next week when it's only an hour and play on my old server for a bit)

It shouldn't. The ones that are lagging around 24+ hours have simply encountered an internal error and effectively become stuck. Processing the request anew should allow it to resync with the queue appropriately.

Q u o t e:
Would canceling and redoing the transfer help speed it up for ppl who've been in q over a day now? as in when nightfall crashed and cause the issue, or are we better off waiting it out? :D thanks

I believe so. Of those requests I had looked into, the ones that were pending before the complications yesterday were hitting the internal error (as I noted previously); those younger than 24 hours were fine.

Obviously this was just a sampling, but it's a safe bet to resubmit if you've been "in line" for more than 24 hours. :)

I know this situation is not ideal, folks. I intend to stick with you all as long as I can. At such a time I have to leave, I'll make sure you're in good hands.

My advice came directly from Billing, folks. Should your transfer have encountered an internal error you'd unfortunately be in worse position than waiting, as the transfer cannot process in this state. The overall result (that is, the average) was that transfers well over 24 hours were experiencing this internal issue; those younger than 24 hours appeared fine and were processing as normal.

My apologies if this was not made explicitly clear by myself. I'll continue to stay tuned to this thread to make sure that the queued requests are continually running as intended.



Edit:

Q u o t e:
I think we need a blue post from Syndri. Telling us how good we are being pateint. Sometimes I think the blue posters feel like baby sitters.

Yes, you've been very patient, and I thank you dearly for it. :)

The frustration expressed herein is not unexpected or unmerited. I've no issues with players voicing concern or dissatisfaction—at me, or at the situation as a whole. So long as it's kept civil, I feel it's a positive means of venting. :)

Ðeath - Your transfer is processing normally.
Killainstnct - Your transfer encountered an issue. You'll want to requeue at your earliest convenience.
Xenu - Same as Killainstnct. Please resubmit as soon as you are able.
Mobius - Ditto to the above.

I'm going to try to pull a few more cases and provide similar results. If I'm unable to address your specific case, please do not be insulted. I'm querying what I can in effort to ease this for you all.

The first time, Killa.

I'll try to check up on as many as I am able, guys. I fear I won't be able to grab everyone's. But I'll certainly try.

Argurious - Your previous attempt encountered an error. Your new attempt is processing appropriately.
Syara - Resubmit. Your transfer encountered an error.
Bobsaget - Your request is processing correctly.
Kuruc - Resubmit. Your transfer, too, encountered an error.
Brunx - You're good as-is.

Your first, Mobius. You're fine right now.

For reference for other players who have not received any specific information (and who may receive any), can those of you who I've given updates on provide the length of time you've been in queue or were in queue before you canceled and restarted?

I think it may help to have this information shared by peers. :)

Q u o t e:
Syndri - Can you please give us any idea about the time period or at least tell us you don't know? For those of us who have been waiting 30+ hours and have resubmitted - is the queue so big it's going to be hours from now or even tomorrow? I guess I'm asking should I waste my time refreshing these forums being hopefully optimistic or just go play on an alt or go outside?

I unfortunately do not have an ETA for you, mate. For that, I do sincerely apologize, as I know how stressful simply now knowing can be. I duly appreciate your patience and persistence, though. :)

Rzarazor - Processing as normal.
Luxetveritas - Processing as normal.
Scoja - Processing as normal.
Cokeproblem - The account on which you're posting doesn't have a PCT active.
Roguert - Your older request encountered an error. Your new request is presently processing as normal.
Nomack - Processing as normal.

I wish I could homogenize a guideline for all of you, so that it would be easier to determine whether or not you should remain in queue or resubmit. Unfortunately, there's nothing 100% conclusive right now, and is the reason why I'm trying to provide specific cases. I regrettably won't be able to hit up everyone requesting the data right now, but I hope to gather up enough to create a sort of average or medium.

If I cannot reach you, I sincerely apologize. I know this is stressful and I thank you for ongoing patience with both me and the issue at present.

I can assure you that whoever takes over my place in this thread will continue to follow the matter closely.