The domain name can take a while but you should still have FTP access somewhere even if it's not your proper web address. Means there can be a site there by the time the web address becomes active. Ask them if there's an alternative FTP address for this purpose.

Failing that, you need to wait 24 hours from the time the DNS changes were made.

Depends on the ISP. Some will update instantly, others can take a week or longer (in my experience).

I can host you if you're all legal and everything. Got sooo much space (I completely over estimated).

Bought a domain and hosting from 123-reg about 2 weeks ago. The idiots have failed to set up my hosting and I can't connect via FTP to my hosting. I've rung up numerous times and they just fob me off. I can't wait any longer so I know it's possible to get hosting with another provider and have my domain pointing at that host.

Question is - how long will it take to get that sorted? Does it take 24 hours or any set period to update the domain to point at a new host or anything like that. Cheers, Phil.