Getting Started with cPanel

• What is cPanel and how do I get started?

  cPanel is a popular web-based control panel that allows you to manage your hosting account easily. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing everything from website files and databases to email accounts and DNS settings. With cPanel, you can efficiently handle various tasks related to your hosting account without needing advanced technical knowledge. Some of the most commonly used features in cPanel include: File Manager: Manage, upload, or delete files for your website withoutSome readers

• How do I login to cPanel?

  cPanel is where you configure the various features of your web hosting. Your cPanel login details are included in your welcome email. You can access cPanel either via a single-click button in your Elitehost Client Area or directly using your username and password. Below are the steps for both methods: Method 1: Log into cPanel via Elitehost Client Area This is the easiest method as it doesn’t require entering your username and password. Go to the Elitehost Client Area (https://my.eliPopular

• Where should I upload my website files?

  Your website’s files should be placed in the publichtml folder For example, if your domain is mywebsite.com, a file located in publichtml/mypicture.jpg would be accessible online at http://mywebsite.com/mypicture.jpg. The www directory acts as a shortcut to the publichtml/ directory, so you can use it interchangeably for convenience.Few readers

• How do I reset my cPanel password?

  If you've forgotten your cPanel password or need to change it for security reasons, you can easily reset it through our Client Area. Follow these steps to recover or reset your cPanel account password: Steps to Reset Your cPanel Password: Log in to the Client Area: Visit my.elitehost.co.za and enter your credentials. Navigate to Services: Once logged in, click on Services in the main menu. Select My Services: ClickFew readers

• What are my FTP details?

  Your FTP details are needed for connecting to your hosting account and transferring files. Here's how to find them: Server Address: This is usually your domain name (e.g., exampledomain.co.za) or your server's IP address. Username: This is your cPanel username, which is included in your hosting account welcome email. Password: This is the password you use for your cPanel account. If you have created separate FTP accounts, use the password associated with that specific FTP acFew readers

• How do I use the File Manager in cPanel?​

  The cPanel File Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage your website files efficiently. This article will guide you through its basic functionalities, including viewing hidden files and setting file and directory permissions. Accessing the File Manager You can find the File Manager at cPanel Files File Manager. This tool is ideal for quick tasks such as uploading a single file or .zip archive (which you can then extract, e.g., for a WordPress plugin). For larger tasFew readers

Site Builders & Software

• How do I install applications using Softaculous in cPanel?

  Softaculous is a powerful auto-installer that enables you to quickly install a variety of applications on your cPanel account with just a few clicks. This guide will walk you through the steps to automatically install applications using Softaculous. Steps to Install Applications Using Softaculous: Log into cPanel: Access your cPanel account using your credentials. (Refer to our article: How do I log into cPanel?) Navigate toFew readers

• How do I create a website using SitePad in cPanel?

  SitePad is a powerful website builder that allows you to create a professional website with ease using a drag-and-drop editor. Follow the steps below to access and create your website using SitePad. How Do I Access SitePad in cPanel? To start building your website with SitePad, follow these steps: Log into cPanel: Access cPanel using your credentials. (Refer to our article: How do I log into cPanel?) Navigate to SitePad:Some readers

• How do I create a website using Site.pro in cPanel?

  Site.pro is a user-friendly website builder that enables you to create a professional website without any coding skills. Follow the steps below to start building your website using Site.pro in cPanel. Steps to Access Site.pro in cPanel: Log into cPanel: Use your cPanel credentials to log in. Locate the Site.pro Website Builder: Scroll down to the Software section. Click on Site Builder to launch Site.pro. Steps to Create a Website Using Site.pro:Few readers

Domain Management

• How do I add a redirect in cPanel?

  Log into cPanel. In the Domains section, click on Redirects. Under Type, choose the type of redirect: Permanent (301): This tells search engines and browsers that the redirect is permanent. Temporary (302): This tells search engines and browsers that the redirect is temporary. In the http://(www.)? field, select the domain you want to redirect. Enter the path you want to redirect (or leave it blank to redirect the whole domain). In the Redirects to field, enter thFew readers

• How do I add a new website as an Addon domain in cPanel?

  If you'd like to add a new domain to run a new website, you can do this within the "Domains" option in cPanel. Addon domains count toward your number of unique websites and can have their own unique email accounts. To add a new website as an Addon domain in cPanel, follow these steps: Log into your cPanel account. In the Domains section, click on Domains. Click Create a New Domain. Enter the domain name in the Domain field. Untick the Share documSome readers

• How do I add/modify my domain's DNS records?

  To add or modify DNS records for your domain, follow these steps: Log in to your cPanel account. Navigate to the "Domains" section and click on "Zone Editor." Find your domain and click on "Manage." To add a DNS record: Select the type of record you want to add (e.g., A, CNAME, MX, TXT). Enter the required information in the provided fields. Click "Add Record" to apply your changes. To modify an existing DNS record: Locate the rSome readers

• How do I add a parked (alias) domain in cPanel?​

  If you’d like to add a new domain to show the same content as an existing website/domain, you can do this within the "Domains" option in cPanel. To add a new domain as a Parked (Alias) domain in cPanel, follow these steps: Log into your cPanel account. In the Domains section, click on Domains. Click Create a New Domain. Enter the domain name in the Domain field. Tick the Share document root option to allow this domain to point to the same websiFew readers

• How do I add a new Subdomain in cPanel?

  If you’d like to add a new subdomain to your existing domain, you can easily do so within the "Domains" section of cPanel. Subdomains allow you to manage different sections of your website independently and can feature unique content. For example, you might create a subdomain like blog.exampledomain.co.za to host a separate blog instead of using exampledomain.co.za/blog To add a new subdomain in cPanel, follow these steps: Log into your cPanel account. In the DomainsFew readers

Security & SSL

• What does "AutoSSL reduced SSL coverage" mean?

  AutoSSL is a feature in cPanel that automatically secures your website with SSL certificates, ensuring encrypted connections for visitors. Occasionally, you may receive a notification indicating “reduced SSL coverage.” This message can be confusing due to the technical language it contains. What does "reduced SSL coverage" mean? This notification indicates that AutoSSL was unable to renew the SSL certificate for one or more of your domains or subdomains. This typically occurs when a domaiSome readers

• How do I get a free SSL certificate for my website?

  At Elitehost, we provide free SSL certificates through AutoSSL, which are issued by Let's Encrypt. You can easily issue these certificates directly from your cPanel. Step-by-Step Guide to Enable AutoSSL Access cPanel: For help, see our article How do I log into cPanel? Navigate to SSL/TLS Status: Once inside cPanel, scroll down to the Security section. Click on SSL/TLS StatusPopular

• How can I redirect my website to HTTPS/SSL?

  cPanel provides a feature to force your website to use HTTPS. Using this feature is preferred over manually adding redirects using the "Redirects" feature or manually adding rules to the .htaccess file. Steps to Force HTTPS Redirect in cPanel: Log in to cPanel. Access your cPanel account using your credentials. Refer to this article: How do I log into cPanel? Navigate to the Domains Section. Look for the DomainFew readers

• How do I install my paid SSL certificate using AutoInstall in cPanel?

  If you've purchased an SSL certificate from Elitehost, you can easily install it using the AutoInstall feature in cPanel. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your SSL certificate up and running on your website. If you haven't purchased an SSL certificate yet, you can do so here. Steps to Install Your Paid SSL Certificate Check Your Email for Enrollment Steps: After purchasing your SSL certificate, you wFew readers

• How do I secure my website?

  Securing your website is essential to protect your data, users, and business from cyber threats. Elitehost offers several built-in features, such as free SSL certificates and Imunify360 security, to help keep your website secure. Follow the additional steps below to further enhance your website’s security. 1. Keep Your Software Up to Date Ensure that your website’s CMS (such as WordPress), plugins, and themes are updated regularly. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated softwaFew readers

• What is Imunify360 & How Does It Work?

  Imunify360 is security software used on all shared hosting servers at Elitehost. Developed by CloudLinux, it employs a herd immunity approach and a six-layer strategy to protect against various attacks, including DDoS, malware, and brute-force attempts, which are common for WordPress sites. WordPress is a frequent target for hackers, and our servers encounter thousands of attacks daily. Imunify360 helps shield users from these threats through the following layers: Real-time malware scanningFew readers

• How do I install a custom SSL certificate in cPanel?

  If you have purchased an SSL certificate from a provider other than Elitehost, you can easily install it using cPanel. This guide will walk you through the process of installing your custom SSL certificate. You may need to generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) before requesting your certificate, so refer to the CSR generation steps below if needed. Steps to Install a Custom SSL Certificate Log into cPanel: Access cPanel using your credentials. (Refer to our article: HowFew readers

• How do I configure Two-Factor Authentication in cPanel?

  Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your cPanel account by requiring not only your password but also a second form of verification. This helps protect your account from unauthorised access. Follow the steps below to enable 2FA in cPanel. Steps to Enable Two-Factor Authentication Access cPanel: Log into your cPanel account using your credentials. (Refer to our article: How do I log into cPanel?)Few readers

Database Management

• How can I create a MySQL database?

  MySQL databases play a crucial role in powering web applications, such as content management systems like WordPress and ecommerce platforms. Follow these steps to create and manage MySQL databases in cPanel: Steps to Create a MySQL Database Log in to cPanel. Scroll down to the "Databases" section and click on "MySQL Databases". Under "Create New Database", enter the desired database name. Click "Create Database". Steps to Create a MySQL User FFew readers

• How can I import or export a MySQL database?

  You can IMPORT a MySQL database using the phpMyAdmin tool in cPanel by following these steps: Steps to Import a MySQL Database: Log in to cPanel Scroll down to the "Databases" section, then click phpMyAdmin. Select the Database On the left sidebar, click the name of the database where you want to import data. Click 'Import' In the right window, navigate to the 'Import' tab at the top of the screen. Click 'Choose File' AFew readers

Backup and Restore

• What backups do you offer?

  At Elitehost, we understand that data security is paramount for our clients. To ensure your information is safe and easily recoverable, we provide comprehensive backup solutions using Acronis. Backup Availability We offer Acronis backups on all unlimited, business, and reseller hosting plans. For VPS clients, Acronis can be enabled at an additional cost for the license and storage, providing flexible options tailored to your needs. Daily Backups Our backup system inclFew readers

• How do I restore my website using Acronis?

  How do I restore my website files with Acronis? To restore the account to a specific date, please follow these steps:Some readers

• How do I restore email/mailbox using Acronis?

  To restore mailboxes via Acronis, follow these steps:Few readers

• How do I generate a full cPanel backup?

  To perform a full backup of your account, follow these steps:Some readers

PHP & Advanced Settings

• How do I set the PHP version, extensions and options in cPanel?

  To change the current PHP version used by your website:Few readers

• How do I disable LiteSpeed connection timeouts?

  LiteSpeed web server is utilised on our hosting accounts for its improved security, performance, and stability. However, certain PHP scripts may need to run for extended periods without interruption. Examples include WordPress modules such as BackupBuddy, ImportBuddy, or any other module that relies on a WordPress built-in cron job. Additionally, whenever a PHP application rebuilds MySQL indexes, the process may take a long time to complete. Disabling LiteSpeed connection timeouts can be essentiFew readers

• How do I increase the max upload limit in cPanel?

  To increase the max upload size, both the uploadmaxfilesize and postmaxsize values need to be updated. Follow these steps:Few readers

• How do I set up Cron Jobs in cPanel?

  Cron jobs allow you to automate tasks on your server by scheduling scripts or commands to run at specific times or intervals. This is especially useful for tasks like regular backups, clearing caches, or sending scheduled emails. Follow the steps below to set up a cron job in cPanel. Steps to Set Up a Cron Job in cPanel Log into cPanel: Access cPanel using your credentials. (Refer to our article: How do I log into cPanel?)Few readers

• How do I set up SSH keys for cPanel?

  To securely access your cPanel account, using SSH keys is a highly recommended alternative to using your cPanel password. SSH keys offer a more robust layer of security compared to password-based authentication, which is particularly valuable in shared hosting environments. How do I get SSH access? SSH access is not enabled by default on cPanel hosting. However, if you have a Business or Reseller package, you can request SSH access to be activated for your account by submitting a supFew readers

• How do I connect via SSH?

  Accessing your cPanel account via SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to securely perform command-line tasks. This guide covers connecting to SSH through the cPanel Terminal, PuTTY (Windows), and Terminal (macOS/Linux). Prerequisites Enable SSH Access: SSH is not enabled by default on shared cPanel hosting. If you have a Business or Reseller package, request SSH acceFew readers

Troubleshooting & Performance

• My website is displaying a 503 error. How do I fix it?

  A 503 Service Unavailable error typically means that your website’s resources are temporarily maxed out, preventing the server from processing requests. This error usually results from high usage of your cPanel account resources. Step 1: Check Resource Usage in cPanel Log in to cPanel. Look at the Statistics section in the sidebar. Check if your CPU, Physical Memory, or I/O usage limits are maxed out. If you notice any of these resources maxed out, it could cause a 503 error.Some readers

• My website is displaying a 500 error. How do I fix it?

  A PHP 500 error, also known as an "Internal Server Error," can occur when your website encounters issues with its code or server configuration. These errors can be intermittent or persistent, and understanding their cause is key to resolving them. Understanding PHP 500 Errors A PHP 500 error is a generic server-side error that doesn't provide specific details, which can make it difficult to diagnose. These errors are usually related to issues in the PHP code or settings. IntermittentFew readers

• My website is displaying a 403 error. How do I fix it?

  A 403 Forbidden error occurs when your web server understands the request but refuses to authorise it. This error can arise from various issues, including incorrect file permissions and security blocks. Common Causes of a 403 Errors: Incorrect File Permissions: To ensure that users can access your website, the correct file permissions must be set. Typically, this is handled automatically during file uploads. However, if you've been manually adjusting permissions, it's possibFew readers

• How do I run a Traceroute?

  If you're experiencing network issues, our support team may ask you to run a traceroute. A traceroute helps identify the path your network traffic takes and where any delays or failures are happening. Below are steps to run a traceroute on both Windows and macOS. Steps to run a traceroute on Windows Open the Command Prompt: Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Run the TraceroFew readers

Node.js/Python Applications

• How do I deploy a Node.js App in cPanel?

  Node.js is a popular JavaScript runtime that enables developers to build fast, scalable web applications. If you’re familiar with Node.js development, you might be wondering how to host your application on a shared server. In this guide, we’ll walk you through deploying a Node.js app on cPanel. Step 1: Create a Node.js Application Navigate to cPanel: In cPanel, locate and click on Setup Node.js App under the Software section. Click "Create Application": Select this opFew readers

• How do I deploy a Python App in cPanel?

  Python is a powerful programming language commonly used for web development, scientific computing, data analysis, and more. cPanel makes it easy to deploy Python applications through the Setup Python App feature, allowing you to host your Python applications without needing SSH access. Follow this guide to deploy your Python app in cPanel. Step 1: Create a Python Application Navigate to cPanel: Locate and click on Setup Python App in the Software section of cPanel.Few readers

• How can I deploy a Django application on cPanel without SSH/Terminal access?

  Django is a high-level Python web framework designed to help developers build robust, scalable web applications quickly and efficiently. It offers a clean, pragmatic design, and comes with powerful features like an integrated admin interface, automatic database management, and built-in security measures against common web vulnerabilities. Many well-known websites and companies use Django for their platforms, including Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest, Mozilla, and YouTube, showcasing Django’s abilFew readers