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Knowledge Base

Getting Started with Direct Admin

Index Reference Table

  1. Domain & DNS Setup
  2. Website File Management
  3. SSL Installation & Caching
  4. PHP Version & Extensions
  5. Troubleshooting PHP Errors
  6. Common Issues
  7. Common Issues with Shared Hosting Webmail
    • 7.1. Nameservers
    • 7.2. Cloudflare MX Records
    • 7.3. Spamhaus Listings

1. Domain & DNS Setup

  • Set domain nameservers to: ns1.offsh.nl, ns2.offsh.nl.
  • If your domain is registered with us, replace the default DNS Management with the nameservers above.
  • Note: Changing to our Direct Admin nameservers will disable DNS Management for the domain feature.
  • Propagation can take from a few minutes to several hours, but usually completes within 15 minutes. Clear your browser cache or use a different device/IP to speed up propagation. Check the status at intodns.com.

2. Website File Management

  • Delete the default index.html from public_html in Direct Admin > File Manager.
  • Upload website files (e.g., index.php, images) to the public_html folder.
  • Use the Auto Installer in Direct Admin > Softaculous for over 300 scripts, including WordPress.

3. SSL Installation & Caching

  • Go to Direct Admin > SSL Status to install SSL on your domain (automatically done in a few hours by the system).
  • Temporarily disable proxy (e.g., Cloudflare) before installation.
  • Clear the NGINX or LiteSpeed cache and your browser cache to see website changes. If caching is not disabled while making changes, you may not see updates immediately, as outdated files could be cached longer.
  • Keep NGINX disabled while making changes, then re-enable it to improve website speed.

4. PHP Version & Extensions

  • Change PHP version in Direct Admin > PHP Settings.
  • Contact support to enable missing PHP extensions.
  • Use Softaculous to auto-install 300+ scripts like WordPress.

5. Troubleshooting PHP Errors

  • Try switching to a lower PHP version or check error logs for missing extensions.
  • PHP versions 8.1-8.2 usually have most extensions installed. For other versions, contact support to enable missing extensions.
  • Update scripts or disable plugins via PHPMyAdmin tables (e.g., WordPress), or downgrade PHP for compatibility.
  • Our support helps enable PHP extensions, but does not fix issues with user scripts and software.

6. Common Issues

  • Slow Nameserver Propagation: Can take time; clear browser cache as it may speed up process.
  • SSL Installation Failures: Ensure proxy services (e.g., Cloudflare) are disabled.
  • PHP Errors: May require specific PHP extensions; contact support for help.
  • File Upload Limits: Increase max upload size in Direct Admin > PHP Settings Ini Editor.

7. Common Issues with Shared Hosting Webmail

  • Our shared hosting webmail uses a third-party relay service due to offshore IP blacklisting by Spamhaus. This service allows email sending and receiving only through the webmail app or Direct Admin webmail. SMTP is blocked for WordPress, contact forms, and other applications.
  • For transactional emails (e.g., sign-ups, orders, password resets), use a third-party SMTP service like Mail.baby, which charges $0.20c per 1,000 emails. To set up:
    • Update two MX DNS records from Mail.baby mail in Direct Admin > DNS Zone Editor (if using our nameservers) or in your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare).
    • Receive SMTP login credentials and port details from Mail.baby to configure in your scripts (e.g., WordPress). Track email delivery.

7.1. Nameservers

  • Ensure you're using our nameservers, not Cloudflare, as Cloudflare may cause email issues due to proxy services and Spamhaus listings.

7.2. Cloudflare MX Records

  • If using Cloudflare, make sure your MX records are correctly set. Follow online guides for setting up Direct Admin MX records with Cloudflare; we do not provide support for this.

7.3. Spamhaus Listings

  • Check your domain on check.spamhaus.org for DBL listings. If listed, your domain may be blocked by providers like Gmail and Hotmail. Resolve the listing before using it for email.
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