Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a cPanel Account with WHM

What Is WHM ?

WHM, or Web Host Manager, is a powerful web-based interface used for managing and administering web hosting servers. It’s commonly utilized by web hosting providers and system administrators to handle multiple cPanel accounts, configure server settings, and manage server resources. WHM allows users to:

Automate Tasks: Schedule and automate various server management tasks.

Create and Manage cPanel Accounts: Set up and control individual hosting accounts.

Configure Server Settings: Adjust server configurations, security settings, and software installations.

Monitor Server Performance: Check resource usage and server health.

Manage Domains and Email Accounts: Set up and manage domains, email addresses, and DNS settings.

Difference between cPanel and WHM

cPanel and WHM are both control panels used in web hosting environments, but they serve different purposes and are used by different types of users. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

cPanel:

• Target Audience: Primarily designed for end-users or site owners.
• Functionality: Provides a user-friendly interface for managing individual hosting accounts. Users can handle tasks related to their own websites and email accounts.
• Features:
  • Manage website files (upload, edit, and organize).
  • Create and manage email accounts and forwarders.
  • Install and manage software (e.g., CMSs like WordPress).
  • Handle domain management (e.g., subdomains, redirects).
  • View website statistics and analytics.
  • Backup and restore data.

WHM (Web Host Manager):

• Target Audience: Intended for server administrators and web hosting providers.
• Functionality: Provides a broader set of tools for managing the entire server and multiple cPanel accounts. It allows for administrative tasks and server configuration.
• Features:
  • Create, modify, and delete cPanel accounts.
  • Manage server-wide settings and configurations (e.g., security, software installations).
  • Monitor server performance and resource usage.
  • Set up and manage reseller accounts.
  • Configure DNS and manage email services at the server level.
  • Automate and schedule tasks for server maintenance.

cPanel is designed for managing separate hosting accounts on the server. End users/clients are able to:

• install CMS using Softaculous
• upload and manage files for their websites
• add/remove addon domains and subdomains
• create email accounts and manage email settings and SPAM protection
• edit DNS records for their domains
• check website statistics
• manage databases and backups, etc.

Create a new hosting package

Before you can create a new WHM account, you must first create a new hosting package to be associated with the account. New accounts are not permitted in WHM without an associated package.

First, log in to the WHM dashboard with your administrator user name and password. The URL uses your VPS or reseller server IP address with port 2087. It should look something like this: https://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:2087.

In the WHM dashboard, enter the word “package” in the search bar to locate the Packages tools. Click

Add a Package.

In the Add a Package page, provide a Package Name and set any account limitations and cPanel features desired before clicking Add.

You’ll see a Success message at the bottom right corner of the browser window.

Create a new account

With the hosting package created, you can proceed to account creation. In the WHM search box, enter “create” and click Create a New Account, which will appear under Account Functions.

On the Create a New Account page, complete the required account details, including Domain Information, Package selection and Settings. The form verifies your entries as you type – look for a green checkmark next to each box as you proceed through the form. If a red X appears, check your entry.

In DNS Settings, we recommend that you enable both DKIM and SPF features on new accounts to increase the reputation and reliability of emails sent from them.

Be sure to also check the Use the nameservers specified at the Domain’s Registrar option. If unchecked, the account’s DNS Zone will be created with default nameserver values specified in WHM > Basic cPanel & WHM Setup. Depending on your configuration, this may be acceptable, however, checking the box will ensure the DNS Zone is created with the selected domain’s nameserver values. Make sure you have correctly pointed your domain to the nameservers before proceeding.

Under Mail Routing settings, the default option is to send email through the same server on which the account is hosted. Local Mail Exchanger should be checked. If you wish to route email via an alternative server, use the Backup Mail Exchanger or Remote Mail Exchanger options.

When you’ve completed the account details, click Create to proceed with setup. You’ll see a number of status updates appear on screen as the account is set up, then a message confirming Account Creation Complete. If you receive any errors during setup, re-check the account details.

Verify the new account

After the account has been created, you can verify it by entering “list” in the WHM search box and selecting List Accounts, under Account Information.

Your accounts will be listed. Use the [+] button to make changes to an account, or click the cPanel icon to access cPanel using the account.

For more: cpanelresellerwebhosting.in