DirectAdmin allows you to manage many parts of your hosting account from one control panel.
You can use DirectAdmin to manage your website files, email accounts, databases, domains, DNS records, backups, SSL certificates, and other hosting features.
This guide explains the main areas you may use in DirectAdmin.
Website Files
DirectAdmin includes File Manager, which allows you to manage website files from your browser.
You can use it to:
- Upload files
- Download files
- Rename files
- Move files
- Copy files
- Delete files
- Edit text-based files
- Change file permissions
Most website files are usually stored inside the public_html folder for your domain.
Email Accounts
DirectAdmin allows you to manage email accounts for your domain.
You can use it to:
- Create email accounts
- Change email passwords
- Set up email forwarders
- Create autoresponders
- Access webmail
- Manage spam-related settings
- Whitelist or blacklist email addresses
Example email addresses may include:
Domains and Subdomains
DirectAdmin allows you to manage domains and subdomains, depending on your hosting package.
You may be able to:
- Add an additional domain
- Create a subdomain
- Manage domain settings
- Redirect a domain or website
- Check domain-related settings
Example subdomains include:
shop.yourdomain.co.za
blog.yourdomain.co.za
portal.yourdomain.co.za
DNS Records
DNS records control where your domain points.
In DirectAdmin, you may be able to manage records such as:
- A records
- CNAME records
- MX records
- TXT records
- SPF records
- DKIM records
- DMARC records
Be careful when changing DNS records, as incorrect DNS settings can affect your website and email.
Databases
Many websites, including WordPress websites, use MySQL databases.
DirectAdmin allows you to manage databases using MySQL Management and phpMyAdmin.
You can use these tools to:
- Create a database
- View database users
- Access phpMyAdmin
- Import a database
- Export a database
- Check which database belongs to a website
SSL Certificates
DirectAdmin allows you to manage SSL certificates for your websites.
SSL allows your website to load securely using HTTPS.
You may use DirectAdmin to:
- Enable a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate
- Check SSL status
- Renew or reissue SSL
- Force HTTPS redirects
Backups
HostworX creates daily backups automatically and keeps them for 14 days.
DirectAdmin may include JetBackup, which allows you to restore or download backups.
You may be able to restore:
- Website files
- Databases
- Email accounts
- DNS zones
- Full account backups
Always restore carefully, as restoring backups may overwrite current data.
FTP Accounts
DirectAdmin allows you to create and manage FTP accounts.
FTP accounts are used to connect to your hosting files using software such as FileZilla or WinSCP.
You may create an FTP account for yourself or a trusted developer.
Only share FTP access with trusted users.
PHP Version
Some websites require a specific PHP version.
DirectAdmin may allow you to change or check the PHP version used by your domain.
This is useful for:
- WordPress compatibility
- Plugin requirements
- Website troubleshooting
- Developer requirements
- Fixing some PHP errors
Changing PHP version can affect your website, so always test after making changes.
Error Logs
DirectAdmin can show website error logs.
Error logs can help troubleshoot issues such as:
- 500 Internal Server Errors
- Blank pages
- PHP errors
- Permission errors
- Plugin or theme problems
- Missing files
Error logs are useful when working with HostworX Support or your website developer.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Use the DirectAdmin Navigation Menu
After logging in, use the DirectAdmin navigation menu to open the area you need.
For example:
Click: Account Manager
Then click: E-mail Accounts
or
Click: System Info & Files
Then click: File Manager
The available menu items may differ depending on your hosting package and server setup.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- DirectAdmin controls important hosting settings.
- DNS changes can affect website and email services.
- Deleting files, databases, or email accounts may cause data loss.
- Restoring backups may overwrite current data.
- Only share login details with trusted users.
- Contact HostworX Support if you are unsure before making changes.
Conclusion
DirectAdmin allows you to manage the main parts of your hosting account, including website files, email, domains, DNS, databases, SSL, backups, FTP, PHP, and error logs.
It is an important tool for managing your HostworX hosting service.
Use it carefully, especially when working with DNS, files, databases, and backups.
