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Adding a New Website

This runbook outlines the steps to successfully onboard a new website (web domain) into our VPSDime HestiaCP server.

Prerequisites

Before adding the domain inside HestiaCP, ensure you have access to the domain’s DNS manager (e.g., RegisterDomain or cPanel Zone Editor if using custom nameservers).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Point DNS Records to HestiaCP
First, you need to point the domain to the HestiaCP server before configuring it in the dashboard. Add A records for both your root domain (@) and your www subdomain to point to the server IP:

  • IP Address: 63.142.255.253

Tip

Wait a few moments for the DNS changes to propagate before attempting to issue SSL certificates later on.

2. Log in to HestiaCP
Access the MyHeat HestiaCP admin portal by visiting:
https://hostmaster.myheat.co.za/

3. Navigate to the Web Section
From the top navigation bar, click on Web to view all currently active web domains on the server.

4. Add a New Web Domain
Click on the Add Web Domain button (usually represented with a + icon).

5. Bypass the User Warning
You will be prompted with the following warning:

“It is strongly advised to create a standard user account before adding a web domain to the server due to the increased privileges the admin account possesses and potential security risks.”

For our standard operating procedures, you can safely ignore this prompt. Click Continue.

6. Save the Domain
Enter the new domain name into the form field provided and click Save. HestiaCP will configure the initial basic virtual hosts for the domain.

7. Provision SSL Certificates (Let’s Encrypt)
Adding the domain is only the first part; you must explicitly enable security:

  1. In the Web domains list, click on the domain you just created to edit it.
  2. Make sure the following options are checked to ensure proper encryption policies are followed:
    • Enable SSL for this domain
    • Use Let’s Encrypt to obtain SSL certificate
    • Enable automatic HTTPS redirection
    • Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)
  3. Click Save again. HestiaCP will now reach out to Let’s Encrypt and provision the SSL certificates for your website.