User account creation in WHM is one of the most fundamental tasks, enabling them to offer hosting services to clients.
WHM (Web Host Manager) is a powerful tool used by resellers and hosting administrators to manage multiple cPanel accounts.
Table of Contents
This guide explains, in detail, how to create a user account in Reseller WHM, the settings involved, and best practices.
1. What is a User Account in WHM?
A user account in WHM corresponds to a cPanel account, which is provided to the end user. This account allows users to manage their websites, databases, emails, and other hosting-related tasks independently. As a reseller, you can create, configure, and allocate resources for these accounts based on hosting packages.
2. Key Features of a User Account in WHM
- Website Management: Users can manage domains, files, and applications.
- Email Hosting: Create and manage email accounts for the domain.
- Database Administration: Set up and manage MySQL databases.
- Resource Allocation: Control disk space, bandwidth, and other hosting resources.
3. Preparing to Create a User Account
Before creating a user account, ensure the following:
a. Define Hosting Packages
Hosting packages define resource limits and features for user accounts. To create a package:
- Log into WHM.
- Navigate to Packages > Add a Package.
- Specify the package details:
- Disk Space: Allocate storage space (in MB).
- Bandwidth: Set monthly data transfer limits (in MB).
- Email Accounts: Limit the number of email accounts.
- Databases: Restrict the number of MySQL databases.
- Other options: Subdomains, FTP accounts, and more.
- Save the package.
Packages simplify account creation by predefining resource limits.
b. Understand Domain and DNS Requirements
- Ensure the user has a domain name registered.
- Confirm DNS settings point to your hosting server’s nameservers.
4. Steps to Create a User Account in Reseller WHM
Step 1: Log into WHM
- Access WHM using your reseller credentials.
- The WHM dashboard will display a range of account management options.
Step 2: Navigate to Create a New Account
- In the WHM sidebar, go to Account Functions > Create a New Account.
- The “Create a New Account” interface will appear, where you will configure the user account.
Step 3: Configure Account Details
a. Domain Information
- Domain: Enter the user’s primary domain name (e.g.,
example.com
). - Username: Assign a unique username for the account.
- Password: Set a strong password for secure access.
- Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
- Email: Enter the user’s email address for account-related notifications.
b. Select a Hosting Package
- Choose a Predefined Package:
- From the dropdown menu, select an existing package that matches the user’s needs.
- Customize Settings (Optional):
- If you want to override package settings, manually adjust resource allocations like disk space, bandwidth, and feature limits.
c. DNS Settings
- Use Default Nameservers: Ensures the domain points to the server’s default DNS.
- Custom DNS Settings:
- If the user manages DNS externally, leave DNS settings unchanged.
d. Mail Routing Settings
Choose how emails for the domain are handled:
- Automatically Detect Configuration: Recommended for most cases.
- Local Mail Exchanger: For handling email on the same server.
- Remote Mail Exchanger: If using third-party email services like Google Workspace.
Step 4: Review and Create
- Double-check all entered information.
- Click Create to set up the account.
WHM will display a success message and details of the newly created account.
5. Post-Creation Tasks
After creating the account, perform the following tasks to ensure everything works smoothly:
a. Provide Login Details
Share the following information with the user:
- cPanel URL:
http://yourserver.com:2083
orhttps://yourserver.com:2083
. - Username and Password: Credentials set during account creation.
- Nameservers: Provide the correct nameservers for DNS setup.
b. Verify the Account
- Log into the user’s cPanel account to ensure it works as expected.
- Check if the domain resolves correctly and DNS propagation has started.
c. Install Applications (Optional)
Using tools like Softaculous in cPanel, help the user install popular applications like WordPress, Joomla, or e-commerce platforms.
6. Managing User Accounts in WHM
Once an account is created, WHM offers various tools to manage and troubleshoot it:
a. Modify an Account
- Navigate to Account Functions > Modify an Account.
- Change domain name, username, or resource limits.
b. Suspend or Terminate Accounts
- Suspend accounts to restrict access temporarily.
- Terminate accounts to permanently delete them.
c. Monitor Usage
- Use Account Information > List Accounts to view account details and resource usage.
d. Password Management
- Reset the user’s password via Account Functions > Password Modification.
7. Best Practices for Creating User Accounts
a. Use Secure Passwords
Ensure strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
b. Provide Adequate Resources
Allocate sufficient resources based on the user’s needs, avoiding overloading the server.
c. Enable Backups
Configure automated backups in WHM to safeguard user data.
d. Educate Users
Provide documentation or training for cPanel to help users manage their accounts effectively.
e. Monitor Server Health
Keep an eye on server load and resource usage to maintain performance for all accounts.
8. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
a. Domain Not Resolving
- Cause: DNS propagation delay or incorrect nameserver settings.
- Solution: Verify DNS settings and wait 24-48 hours for propagation.
b. Login Issues
- Cause: Incorrect credentials or suspension.
- Solution: Reset the password or unsuspend the account in WHM.
c. Resource Overages
- Cause: User exceeding resource limits.
- Solution: Upgrade the hosting package or manually increase limits.
9. Conclusion
Creating user accounts in reseller WHM is a straightforward process that allows you to manage hosting services for clients effectively. By defining hosting packages, configuring account settings, and following best practices, you can ensure smooth operations and user satisfaction. Regular monitoring and proactive management further enhance the hosting experience, helping you grow your reseller business successfully.