How to Install Third-Party SSL on DirectAdmin?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to install a third-party SSL certificate on DirectAdmin:

Prerequisites:

• You have a DirectAdmin control panel.
• You have purchased an SSL certificate from a third-party provider.
• You have received the following files from your provider:
  • Certificate (CRT) file
  • Private Key (KEY) file
  • Certificate Authority (CA) Bundle file (optional)

Steps:

1. Log in to DirectAdmin:
   • Open your web browser and navigate to your DirectAdmin login page.
   • Enter your username and password to access the control panel.
2. Access SSL Settings:
   • Go to the “Account Manager” section.
   • Click on “SSL Certificates.”
3. Choose to Use a Third-Party SSL Certificate:
   • Select the option “Paste a pre-generated certificate and key.”
4. Add the Certificate and Private Key:
   • Copy and paste the entire content of the Certificate (CRT) file into the “Certificate” text box. This includes the header and footer lines like —–BEGIN CERTIFICATE—– and —–END CERTIFICATE—–.
   • Copy and paste the entire content of the Private Key (KEY) file into the “Key” text box. This also includes the header and footer lines like —–BEGIN PRIVATE KEY—– and —–END PRIVATE KEY—–.
5. Install the CA Bundle (Optional):
   • If you received a CA Bundle file from your provider, click on “CA Root Certificate” and paste the entire content of the CA Bundle file into the text box. This is usually required for older browsers or specific configurations.
6. Save Settings:
   • Click the “Save” button to complete the installation.

Important Notes:

• Private Key Security:
  • Always handle your private key with utmost care. Avoid sharing it with anyone.
  • If you lose your private key, you’ll need to generate a new CSR and obtain a new SSL certificate.
• Browser Compatibility:
  • In most cases, the CA Bundle is not necessary for modern browsers. However, if you encounter issues with older browsers or specific configurations, you may need to install the CA Bundle as described above.
• Domain Validation:
  • Ensure that your domain is properly configured to point to your server’s IP address.
  • If you’re using DNS records for your domain, make sure they are pointing to the correct IP address.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install your third-party SSL certificate on your DirectAdmin server. If you encounter any issues, refer to your SSL provider’s documentation or contact DirectAdmin support for further assistance.