I got a new managed dedicated server last week. I am trying to transfer hosts. My previous server was a windows unmanaged dedicated server. Although it was unmanaged, they helped set up the DNS and email. I'm new to linux/cpanel, and am having a difficult time setting things up so that I can start transferring my sites and testing them.

I have WHM/Cpanel and I can't get an account set up to start FTPing. When I ask for help from the support, I basically get very generic answers. You may think, "well, that's not their job". However, I did ask if they would help setting up the sites, ftp, email and ssl in my presale questions. They said they would. And overall, they've been very helpful. But, I don't think they understand just how unknowledgable I am about these things.

This is basically how our conversations go:

My Q: How do I setup FTP?
A: You can setup ftp accounts through your cpanel FTP Manager.

My Q: I don't see it?
A: You have to create an account, and log into cpanel for that account.

That's how much I know, I've been using WHM thinking that it IS cpanel. I assumed cpanel was a type of web host manager. Silly me for assuming such nonsense.

My Q: I can't setup an account, it says I need to setup a nameserver. I tried to do that, but can't get it working.
A: It seems that you have not set up name servers for your server. You have to configure the name servers for your server so as to make your domains resolved. You can use your own nameservers like ns1./ns2.yourdomain.com as name servers.

Ok. But HOW?

That's the extent of how far I've gotten in about 4 or 5 days. I'm not blaming this host company (it's not their fault I don't know what I'm doing) or insinuating that they are a bad host. But, I just can't seem to communicate with them. They assume I understand how cpanel/whm works. Like I just need to be reminded of what needs to be done. But, not only do I need to know WHAT needs to be done, I need to know HOW to do it.

We hired them because they are fully managed and we need them to make sure it's secure. But, I was hoping they'd be more helpful when it comes to setting up our sites. They don't specifically say they will anywhere on their site, but based on email conversation, I was under the impression they would help.

Maybe I should have been more explicit in my hand-holding needs.

Does anyone know where I can find GOOD full documentation/tutorials on WHM and/or Cpanel setup? Please don't say cpanel.net/doc - it's just not very detailed.


Specific Question:
1) Will I not be able to loggin to WHM if my host is logged into it already? Every now and then, I can't log in for some reason.

2) I've always read that it's highly recommended to not log in as the root user. How do I set up a 2nd user in WHM? Or do I have to be logged in as the root user to use all of WHMs features?


Thanks,
Anders

Brief Answers :

1) multiple instances of a single login to whm at a particular instance is possible.
2) If you wish to crate a parallel user for whm with root features, then you need to go to Reseller Center -> Edit Previlages -> Root Access -> and then check the All Features (warning: root access) checkbox.

I got an answer from the host, of possibly why it was sometimes not letting me log in. Apparantly they have found the RSA key is being changed automatically at regular intervals which may be causing the problem.

I would also like to second the need for a stupid newbie guide somewhere!

I figured out the nameservers, but I can't create an account for whatever reason. It keeps telling me that the domain is already set up... but don't I have to create an account anyway?

if I only have one domain, do I only need one account in the WHM?

I'm sorta stumped here, i'm used to shared hosting and this VPS is a little overwhelming to me.

...and you guys picked hosts with poor support because... ? Seriously, your hosts should be bailing you out a little better here. I'm not trying to beat on you, just illustrate where good support should pick up the pieces and obviously isn't.

dmaster, go to DNS Functions > Delete a DNS Zone and select the domain name from the list. Click the button to remove/delete it.

Now you should be able to create the account again.

:D Bailey