How to Install Third-Party SSL on DirectAdmin?

Installing a third-party SSL certificate on DirectAdmin involves several steps. Here s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Generate a CSR and Private Key

Log in to DirectAdmin:

• Open your web browser and navigate to your DirectAdmin login page.
• Enter your username and password to log in.

Navigate to SSL Certificates:

• Go to "User Level" if you're not already there.
• Click on "SSL Certificates" under the "Advanced Features" section.

Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR):

• Choose "Create A Certificate Request" or a similar option.
• Fill in the required details such as your domain name, company name, department, city, state, and country.
• Submit the form to generate the CSR and private key.
• Copy the CSR as you'll need to provide it to your SSL certificate provider.
• Save the private key securely as you'll need it later.

Step 2: Purchase and Obtain the SSL Certificate

• Purchase SSL Certificate:
• Buy the SSL certificate from your preferred third-party provider.
• During the purchase, you will need to provide the CSR generated in Step 1.

Receive SSL Certificate:

• Once the SSL certificate is issued, you will receive the certificate files from your provider, typically in PEM format. You may also receive an intermediate certificate or CA bundle.

Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate

• Return to SSL Certificates in DirectAdmin:
• Go back to the "SSL Certificates" section in DirectAdmin.

Upload the Certificate:

• Choose "Paste a pre-generated certificate and key" or a similar option.
• Copy and paste your SSL certificate (including the -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE----- and -----END CERTIFICATE----- lines) into the provided text box.
• Copy and paste your private key (from Step 1) into the appropriate text box.

Install Intermediate/CA Certificates:

• If you received an intermediate certificate or CA bundle, find the section to paste these certificates. This might be labeled as "CA Root Certificate" or "Certificate Authority Bundle."
• Copy and paste the intermediate certificates into the appropriate text box.
• Save the Changes:
• Click "Save" or "Upload" to apply the SSL certificate to your domain.

Step 4: Configure SSL Settings

• Enable SSL for Your Domain:
• Go to "Domain Setup" in DirectAdmin.
• Select the domain for which you installed the SSL certificate.
• Check the box for "Secure SSL" to enable SSL for the domain.

Verify the Installation:

• Visit your website using https:// to ensure that the SSL certificate is correctly installed and active.
• You can use online tools like SSL Labs SSL Test (https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/) to verify the SSL installation and check for any potential issues.

Additional Notes:

• Backup: Always keep backups of your private key and certificates.
• Compatibility: Make sure your server and applications are compatible with the installed SSL certificate.
• Support: If you encounter any issues, contact your hosting provider or the SSL certificate provider for further assistance.

Following these steps will help you install a third-party SSL certificate on DirectAdmin effectively.