Domains & Services is the phase where a platform‑ready DirectAdmin server begins hosting
real workloads. This phase introduces domains, DNS, SSL certificates, email services, and
per‑domain configuration, all in a deliberate sequence designed to avoid common failures.
Every task in this phase assumes the server has already completed Platform Readiness.
Skipping earlier steps or changing the order here often leads to SSL delays, DNS confusion,
or email deliverability problems.
Primary Domain vs Additional Domains
The first domain added to a DirectAdmin server establishes baseline behavior for DNS,
SSL, email, and PHP configuration. Additional domains reuse much of this foundation,
but some steps apply only once.
- Primary domain tasks are performed once per server
- Additional domain tasks are repeatable
- Guides clearly note when a step applies only to the primary domain
What Is Covered in This Phase
Domains & Services focuses on bringing domains online safely and predictably,
starting with basic resolution and ending with fully authenticated email.
- Adding domains in DirectAdmin
- Per‑domain PHP configuration via DirectAdmin (LiteSpeed‑managed PHP)
- DNS records, nameservers, and TTL planning
- SSL certificate issuance using Let’s Encrypt
- Advanced SSL scenarios (wildcard and chained certificates)
- Email authentication and deliverability
DNS and Nameserver Configuration
DNS configuration is introduced early in this phase because it directly affects SSL
issuance and email validation. Nameserver changes at the registrar are typically
performed only for the primary domain.
Proper sequencing and verification here reduces propagation delays and prevents
certificate issuance failures later in the process.
- DNS checklist to Add the “wildcard A record”
- DNS checklist to Add the “apex A record”
- DNS checklist to Add the “server hostname A record”
- Delete DNS Zone from QUIC.cloud
- Disable CDN from QUIC.cloud.
- Nameservers: Registering
- Nameservers: Assigning
- Assign/Reassign Nameservers at Domain’s Registrar
- Actions After Changing Nameservers
SSL Certificate Sequencing
SSL certificates are issued using DirectAdmin’s integration with Let’s Encrypt.
While certificate issuance itself is automated, reliable activation depends on
correct DNS state, timing, and order of operations.
The guides in this phase emphasize:
- “SSL: Remove SSL Certificate or Domain from SSL” from old sources before configuring any new SSL certs.
- DirectAdmin USER SSL Configuration
- DirectAdmin ADMIN SSL Configuration
- DirectAdmin SSL Validation Checks for the Account Domain
- SSL: Resolving SSL Issues in DirectAdmin
Email Authentication & Deliverability
Email configuration focuses on authentication and deliverability rather than mailbox
features. This phase establishes the DNS records required for modern mail systems
to trust messages sent from the server.
- Creating admin Mailbox identity for a domain
- Enable DKIM for message signing
- SPF for sender authorization
- Confirm or Add DMARC for mail authentication
- These impact the server & DNS:
- Reverse DNS (rDNS) and mail port considerations
- For Mail test failures: Submit Support Request to Open Ports for Mail added to VPS.
- Running a Live Email Test checklist
These steps are sequenced intentionally, as later records depend on earlier ones
being present and validated.
Special Domain Management Areas
PHP Configuration
PHP configuration is applied per domain through DirectAdmin using LiteSpeed‑compatible
PHP handlers. Settings are managed centrally so they persist across OpenLiteSpeed
updates and service restarts.
This configuration applies equally to primary and additional domains, with values
adjusted based on workload requirements.
- Parts of this DirectAdmin checklist include some special PHP extension settings (once for server): Configure CustomBuild After OpenLiteSpeed – DirectAdmin
- PHP Settings for All New Domains
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing nameservers before the server is ready
- Issuing SSL certificates before DNS has propagated
- Skipping SPF or DKIM before publishing DMARC
- Applying generic PHP advice that ignores LiteSpeed behavior (includes OLS)
- Not applying PHP extension settings right after installing OpenLiteSpeed