Changing Hostname for a Server

[LEE]

I was wondering if somebody could let me know if it is recommended to change the hostname from the WHM or this needs to be done from SSH? Is there any difference?

I am not looking to make any changes now, just a query.

[James]

Hi Lee,

The server host name can be changed from both WHM and through SSH. But WHM often gives error while changing the host name. If you try to change the host name through WHM, you may get errors like failed to change the host name, host name reverted to original host name after reboot, or invalid cPanel license file error. It's always good to update the host name from SSH.

Follow the below steps to change the host name.

1. Login to server via SSH as root.

2. Run the following command to change host name:

hostname servername.yourdomain.com

3. Run the following command to update the cPanel license information on the new host name to avoid invalid cPanel license error:

/usr/local/cpanel/cpkeyclt

[jantanik]

Originally Posted by James

Hi Lee,

The server host name can be changed from both WHM and through SSH. But WHM often gives error while changing the host name. If you try to change the host name through WHM, you may get errors like failed to change the host name, host name reverted to original host name after reboot, or invalid cPanel license file error. It's always good to update the host name from SSH.

Follow the below steps to change the host name.

1. Login to server via SSH as root.

2. Run the following command to change host name:



3. Run the following command to update the cPanel license information on the new host name to avoid invalid cPanel license error:

Thanks for your reply, i was really looking for this kind of stuff! Its very useful to me.

[soravsingh]

James has posted a nice info. I am impressed and agree with him. You just look at it. And thanks James for sharing such a useful information.

[LEE]

thank you for the detailed explanation.

I will use server.mydomain.com. Do I understand correctly that the domain name has to be registered ?

[Rachael]

Hello

Yes you will have to register the domain and the sub domains linked to it.

[BOWMAN]

Originally Posted by LEE

thank you for the detailed explanation.

I will use server.mydomain.com. Do I understand correctly that the domain name has to be registered ?

You need to get the domain registered before adding it as a hostname. The sub-domain (server) will have an A entry on your server.

[HALL]

The domain that you plan to use as the hostname has to be registered.

If you use mybox.somedomain.com, then here somedomain.com has to be registered. I remember adding it from the WHM from the Add hostname option, it automatically created the DNS entries. But I still had issues with it and later found that if you have a Virtual server you would also need to set it from the main vps node.

[Nile Hadwards]

I think it's better if you contact to your web hosting provider. They will give you proper guidance about this.

[Pongers]

Originally Posted by Nile Hadwards

I think it's better if you contact to your web hosting provider. They will give you proper guidance about this.

Right, in case if you are not using manage hosting services then you can follow the steps explained by James.

[rinnie]

Originally Posted by Pongers

Right, in case if you are not using manage hosting services then you can follow the steps explained by James.

James' step by step tutorial was good. The problem with contacting some webhosting providers is that their support is not responding

[jamewhite86]

When you move your website to a new host, you need to tell the DNS system that your domain name is now accessible on a different IP address.thanks for share.