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Follow these instructions to get your AreaWP platform up and running. If you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to contact our support team. Professional installation service is available for an additional fee.
Before You Begin: Ensure your server meets all system requirements including DirectAdmin, PHP 8.3, ionCube Loader, and MySQL/MariaDB.

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Installation Overview

The installation process consists of 4 main phases:
1

Download AreaWP

Download the latest version from your account
2

Configure DirectAdmin

Set up reseller account, packages, and permissions
3

Upload & Extract Files

Upload source code to your server
4

Run Web Installer

Complete installation via browser
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

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Step 1: Download AreaWP

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Access Your Account

  1. Log in to your AreaWP account at: 
    https://account.areawp.com/client/
  2. Navigate to Downloads section or Download Manager
  3. Download the latest version:
    • File name: areawp-vX.X.X.zip
    • Size: Approximately 50-100 MB
    • Format: ZIP archive
Version Check: Always download the latest version to ensure you have the newest features and security updates.

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Verify Download

After downloading, verify the file integrity: 
# Check file size
ls -lh areawp-v*.zip

# Verify it's a valid ZIP file
unzip -t areawp-v*.zip

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Step 2: Configure DirectAdmin

This is the most critical step. DirectAdmin must be properly configured for AreaWP to function.

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2.1 Create Reseller Package

Define Resource Limits for Reseller
  1. Log in to DirectAdmin as admin
  2. Navigate to Account Manager → Manage Reseller Packages
  3. Click Add Package
Package Configuration:
SettingRecommended ValueDescription
Package Nameawp (3 chars)Must be exactly 3 characters
BandwidthunlimitedOr set specific limit
Disk SpaceunlimitedOr set specific limit
DomainsunlimitedFor client websites
SubdomainsunlimitedFor staging/dev sites
Email AccountsunlimitedFor client emails
DatabasesunlimitedFor WordPress sites
FTP AccountsunlimitedFor file management
SSL CertificatesEnabledRequired for HTTPS
PHP Version8.3Required version
Critical: The package name MUST be exactly 3 characters long. This is a technical requirement for AreaWP’s automation system.

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2.2 Create Reseller User

Set Up Reseller User Account
  1. In DirectAdmin admin panel, go to Account Manager → Create Reseller
  2. Fill in the reseller details:
Required Fields:
FieldValueNotes
Usernameawp (3 chars)Must be exactly 3 characters
EmailYour admin emailFor notifications
PasswordStrong passwordSave this securely
DomainYour main domaine.g., youragency.com
PackageSelect awp packageCreated in previous step
IP AddressServer IPShared or dedicated
Important Settings:
  • ☑ Create System Account
  • ☑ Send Email with Account Info
  • ☑ Use Package Settings
  1. Click Create to create the reseller account
Username Requirement: The reseller username MUST be exactly 3 characters long. This is not optional - it’s a technical requirement for AreaWP’s file system operations.

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2.3 Create User Package

Define Package for Client Accounts
  1. Log out from admin panel
  2. Log in to DirectAdmin as the reseller user (awp)
  3. Navigate to Account Manager → Manage User Packages
  4. Click Add Package
Package Configuration:
SettingRecommended Value
Package Namestd (3 chars)
Bandwidth10 GB or unlimited
Disk Space5 GB or unlimited
Domains1 (one domain per user)
Subdomains10
Email Accounts10
Databases5
FTP Accounts5
SSLEnabled
Package Purpose: This package will be assigned to each client’s hosting account created through AreaWP. You can create multiple packages for different tiers (Basic, Pro, Enterprise).

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2.4 Configure SSL Certificate

Enable HTTPS for All SubdomainsAreaWP creates client sites as subdomains, so a wildcard SSL certificate is highly recommended. This guide shows how to set up a free Let’s Encrypt wildcard certificate using Cloudflare DNS.
Why Wildcard SSL? A wildcard certificate (*.yourdomain.com) automatically secures all subdomains including client1.yourdomain.com, client2.yourdomain.com, etc., without needing individual certificates.
Step 1: Generate Cloudflare API CredentialsFirst, you need to create API credentials in Cloudflare:
  1. Log in to your Cloudflare Dashboard
  2. Ensure your domain is added to Cloudflare and DNS is active
  3. Click on your Profile Icon (top right) → My Profile
  4. Navigate to API Tokens tab
  5. Click Create Token
Token Configuration:
  1. Use the “Edit zone DNS” template or create custom token
  2. Set the following permissions:
    • Permissions:
      • Zone → DNS → Edit
      • Zone → Zone → Read
    • Zone Resources:
      • Include → Specific zone → Select your domain
  3. Click Continue to summary
  4. Review and click Create Token
  5. Copy and save the API Token - you’ll need it in DirectAdmin
Important: Save the API token immediately - Cloudflare only shows it once! Store it securely.
Get Your Global API Key (Alternative):If you prefer using the Global API Key instead:
  1. In Cloudflare Dashboard, go to My Profile → API Tokens
  2. Scroll down to API Keys section
  3. Click View next to “Global API Key”
  4. Enter your Cloudflare password to reveal the key
  5. Copy and save both:
    • Your Cloudflare account email
    • The Global API Key
Step 2: Configure SSL in DirectAdminNow set up the wildcard SSL certificate in DirectAdmin:
  1. Log in to DirectAdmin as reseller user (awp)
  2. Navigate to Account Manager → SSL Certificates
  3. Click Get automatic certificate from ACME Provider
ACME Configuration:
  1. Select Certificate Type:
    • Choose “Wildcard” (covers *.yourdomain.com)
  2. DNS Provider Settings:
    • DNS Provider: Select “Cloudflare” from dropdown
  3. Enter Cloudflare Credentials: Option A - Using API Token (Recommended):
    • API Token: Paste the token you created in Step 1
    • Leave API Key and Email fields empty
    Option B - Using Global API Key:
    • API Key: Paste your Global API Key
    • Email: Enter your Cloudflare account email
    • Leave API Token field empty
  4. Domain Configuration:
    • Domain: Enter your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com)
    • The certificate will cover both yourdomain.com and *.yourdomain.com
  5. Click Request Certificate
Verification Process:
  1. DirectAdmin will:
    • Contact Let’s Encrypt ACME server
    • Create a DNS TXT record in Cloudflare automatically
    • Verify domain ownership
    • Issue the wildcard SSL certificate
    • Install the certificate automatically
  2. Wait for completion (usually 1-2 minutes)
  3. You should see a success message confirming the certificate installation
Step 3: Verify SSL InstallationTest in Browser:
  1. Visit https://yourdomain.com
  2. Click the padlock icon
  3. View certificate details
  4. Confirm it shows *.yourdomain.com in Subject Alternative Names
Auto-Renewal ConfigurationLet’s Encrypt certificates expire after 90 days. DirectAdmin handles auto-renewal automatically:
  • Certificates are checked daily
  • Auto-renewal starts 30 days before expiration
  • Cloudflare API credentials are stored securely
  • No manual intervention required
Renewal Monitoring: Check DirectAdmin → SSL Certificates regularly to ensure auto-renewal is working. You’ll receive email notifications if renewal fails.

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2.5 Create DirectAdmin Login Keys

Enable Secure API AccessAreaWP uses DirectAdmin Login Keys for secure API authentication.Create Login Key:
  1. Log in to DirectAdmin as reseller user (awp)
  2. Navigate to: Account Manager → Login Keys
  3. Or visit directly: 
    https://your-server-ip:2222/evo/users/keys.html#login-keys
  4. Click Create Login Key
Key Configuration:
SettingValue
Key Nameareawp-api
ExpirationNever or 10 years
Allowed IPs127.0.0.1 (localhost)
PermissionsFull Access
  1. Click Create
  2. Save the generated key - you’ll need it during installation
Security: Keep this login key secure. It provides full access to DirectAdmin API. Never share it or commit it to version control.

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2.6 Configure Sudo Permissions

Allow AreaWP to Execute System CommandsAreaWP needs sudo permissions to manage WordPress files and execute server commands.Edit Sudoers File:
  1. Connect to your server via SSH as root: 
    ssh root@your-server-ip
  2. Edit the sudoers file: 
    visudo
  3. Add the following line at the end of the file: 
    awp ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
    Replace awp with your actual reseller username if different.
  4. Save and exit:
    • Press Ctrl + X
    • Press Y to confirm
    • Press Enter to save
  5. Verify the configuration: 
    sudo -l -U awp
Expected Output:
User awp may run the following commands on this host:
    (ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
Security Consideration: This grants full sudo access to the reseller user. Ensure this user is only used for AreaWP operations and is properly secured with a strong password.

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Step 3: Upload & Extract Files

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3.1 Upload Source Code

Upload Through Web Interface
  1. Log in to DirectAdmin as reseller user (awp)
  2. Navigate to File Manager
  3. Go to public_html directory
  4. Click Upload button
  5. Select areawp-vX.X.X.zip file
  6. Wait for upload to complete
  7. Right-click the ZIP file → Extract
  8. Confirm extraction
  9. Delete the ZIP file after extraction

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3.2 Verify File Structure

After extraction, your public_html directory should contain: 
public_html/
├── install/
├── languages/
├── logs/
├── src/
├── vendor/
├── public/
├── .htaccess
├── config-sample.php
├── cron-automation.php
└── ... (other files)
Permission Check: Ensure all files are owned by the reseller user and have appropriate permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files).

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Step 4: Create Database

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Create MySQL Database

Set Up AreaWP Database
  1. Log in to DirectAdmin as reseller user (awp)
  2. Navigate to MySQL Management
  3. Click Create new Database
Database Configuration:
FieldValueExample
Database Nameareawp_dbawp_areawp_db
Database Userareawp_userawp_areawp_user
PasswordStrong passwordGenerate secure password
  1. Click Create Database
  2. Save credentials - you’ll need them for installation
Note the full database details:
  • Database Name: awp_areawp_db (prefix added by DirectAdmin)
  • Username: awp_areawp_user (prefix added by DirectAdmin)
  • Password: Your chosen password
  • Host: localhost
Database Prefix: DirectAdmin automatically prefixes database names and usernames with your reseller username (awp_). This is normal and expected.
Alternative: Command Line Method
  1. Connect to server via SSH as root
  2. Log in to MySQL: 
    mysql -u root -p
  3. Create database and user: 
    CREATE DATABASE awp_areawp_db CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;
CREATE USER 'awp_areawp_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_secure_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON awp_areawp_db.* TO 'awp_areawp_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;
  4. Verify database creation: 
    mysql -u awp_areawp_user -p awp_areawp_db

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Step 5: Run Web Installer

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Access Installation Wizard

  1. Open your web browser
  2. Navigate to: 
    https://yourdomain.com/install
    Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name.
HTTPS Required: Ensure you’re accessing via HTTPS (with SSL certificate installed). HTTP may cause issues with the installation process.

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Installation Steps

1

Welcome Screen

License Agreement
  • Read the license agreement
  • Accept terms and conditions
  • Click Continue
2

System Requirements Check

Verify Server CompatibilityThe installer will automatically check:
  • PHP version (8.3+)
  • Required PHP extensions
  • ionCube Loader
  • File permissions
  • DirectAdmin availability
If any checks fail:
  • Review the error messages
  • Fix the issues on your server
  • Refresh the page to re-check
Click Continue when all checks pass.
3

Database Configuration

Enter Database DetailsFill in the database information you created earlier:
FieldValue
Database Hostlocalhost
Database Nameawp_areawp_db
Database Userawp_areawp_user
Database PasswordYour database password
Table Prefixawp_ (default)
Click Test Connection to verifyIf successful, click Continue
4

DirectAdmin Configuration

Configure DirectAdmin Integration
FieldValueNotes
DirectAdmin URLhttps://your-ip:2222Your server IP and DA port
Reseller UsernameawpYour 3-char reseller username
Login Keyyour-login-keyFrom Step 2.5
User PackagestdYour 3-char package name
Click Test Connection to verify DirectAdmin accessIf successful, click Continue
5

Admin Account

Create Administrator Account
FieldDescription
Admin EmailYour email address
Admin PasswordStrong password (8+ chars)
Confirm PasswordRe-enter password
Platform NameYour agency/company name
Platform URLYour domain (auto-filled)
Click Continue
6

Installation

Installing AreaWPThe installer will now:
  • Create database tables
  • Configure system settings
  • Set up file permissions
  • Initialize platform
  • Create admin account
Wait for completion (1-3 minutes)Do not close the browser or refresh the page.
7

Completion

Installation Successful!You’ll see a success message with:
  • Admin panel URL
  • Login credentials
  • Next steps
Important:
  • Save your login credentials
  • Delete the /install directory for security
  • Proceed to admin panel

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Step 6: Post-Installation

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Security Steps

Remove Installer for SecurityVia DirectAdmin File Manager:
  1. Navigate to public_html/install
  2. Right-click → Delete
  3. Confirm deletion
Via SSH:
cd ~/public_html
rm -rf install/
Critical: Leaving the /install directory accessible is a security risk. Delete it immediately after installation.
Add Your License KeyAdd your license key to unlock all features and receive updates.Step 1: Get Your License Key
  1. Log in to your AreaWP account: 
    https://account.areawp.com/client/login/
  2. Navigate to your Downloads or License section
  3. Copy your license key
Step 2: Activate License in AreaWP
  1. Log in to your AreaWP admin panel
  2. Navigate to: Admin Panel → General Options → License Settings
  3. Paste your license key in the License Key field
  4. Click Activate License
  5. Wait for confirmation message
Verification:Once activated, you should see:
  • ✅ License status: Active
  • ✅ License type: (Self-Hosted/Hosted)
  • ✅ Expiration date: (if applicable)
  • ✅ All features unlocked
Important: Without a valid license, some features will be limited or disabled. Ensure you activate your license immediately after installation.
Troubleshooting:If activation fails:
  1. Verify the license key is correct (no extra spaces)
  2. Check your server has internet connectivity
  3. Ensure firewall allows outbound connections
  4. Contact support if issues persist
Set Up Automated TasksAreaWP requires cron jobs for automated operations.Add Cron Job via DirectAdmin:
  1. Go to Advanced Features → Cron Jobs
  2. Add new cron job: 
    */5 * * * * php /home/awp/public_html/cron.php
This runs every 5 minutes and handles:
  • Automated backups
  • Update checks
  • Email notifications
  • Renewal reminders
  • System maintenance

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Step 7: Access AreaWP

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Log In to Admin Panel

  1. Navigate to: 
    https://yourdomain.com/admin
  2. Enter your admin credentials:
    • Email: Your admin email
    • Password: Your admin password
  3. Click Log In

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Initial Configuration

After logging in, complete these essential setup steps:

General Settings

Configure platform basics

Theme Setup

Customize branding

Payment Gateways

Set up billing

Hosting Packages

Create packages

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Troubleshooting

Issue: Blank page or internal server errorSolutions:
  1. Check PHP error logs in DirectAdmin
  2. Verify ionCube Loader is installed
  3. Check file permissions (755/644)
  4. Ensure PHP 8.3 is active
  5. Verify .htaccess file exists
  6. Check Apache/Nginx error logs
  7. Increase PHP memory_limit to 256M
Issue: Cannot connect to databaseSolutions:
  1. Verify database credentials are correct
  2. Check database exists in DirectAdmin
  3. Ensure database user has privileges
  4. Test MySQL connection manually
  5. Verify database host is ‘localhost’
  6. Check MySQL service is running
  7. Review MySQL error logs
Issue: Cannot connect to DirectAdmin APISolutions:
  1. Verify DirectAdmin URL is correct (https://ip:2222)
  2. Check Login Key is valid and not expired
  3. Ensure reseller username is correct (3 chars)
  4. Verify package name is correct (3 chars)
  5. Test DirectAdmin access manually
  6. Check firewall allows port 2222
  7. Verify SSL certificate is valid
Issue: File permission errorsSolutions:
  1. Set directory permissions to 755: 
    find ~/public_html -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
  2. Set file permissions to 644: 
    find ~/public_html -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
  3. Ensure files are owned by reseller user: 
    chown -R awp:awp ~/public_html
  4. Check sudo permissions are configured
  5. Verify SELinux is not blocking (if enabled)
Issue: System commands fail to executeSolutions:
  1. Navigate to /admin/GeneralOption
  2. Enable shell functions via interface
  3. Or manually edit php.ini:
    • Remove exec from disable_functions
    • Remove shell_exec from disable_functions
  4. Restart PHP-FPM service
  5. Verify with phpinfo()
  6. Check sudo permissions are granted
Certificate Request Failed:Common issues and solutions:
  1. Invalid API Credentials:
    • Verify API token is correct
    • Ensure token has DNS Edit permissions
    • Check token hasn’t expired
  2. DNS Not Propagated:
    • Ensure domain is active in Cloudflare
    • Check nameservers point to Cloudflare
    • Wait 5-10 minutes for DNS propagation
  3. Rate Limit Exceeded:
    • Let’s Encrypt has rate limits (5 certificates per domain per week)
    • Wait before retrying
    • Use staging environment for testing
Wildcard Not Covering Subdomains:If subdomains show SSL errors:
  1. Verify certificate includes *.yourdomain.com
  2. Check subdomain DNS records exist
  3. Ensure Apache/Nginx is configured for wildcard
  4. Restart web server
  5. Clear browser cache

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Getting Help

Documentation

Browse complete documentation

Support Portal

Submit a support ticket

Video Tutorials

Watch installation videos

Community Forum

Ask the community

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Professional Installation Service

Need help with installation? We offer professional AreaWP platform installation for a one-time fee of €50. What’s Included:
  • AreaWP platform installation
  • Database configuration
  • DirectAdmin integration setup
  • Initial admin account creation
Note: This service covers only the AreaWP platform installation. Server setup, optimization, and DirectAdmin configuration are not included.
To request installation service, contact our support team.
Installation Complete! Proceed to General Settings to configure your platform and start creating client websites.