Post-Installation Setup Guide for WHMCS

You have successfully installed WHMCS. Now it's time to configure the basic settings to get your business ready. This guide covers the most critical post-installation steps.

Step 1: Further Security Hardening

Before proceeding, let's further secure your installation. In your WHMCS admin area, navigate to Configuration > System Health and review any security recommendations. Common steps include:

• Move the crons directory: Move the /crons/ directory to a location outside of the public web root for enhanced security. Update the path in your WHMCS configuration file accordingly.
• Move the attachments, downloads, and templates_c directories: For best security, these should also be moved outside the public web root.
• Set an Admin Folder Name: Rename the /admin/ directory to something unique and hard to guess.

Step 2: General Settings Configuration

Go to Setup > General Settings. This is the heart of your WHMCS configuration. Review each tab carefully:

• General: Enter your company name, email, and domain.
• Localisation: Set your default language, charset, and date format.
• Ordering: Configure your Terms of Service URL and order settings.
• Mail: Configure how WHMCS sends email. We recommend using SMTP for reliability. You can use the SMTP details provided with your Arh24.com hosting plan.
• Support: Set up your support departments for ticketing.

Step 3: Configure the WHMCS Cron Job

Automation is the key to WHMCS. The cron job handles tasks like generating invoices, sending reminders, and suspending overdue accounts. This is a mandatory step.

1. In WHMCS, go to Setup > Automation Settings to get your unique cron command.
2. Log in to your Plesk Control Panel.
3. Go to Scheduled Tasks.
4. Click "Add Task".
5. Select "Run a PHP script" and paste the path from your WHMCS cron command.
6. Set the task to run once every 5 minutes using a cron-style schedule: */5 * * * *
7. Save the task.

Step 4: Initial Billing Setup

To start selling, you need to configure your payment options and products.

• Payment Gateways: Go to Setup > Payments > Payment Gateways to activate and configure how you will accept payments (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).
• Currencies: Go to Setup > Payments > Currencies to add and manage the currencies you will bill in.
• Products/Services: Go to Setup > Products/Services > Products/Services to create the hosting plans and services you will be selling.

Your WHMCS installation is now configured with the essentials. For a detailed guide on products and billing, see our article on Managing Billing and Invoicing in WHMCS.