How to create and manage Apache handlers

How Nexcess clients on physical (non-cloud) accounts can create and edit custom Apache handlers and associated extensions.

Attention

• If you do not have experience working with .htaccess files, it is highly recommended that you contact support@nexcess.net for assistance. If handled incorrectly, an .htaccess file can cause major problems for your website.

• Always back up your .htaccess file before making changes to it.

• A handler is an internal Apache command that dictates what action the Apache server should perform when a certain file type is called for. When Apache sees a file, it has an action built in for that file type, and will perform the correct action.

Creating an Apache handler

1. Log in to your SiteWorx account.

   • If you do not know your password, click Forgot your password on the login page.
   • If you do not know the web address for your SiteWorx login page, either refer to your Welcome Email or contact our 24-hour support team for assistance.
     
     

2. On the main menu, click Hosting Features > Htaccess.

3. Click the Handlers link for the directory that you want to manage.

4. In the Handler field, type the Apache handler command to use for the given extensions. As you type, the field will auto-complete with the various default handler commands in Apache.

5. In the Extensions field, type the extension or extensions to associate with the entered handler command. To enter more than one extension, separate each by either a space or comma.

6. Click Add.

Editing an existing Apache handler

1. Log in to your SiteWorx account.

   • If you do not know your password, click Forgot your password on the login page.
   • If you do not know the web address for your SiteWorx login page, either refer to your Welcome Email or contact our 24/7 support team for assistance.
     
     

2. On the main menu, click Hosting Features > Htaccess.

3. Click the Handlers link for the directory that you want to manage.

4. Click the Edit link next to the handler command that you want to edit.

5. In the Handler field, type the Apache handler command for use with the given extensions. As you type, the field will auto-complete with the various default handler commands in Apache.

6. In the Extensions field, type the extension or extensions to be associated with the handler command. To enter more than one extension, separate each by either a space or comma.

7. After finishing the changes, click Save.

Deleting an Apache handler command

1. Log in to your SiteWorx account.

   • If you do not know your password, click Forgot your password on the login page.
   • If you do not know the web address for your SiteWorx login page, either refer to your Welcome Email or contact our 24/7 support team for assistance.
     
     

2. On the main menu, click Hosting Features > Htaccess.

3. Click the Handlers link for the directory that you want to manage.

4. Click the check box next to each handler command that you want to delete. You can also click the Check All link to quickly select all of the handlers at once.

5. In the with selected: drop-down menu, select Delete.

6. When prompted for confirmation, click the Delete button.

External Resources

For more information about Apache Handlers, refer to the related pages on the Apache website.