Cantech Cloud

Automating cPanel Installation on Cloud VMs with Customization Scripts

Written by

Akshay Chauhan

in

Cloud provides a Customization Script option that lets you automatically configure a virtual machine during deployment. Instead of performing manual installation after the VM is created, you can execute a script that installs and configures the required software automatically.

Cloud supports two types of customization scripts:

  • Shell Script (.sh)
  • Cloud-Init Script (YAML format using #cloud-config)

This guide demonstrates how to use a Cloud-Init configuration to automatically install cPanel & WHM on a new virtual machine.

Important: cPanel must be installed on a clean installation of AlmaLinux or CloudLinux. The server should have a minimum of 2 GB RAM and a valid cPanel license.

Step 1: Verify the Requirements

Before creating the VM, make sure the following requirements are met.

  • Deploy a supported operating system such as AlmaLinux or CloudLinux.
  • Allocate at least 2 GB RAM.
  • Allocate a minimum of 20 GB storage.
  • Assign a public IP address to the VM.
  • Allow ports 2087 (WHM) and 2083 (cPanel) in the Security Group or Firewall.
  • (Optional but recommended) Point a domain or subdomain such as cpanel.example.com to the VM’s public IP for SSL.

Step 2: Prepare the Cloud-Init Script

Create the following Cloud-Init configuration and replace the hostname with your own domain.

Bash
#cloud-config
hostname: cpanel.example.com
fqdn: cpanel.example.com
packages:
– perl
– curl
write_files:
– path: /etc/resolv.conf
content: |
nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4
runcmd:
– curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
– sh latest

Prepare the Cloud-Init Script

Step 3: Understand What the Script Performs

When the VM starts for the first time, the Cloud-Init script automatically performs the following tasks:

  • Sets the server hostname.
  • Configures the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN).
  • Installs the required packages (Perl and Curl).
  • Configures Google Public DNS servers.
  • Downloads the latest cPanel installer.
  • Starts the cPanel installation automatically.

No manual commands are required after the VM boots.

Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine

  • Sign in to your Cloud Dashboard.
  • Click Create VM.
  • Select a supported operating system.
  • Choose the required CPU, RAM, storage, and network configuration.
  • Locate the Customization Script section.
  • Select Cloud-Init.
  • Paste the Cloud-Init script into the provided text box.
  • Review the configuration.
  • Click Launch VM.

The VM will now be created with the customization script attached.

Step 5: Automatic Installation Process

After the virtual machine powers on:

  • Cloud-Init executes automatically.
  • The server installs the required packages.
  • DNS configuration is applied.
  • The latest cPanel installation package is downloaded.
  • cPanel installation begins automatically.

The installation usually completes within 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the server specifications and internet speed.

Step 6: Access WHM

After installation finishes, open your browser and visit:

Bash
https://<VM_Public_IP>:2087

Access WHM

Step 7: Log in to WHM

Use the server’s root credentials.

Login with:

Username: root
Password: your VM’s root password (set during creation)

After authentication, the WHM interface will open.

Step 8: Complete the Initial Configuration

During the first login, WHM will launch its setup wizard.

Complete the following tasks:

  • Accept the cPanel License Agreement.
  • Verify the server hostname.
  • Configure networking settings.
  • Configure nameservers.
  • Enter your contact email.
  • Activate your cPanel license (Trial or Paid).

Once finished, the server is ready for hosting.

Step 9: Begin Using cPanel

After setup is complete, you can:

  • Create new cPanel hosting accounts.
  • Add websites and domains.
  • Configure email services.
  • Manage DNS zones.
  • Install SSL certificates.
  • Upload website files.
  • Manage databases.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If DNS resolution fails, verify that /etc/resolv.conf contains valid nameservers.
  • If cPanel fails to install, check logs at /var/log/cpanel-install.log.
  • Ensure the server has no existing control panel or conflicting services.

Summary

By using a cloud-init cloud-config script in the Cloud VM creation wizard, you can automatically:

  • Set system hostname
  • Configure DNS
  • Install cPanel with a single script

This reduces manual work and ensures consistent deployments.

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