How to edit a virtual directory in Plesk

What is a virtual directory?

A directory is a folder. A virtual directory is a web address that points to a folder in another place. If visitors open yourdomain.com/docs, the server may show files from a different folder. It works like a signpost.

Virtual directories belong to IIS, the web server used on Windows hosting. If you do not see the option in Plesk, your plan may not be Windows-based. Ask Hostvento support.

Warning: a wrong change can stop part of your site from loading. Take a backup first.

Steps to edit

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Click Websites & Domains.
3. Find your domain and click Virtual Directories.
4. Click the name of the virtual directory in the list.

   

   

5. Change the settings you need:
   • Path: the real folder that the address points to.
   • Access: read, write, and script rights.
   • Script options: which kind of script may run.
   • Directory browsing: shows a file list if there is no start page. Keep it off unless needed.
6. Click OK to save.

Change the web address name

The name in the web address cannot usually be edited. To change it, create a new virtual directory with the new name. Then remove the old one.

1. Click Create Virtual Directory and fill in the new name and the same path.
2. Test that the new address works.
3. Back in the list, tick the old directory and click Remove.

Removing a virtual directory takes away the address only. Your files stay in their folder.

Test your change

1. Open the address in your browser, for example yourdomain.com/docs.
2. Check that the right files show.
3. If you see an error, open the directory again and check the path.

Need help? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• Open Virtual Directories and click the directory name.

  

• Change the path or access rights, then click OK.
• To rename it, make a new one and remove the old one.
• Back up first and test after.