Find a Missing .htaccess File

What is .htaccess?

.htaccess is a small settings file for websites that run on the Apache web server. It can set redirects, block visitors and change how URLs look. A redirect sends visitors from one address to another. The file name starts with a dot. On many systems, files that start with a dot are hidden to keep you from changing them by accident.

Why you cannot see it

• Your file manager or FTP program hides dot files by default.
• The file may not exist yet. Some sites do not have one until you make it.
• You may be looking in the wrong folder.

Where it lives

The file sits in your website's main folder. This is often named public_html or httpdocs. Ask Hostvento support if you are not sure which one your site uses.

Show hidden files in an FTP program (FileZilla)

1. Connect to your site with FileZilla.
2. Click Server in the top menu.
3. Click Force showing hidden files.
4. Open your site's main folder. The file should now show.

Show hidden files in a web file manager

1. Open the File Manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Click Settings (often at the top right).
3. Tick Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
4. Click Save.

The exact words may differ by control panel. Look for a settings or view option about hidden files.

Show hidden files in Windows File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Click Show, then tick Hidden items.
4. Also tick File name extensions.

If the file truly does not exist

1. Open Notepad.
2. Add the rules you need.
3. Click File, then Save As.
4. Set Save as type to All Files.
5. Name it .htaccess exactly, with the dot and no .txt.
6. Upload it to the main folder of your site.

Quick recap

• .htaccess is hidden because its name starts with a dot.
• Turn on "show hidden files" in your FTP program, file manager or Explorer.
• Look in the main site folder.
• Back up the file before editing.