How To Manage Virtual Directories In Plesk

Senior Web Developer, HostAdvice CTO

Updated on June 3, 2022 7:09 AM

Introduction

Virtual Directories can be used to apply some controls such as logins to a new or existing directory. Virtual directories can also be used as aliases to directories.

In this article, you are going to learn how to manage virtual directories using Plesk.

Creating a Virtual Directory

To create a new virtual directory, you need to Login to Plesk under Websites & Domains identify the domain you wish to create a virtual directory for. Then click Virtual Directories.

Click Create Virtual Directory which opens a new page.

In the Virtual Directory section, under the Name, type the name you wish to use for your directory.

Check the Path checkbox which creates a physical directory automatically under the name of the directory you are creating. However, you can clear the text box and specify the path to be used by the physical directory.

Choose the Script source access checkbox which allows the users to access source code when the read and write permissions are enabled.

Then check the Read permission checkbox in order to allow the user to read file contents.

To allow users to upload files to the directory, check the Write permissions checkbox.

Check the Directory browsing checkbox as this will allow the users to view the files and subdirectories of the virtual directory.

Select the Log Visits check box to record the visitor’s data.

In the Application Settings, select Create application checkbox in order to make the virtual directory an IIS application.

In the Execute Permissions drop-down box, choose the program level you wish to have for your virtual directory:

You can select None which allows only the static files
You may select Scripts only that allows scripts only without the executables.
You can also select Scripts and Executables and this removes all restrictions thus allowing all files to be executed then you click OK. And Plesk creates a Virtual Directory.

Once the directory has been created, you can now make changes if you wish by editing some of the settings you had done during the set up.

Editing a Virtual Directory

To make changes on a virtual directory, you login to Plesk and then click Virtual Directories icon.

Identify the virtual directory you wish to edit and you click on its name.

Click on the Virtual Directories icon which appears on the new page.

You can now edit the settings and controls in the virtual directory. From this section, you can manage and make several changes on the directory.

Conclusion

A virtual directory plays a significant role in the protection and security of an existing directory. It is also useful in creating new names for your web links. Setting and managing a virtual directory is as simple as explained above.