How File Authentication Works
DigiCert has announced the termination of support for file-based DCV for wildcard certificates as of November 15th, 2021.
Prior to November 15th, 2021, file-based authentication was available as an option instead of email validation for DV wildcard certificates. We strongly recommend that you upgrade to WHMCS 8.3 or higher in order to switch to DNS DCV.
File-based authentication is a method for automatic provisioning and installation of SSL certificates that doesn't require any user involvement.
Where should the file be uploaded?
When configuring a certificate, if you elect to use File Authentication, the path where you need to upload the authentication file will be provided to you. It is typically to a sub-directory named '.well-known' in the root of your domain.
My SSL is for a sub-domain where should the file be uploaded?
It should be uploaded to the sub-domain.
My SSL is for a wildcard where should the file be uploaded?
The file should be uploaded to the base domain and accessible from the web. So if your wildcard is for *.example.com then the file should be accessible on the base url http://example.com.
I am unable to upload the file to my website what can I do?
You can switch to Email Authentication at any time by selecting the Change Approver Email option within WHMCS and choosing an email address for validation instead.
I have added the file now what?
The system will automatically poll for the file at regular intervals. As soon as the file has been successfully detected, the order status will be updated and the certificate will be issued.
Why is my file not being detected?
Make sure the file is uploaded to the correct part of your SSL domain. You should be able to access the file via your web browser. Make sure there are no password protection restrictions on the file and that it is publicly accessible.
What happens once the certificate has been issued?
You will receive an email confirmation that the certificate has been issued.
Upon issuance the WHMCS Marketplace will notify your WHMCS installation that the certificate has been issued and where supported, the certificate will then be automatically installed to the destination domain.
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