Using .htaccess Files

.htaccess is a Web server configuration file that contains commands that "tell" Apache how to behave in certain instances; for example, what to do if a user enters a URL that points to a page on your site that no longer exists. Although .htaccess is "only" a file, it can be used to perform some very powerful functions geared toward customizing and improving a Web site's functionality - and security. Some of the most common uses of an .htaccess file restricting access to certain files or directories on your domain, automatically redirecting users when they land on a nonexistent page, and creating customized error pages (e.g., 404 Error page).

.htaccess files control the directory they are in and every directory within that directory (child directories). In most cases, you can use .htaccess files in those subdirectories to override directives set in a parent directory's .htaccess file.

• Important: If you do not have experience in dealing with .htaccess files, we highly recommend that you contact support@nexcess.net for assistance. If handled incorrectly, an .htaccess file can cause major problems for your Web site!

• Many of the functions listed below can be done through the SiteWorx control panel.

• Always back up your .htaccess file before making changes to it.

Refer to the links provided below for a wide-range of information on using .htaccess. files.

• Creating a .htaccess File
• Enabling/Disabling a .htaccess File

• Creating a Custom Error Page
• Creating a URL Redirect Rule
• Example Rewrite Directives
• Redirecting Non-"www" URL to "www" URL
• Allowing/Blocking Specific Hostnames/IP Addresses
• Blocking IPs by Country
• Managing Index Files
• Preventing Bandwidth Theft (Hotlink Protection)
• Creating & Managing Apache Handlers
• Creating & Managing MIME-Types
• Creating & Managing Default Character Sets

• Apache Web site: .htaccess Files
• Evolt.org: Ultimate .htaccess Examples