Automating cPanel Installation on CloudPe VMs with Customization Scripts

CloudPe allows you to automate the setup of virtual machines using the “Customization Script” feature during VM creation. You can use either:

• A shell script, or
• A cloud-init script (YAML with #cloud-config)

This guide explains how to use a cloud-config script to automatically install cPanel on a newly created VM.

Note: cPanel requires a fresh installation of AlmaLinux 8, or CloudLinux with at least 2 GB RAM and a valid license.

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

• Use a supported OS (CentOS 7 or AlmaLinux 8 recommended)
• Ensure the VM has at least 2 GB RAM, 20 GB Disk, and a public IP
• Ensure port 2087 (WHM) and 2083 (cPanel) are open in the Security Groups.
• A domain/subdomain (e.g., cpanel.example.com) pointed to your VM IP is preferred for SSL

Prepare the Customization Script

Use the following cloud-config script:

#cloud-config
hostname: cpanel.example.com
fqdn: cpanel.example.com
packages:
   - perl
   - curl
write_files:
   - path:  /etc/resolve.conf
     content:   |
        nameserver   8.8.8.8
        nameserver   8.8.4.4
runcmd:
   - curl -o latest -L https://securedownloads.cpanel.net/latest
   - sh latest

What this does:

• Sets the hostname and FQDN
• Installs dependencies (Perl, Curl)
• Sets Google DNS for internet access
• Downloads and runs the cPanel installer

Launch a VM in CloudPe

1. Go to your CloudPe dashboard.
2. Click Create VM.
3. Select your desired OS (e.g., CentOS 7 or AlmaLinux 8).
4. Choose resources (CPU, RAM, Disk, Network).
5. Under Customization Script, Paste the script above into the script box.
6. Launch the VM.

What Happens Next?

Once the VM boots:

• The script runs automatically.
• cPanel installation begins and takes about 20–40 minutes.
• When complete, you can access WHM (WebHost Manager) via:

https://<your-vm-ip>:2087

Login with:

• Username: root
• Password: your VM’s root password (set during creation)

Post-Installation Steps

• Accept license agreement on first WHM login.
• Complete the setup wizard (network, hostname, nameservers, etc.)
• Activate cPanel license (trial or paid)
• Create cPanel accounts or install websites as needed

Troubleshooting Tips

• If DNS resolution fails, verify that /etc/resolv.conf contains valid nameservers.
• If cPanel fails to install, check logs at /var/log/cpanel-install.log.
• Ensure the server has no existing control panel or conflicting services.

Summary

By using a cloud-init cloud-config script in the CloudPe VM creation wizard, you can automatically:

• Set system hostname
• Configure DNS
• Install cPanel with a single script

This reduces manual work and ensures consistent deployments.