---
title: "I need to restart the web server..."
date: "2015-03-05"
category: "web-content"
slug: "need-restart-web-server"
---

## Overview

It is a common misconception that the web server needs a manual restart to resolve site issues such as moved files or broken CMS installations. In nearly all cases, a restart is unnecessary.

## When Is a Manual Restart Necessary?

The following is an exhaustive list of situations requiring a manual web server restart:

_<this list intentionally left blank>_

A manual restart is never required.

## Automatic Restarts

Certain operations in the [[logging-into-the-control-panel]] trigger an automatic restart or reload. During this process, configuration is rebuilt and requests are temporarily queued. Automatic restarts occur when:

- **Domain name is changed** under **Account** > **Settings**: the web server updates its `ServerName` configuration.
- **Addon domain is added** via **DNS** > **Addon Domains**: the web server registers the new domain in its virtual host configuration.
- **SSL certificate is installed or updated** via **Web** > **SSL Certificates**: the web server loads the new certificate for HTTPS requests.

No other operation triggers a restart, including adding a subdomain via **Web** > **Subdomains**.

## Common Problems and Solutions

If you believe a restart is needed, the actual issue is likely one of these:

- [[where-is-site-content-served-from]]
- [Moving WordPress locations](http://codex.wordpress.org/Moving_WordPress#Moving_Directories_On_Your_Existing_Server)
- [Moving Drupal locations](https://www.ostraining.com/blog/drupal/move-drupal-to-a-new-folder/)
- [Moving phpBB and old connection details are used](https://www.phpbb.com/support/docs/en/3.0/kb/article/purging-the-phpbb-cache/)
