Use File Manager in cPanel to copy files to another directory within your hosting account. The original file remains unchanged in its existing location.
This is useful for creating a working copy before making changes or using files in another website directory.
Who is this guide for?
This guide applies exclusively to customers whose hosting is managed on the new Webland platform (WHMCS) and whose hosting plan includes cPanel.
Essential Hosting without cPanel: This guide does not apply to your hosting.
Previous platform using System Configurator or Domain Manager: Sign in at classic.webland.ch. The steps below do not apply to that platform.
Important information
Choose a destination directory different from the original file’s directory.
Check whether the destination already contains a file with the same name. It may be overwritten during copying.
The copy requires additional storage space.
A copy within the same hosting account does not replace an external backup. Do not store backup copies of confidential files in publicly accessible website directories.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you:
Have access to your cPanel hosting service.
Can access the original file.
Have already created the destination directory.
Step 1: Sign in to cPanel
Find your hosting service in the active services overview in the client area.
Click “Log in to cPanel”.
You will be signed in to cPanel automatically.
Step 2: Open File Manager
Open the “Files” section in cPanel and click “File Manager”.
Step 3: Select the file
Navigate to the directory containing the file.
Click the file to select it.
Click “Copy” in the toolbar.
Step 4: Specify the destination directory
Enter the destination directory’s path in the copy dialog. Use the directory path shown in File Manager as your reference.
Check that the path is correct and differs from the original directory.
Click “Copy File(s)” or “Copy File”.
The file is copied to the destination directory and retains its filename.
Step 5: Check the copy
Open the destination directory.
Refresh the file list if necessary.
Check that the copied file is present and has the expected size.
If you want to test changes, edit the file in the destination directory. The original file remains unaffected.
Troubleshooting
Copying fails
Check that the destination directory exists, the path is correct and sufficient storage is available. You also need permission to read the original file and the appropriate permissions in the destination directory.
I cannot find the copy
Open the destination directory specified in the copy dialog and refresh the view. The copy initially has the same name as the original.
I want the copy in the same directory as the original
First copy the file to another directory. Rename the copy there, then move it back to the original directory. Choose a filename that does not already exist.