Question: How do I temporarily disable a website without deleting it? Print

Answer:

This article explains how to temporarily disable a website in Plesk on GHFS Hosting without removing files, settings, or the domain itself. This is useful for maintenance, development work, or security reasons.

1. Method 1: Disable Hosting for the Domain (Recommended)

This method keeps your files and settings intact but prevents the website from loading.

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk control panel

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Select the domain you want to disable

4. Click Hosting Settings

5. Disable or uncheck Website hosting enabled

6. Save the changes

Visitors will see an error or a default page, but your files remain untouched.

To re-enable the site, simply turn hosting back on.

2. Method 2: Enable “Maintenance Mode”

Some Plesk setups include a Maintenance Mode option.

Steps:

1. Go to Websites & Domains

2. Click Hosting Settings

3. Look for Maintenance Mode

4. Enable it

In maintenance mode, visitors see a simple "Site Under Maintenance" page.

3. Method 3: Replace Index File Temporarily

If you want a custom message instead of disabling the site entirely:

1. Open File Manager

2. Rename your existing index.php or index.html (example: index-old.php)

3. Upload a temporary maintenance file (example: index.html with your message)

Your website will show the temporary page until you restore the original file.

4. Method 4: Disable the Domain’s DNS Records (External DNS Only)

If your DNS is hosted externally (not on GHFS Hosting):

• Remove the A record

• Or change the domain's IP

This makes the site inaccessible but does not affect hosting files.

Use this with caution, as email routing can also be affected.

5. Method 5: Suspend the Domain (Admin-Level Only)

If you have reseller or admin access:

1. Go to Subscriptions or Domains

2. Select the domain

3. Choose Suspend

The domain becomes inactive until manually unsuspended.

6. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• You are unsure which method is best

• You want a custom maintenance page created

• The website does not reactivate after changes

• You want to secure a hacked or compromised site

Support can temporarily disable your site safely without affecting your files.