For web developers and administrators, the relocation and removal of files/folders is a task that likely occurs on a daily basis and can also be the cause of multiple website issues. The following list is intended to dictate the default folders inside of the home directory that should not be altered. The removal, misplacement or relocation of these files and folders can result in multiple issues, including but not limited to 404 errors, disruption of email or a misbehaving control panel.

cPanel Folders

The folders below are listed in the cPanel home directory by default:

• /home/username/public_html
• /home/username/public_ftp
• /home/username/etc/
• /home/username/mail/
• /home/username/.cpanel
• /home/username/.sqmaildata
• /home/username/.cpanel3-skel
• /home/username/.trash
• /home/username/.sqmailattach
• /home/username/.htpasswds
• /home/username/.access-logs
• /home/username/.tmp

Hosting websites in cPanel

To host a website, you have to place all your website files inside the following folder:

• /home/username/public_html

To delete your website, you can delete the files from the same folder 

• /home/username/public_html