WHM (Web Host Manager) is a powerful and widely used control panel for managing Linux-based servers. However, one common limitation is the lack of an integrated file manager for full root-level file system access directly from the WHM interface.
To fill this gap, you can install ConfigServer Explorer (CSE) — a free and powerful WHM add-on that acts as a full-featured file manager and virtual console accessible through your browser. Formerly known as WHM File Manager, CSE allows you to explore system directories, manage files, and run non-interactive commands with root access — all from within WHM.
This guide will walk you through installing and uninstalling ConfigServer Explorer on your Linux VPS.
Installing ConfigServer Explorer (CSE)
Step 1: Connect via SSH
Use an SSH client such as Terminal (macOS/Linux) or PuTTY (Windows) to log in to your VPS as the root user.
For Terminal (macOS/Linux) or WSL:
# ssh -p <ssh_port> your_username@your_server_ip
Replace <ssh_port>, your_username, and your_server_ip with your actual credentials.
Step 2: Download and Install CSE
Execute the following commands, one by one.:
# cd /usr/src # rm -fv /usr/src/cse.tgz # wget https://download.configserver.com/cse.tgz # tar -xzf cse.tgz # cd cse
# sh install.sh
# rm -Rfv /usr/src/cse*
Step 3: Access CSE in WHM
Log in to WHM as the root user.
Scroll down to the bottom of the left-hand menu or expand the Plugins section. Click on ConfigServer Explorer.
You should now be able to access and manage the root file system of your server directly from WHM.
Uninstalling ConfigServer Explorer (CSE)
If you no longer need CSE, you can uninstall it by executing the following commands one by one:
# cd /usr/src # rm -fv /usr/src/cse.tgz # wget http://www.configserver.com/free/cse.tgz # tar -xzf cse.tgz
# cd cse # sh uninstall.sh # rm -Rfv /usr/src/cse*
Conclusion:
ConfigServer Explorer is an invaluable WHM add-on that enhances root-level file management on your Linux VPS. While it offers significant convenience, it is essential to use it judiciously to prevent unintended system changes. If you are uncertain about any actions within CSE, it is advisable to consult your server administrator or hosting provider.
