Taking one down properly.
BEFORE REMOVING ANYTHING
Back up the site and its database.
Removing a domain in cPanel may not remove the files, and removing the files certainly loses them.
WHAT TO DO
- Back up files and database
- Note any DNS records
- Remove the domain in cPanel
- Delete the directory, if you no longer need it
- Remove the database, if it was only for that site
- Remove any DNS record if your DNS is external
WHAT PEOPLE FORGET
The database, which continues consuming space Email accounts for that domain Cron jobs relating to that site DNS records, leaving an orphaned entry
THE ORPHANED DIRECTORY PROBLEM
Removing the domain without deleting the files leaves an application on your account.
Never updated, eventually compromised.
That is a common route of compromise.
IF THE DOMAIN IS BEING MOVED ELSEWHERE
Provide a backup before removing anything.
