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Asked: 2024-09-26T00:39:53+05:30 In:

How can I modify the installation directory of Nginx on Ubuntu 14.04?

I’m diving into setting up Nginx on my Ubuntu 14.04 system and am running into a bit of a snag. I’ve got my server up and running, but I’m not really happy with the default installation directory. I know by default it installs in `/usr/share/nginx`, but I want to move it to a different location to keep things organized, especially since I’m planning to host multiple projects on this server.

Here’s what I’m trying to achieve: I want to change the installation directory so I can have all my web server files consolidated in one place. I stumbled upon a couple of tutorials, but they either didn’t cover changing the installation directory or seemed to complicated—I don’t want to accidentally break anything in the process.

So, I guess my first question is, is it even possible to modify the installation directory of Nginx after it’s been installed? I mean, can I just relocate the files, or do I need to uninstall and start all over with a new installation? I’ve seen commands in some forums that involve editing configuration files, and I’m not too confident in executing those without breaking something.

Also, what about the service management? If I move the directory, will the system still know where to find all the files when I start, stop, or reboot Nginx? I really don’t want to end up with a server that won’t start because I misplaced something.

If anyone has gone through this process or has some step-by-step advice, I’d greatly appreciate it. Any gotchas or tips to keep in mind would be super helpful too. I’m all about learning from others’ experiences, and I know some of you are pretty savvy with Nginx on Ubuntu. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! I’m just trying to figure this out without turning my server into a giant paperweight.

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    2 Answers



    1. Nginx Installation Directory Change on Ubuntu

      Changing Nginx Default Installation Directory on Ubuntu 14.04

      So, here’s the deal. Yes, you can change the installation directory of Nginx after it’s been installed, but it’s a bit of a process, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

      1. Uninstalling and Reinstalling

      The easiest and cleanest way might be to uninstall Nginx and then reinstall it with the new directory in mind. When installing from source, you can specify the installation directory using the --prefix option in the configuration step. This is how you can do it:

      
sudo apt-get remove nginx
wget http://nginx.org/download/nginx-1.20.1.tar.gz
tar -xzvf nginx-1.20.1.tar.gz
cd nginx-1.20.1
./configure --prefix=/your/new/directory
make
sudo make install

      2. Editing Configuration Files

      If you really want to move the files around after installation, you’ll need to edit the Nginx configuration files (usually found in /etc/nginx/). You’ll have to change paths to reflect where you’ve moved the files. Pay special attention to:

      • nginx.conf: Update the root directive to point to your new directory.
      • Any site-specific configuration files in /etc/nginx/sites-available/ and /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/.

      3. Service Management

      When you move files around, yes, you have to ensure that the service knows where to find them. If you change the installation location, the default system service might not work properly. You could create a new service file in /etc/systemd/system/ or edit the existing one in /lib/systemd/system/nginx.service to point to the new locations. Remember to run:

      
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

      after making changes to service files.

      4. Tips and Gotchas

      • Always back up your configuration files before you start moving things around!
      • Check error logs located in /var/log/nginx/ when you run into issues.
      • If you’re not sure about a configuration change, you can test the configuration using nginx -t.

      Take your time, read through the configuration files, and make small changes to see how they affect your server. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to ask the community if you hit a wall!



    2. Changing the installation directory of Nginx on your Ubuntu 14.04 system is indeed possible, but it requires some careful steps to ensure that your server continues to function correctly. After installing Nginx, you cannot simply relocate the files to a new directory; instead, you need to modify the Nginx configuration and system service files. You can create a new directory for your Nginx files, such as `/var/www/nginx`, and move the existing files into that directory. However, you will also need to update the Nginx configuration files located typically in `/etc/nginx/nginx.conf`, where you might find directives specifying the location of server-related files. Make sure to change any path settings to your new directory. It’s important to carefully follow any tutorials that outline this process, as incorrect configurations can lead to server malfunctions.

      As for service management, after moving the relevant files, you’ll need to ensure that the systemd service (if applicable) or the init.d scripts point to the new directories. For Ubuntu 14.04, you may be using init.d scripts. You should look in `/etc/init.d/nginx` and check for any hardcoded paths that reference the old installation directory. Post-move, don’t forget to restart Nginx and check its status to make sure it’s running correctly. Additionally, use commands like `nginx -t` to test your configuration for errors. Before making any changes, it’s advisable to back up your current configuration files so that you can easily revert if something goes wrong. By following these steps carefully, you should be able to reorganize your Nginx installation without major issues.


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