# Windows web hosting with Plesk: first steps > Start with HyperDC Windows hosting: sign in to Plesk, point your domain, publish an ASP.NET site, create MS SQL and MySQL databases, mail and HTTPS. Difficulty: Beginner\ Tested on: HyperDC client area HyperDC Windows web hosting places your sites on a Windows server running Microsoft IIS, with ASP.NET support and Microsoft SQL Server databases. You manage everything in your own **Plesk** account; we run and maintain the server. This guide covers the first steps. Plans: [Windows web hosting](/windows-web-hosting). ## Before you start - The welcome email with your Plesk user name, password, the panel address and the nameservers for your domain. - Your domain, registered with HyperDC or elsewhere. ## Step 1: Sign in to Plesk - From the client area: **Services › My Services**, open the hosting service and use the Plesk sign-in button in the **Manage** card, where it is shown. - Directly: open `https://example.com:8443` (or the panel address from the welcome email) and sign in. **Verify:** Plesk opens on **Websites & Domains** with your domain listed. ## Step 2: Point your domain Use the nameservers from the welcome email so Plesk manages all DNS records, or point the A record of your domain to the hosting server's IP address. For a HyperDC domain: **Domains › My Domains › Manage Domain › Nameservers**. See [point a domain to your server](/guides/point-domain-to-server). ## Step 3: Publish your site - Upload files with **File Manager** or FTP into the site's document root (by default `httpdocs`). - Visual Studio users can publish with Web Deploy where it is enabled for the subscription; Plesk shows the publishing settings for download. - Adjust the framework settings in **Websites & Domains › ASP.NET Settings** for the domain. **Verify:** your site loads at `http://example.com`. ## Step 4: Create databases Open **Databases** and select **Add Database**. Choose **Microsoft SQL Server** or **MySQL**, give the database a name and create a user with a strong password. Plesk shows the server name to put in your connection string. ## Step 5: Create mailboxes Open **Mail** and create the email addresses you need. Plesk shows the settings for mail apps (IMAP, POP3, SMTP) and offers webmail. Publish SPF, DKIM and DMARC records for good delivery; see [email deliverability](/guides/email-deliverability). ## Step 6: Turn on HTTPS Open **SSL/TLS Certificates** for your domain and install the free certificate for the domain and its `www` name. Your domain must point to the hosting server first. Then turn on the redirect from HTTP to HTTPS in the hosting settings. **Verify:** `https://example.com` loads without a certificate warning. ## Step 7: Back up Your Windows hosting account is backed up weekly and monthly at no extra cost. Keep your own copy as well: use **Backup Manager** in Plesk to create and download a backup, especially before you deploy a new version of your application. ## Troubleshooting **HTTP Error 500.19 or 500.30 after deploying.** The application's `web.config` uses a feature or .NET version the site is not set up for. Check the ASP.NET settings, and ask us which .NET versions the server offers. **The database connection fails.** Use the database server name Plesk shows, not `localhost`, if it differs, and check the user's password and permissions. **The certificate cannot be issued.** The domain or `www` does not point to the hosting server yet. ## Next steps - Need administrator access or your own services? See [Windows VPS and VDS](/guides/windows-vps). - DNS records explained: [DNS basics for a new domain](/guides/dns-basics-for-a-new-domain). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need Windows hosting for my website? Only if your site uses Windows technologies such as ASP.NET or Microsoft SQL Server. PHP sites such as WordPress are usually hosted on Linux. The operating system of your own computer does not matter. ### Which ASP.NET versions can I use? Every plan includes ASP.NET support, and Plesk lets you adjust the ASP.NET settings of each site. If your application needs a specific .NET version, contact us and we will confirm whether the server offers it. ### Which databases are included? Microsoft SQL Server databases, with the number set by the plan, and MySQL databases. You create databases and their users in Plesk. ### Is an SSL certificate included? Yes. Every Windows web hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate. You manage the certificates of your domains in Plesk. ### When should I choose a Windows VPS instead? When you need administrator access, your own Windows services, Remote Desktop or more resources than a hosting plan offers. --- Source: \ Updated: 2026-10-09