[SOLVED] Strange apache virtual hosts issue

[beercz]

Hi All

I have apache2 running with several sub-domains pointing to the same apache web server.

For example, I have 2 sub-domains, say jcs.jaaconsult.com and website.jaaconsult.com.

I have created two virtual host files stored in /etc/apache2/sites-enabled, as follows:

For jcs.jaaconsult.com:

# Job Costing System host configuration file

<VirtualHost *>
ServerAdmin webmaster@jaaconsult.com
ServerName jcs.jaaconsult.com
ServerAlias jcs.jaaconsult.com

# Indexes + Directory Root
DirectoryIndex index.php
DocumentRoot /home/jcs/

# GCI Directory
ScriptAlias /cgi-bin/ /home/jcs/cgi-bin/
<Location /cgi-bin>
Options +ExecCGI
</Location>

# Log Files
ErrorLog /home/jcs/logs/error.log
CustomLog /home/jcs/logs/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

For website.jaaconsult.com:

# Website host configuration file

<VirtualHost *>
ServerAdmin webmaster@jaaconsult.com
ServerName website.jaaconsult.com
ServerAlias website.jaaconsult.com

# Indexes + Directory Root
DirectoryIndex index.php
DocumentRoot /home/website/

# GCI Directory
ScriptAlias /cgi-bin/ /home/website/cgi-bin/
<Location /cgi-bin>
Options +ExecCGI
</Location>

# Log Files
ErrorLog /home/website/logs/error.log
CustomLog /home/website/logs/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

When I (as root) enable the site jcs.jaaconsult.com

a2ensite jcs.jaaconsult.com

the site works fine.

When I (as root) enable the site website.jaaconsult.com

a2ensite website.jaaconsult.com

apache stops working and I get the following error:

Failed to Connect
The connection was refused when attempting to contact website.jaaconsult.com.

Though the site seems valid, the browser was unable to establish a connection.

* Could the site be temporarily unavailable? Try again later.

* Are you unable to browse other sites? Check the computer's network connection.

* Is your computer or network protected by a firewall or proxy? Incorrect settings can interfere with Web browsing.

When I (as root) disable the site website.jaaconsult.com

a2dissite website.jaaconsult.com

apache works again and the first site, jcs.jaaconsult.com works fine.

If I have only website.jaaconsult.com enabled, then apache fails to work.

Obviously, I (as root) reload apache

/etc/init.d/apache2 relaod

every time I enable or disable a virtual host.

In fact I have six sites (and six sub-domains) all pointing to the same web server, and two of the virtual hosts (when enabled) work, and the other 4 do not.

I have been trying to resolve this for days. Anyone got any ideas why this is happening and what I have to do to get this issue fixed?

Thanks in advance.

[MJN]

When I (as root) enable the site website.jaaconsult.com apache stops working

You need to explain exactly why you mean by this. Does the a2ensite script complete? Does the Apache service stop? Do the logs say anything?

I trust you also have a NameVirtualHost * directive listed somewhere?

Mathew

[volkswagner]

You may want to post the two following files.

Apache2.conf and ports.conf

How are you handling DNS?

Do all of the directories listed in you site.conf exist, ie; /home/website/logs/?

[cdenley]

I have created two virtual host files stored in /etc/apache2/sites-enabled, as follows:

You are supposed to create site configurations in /etc/apache2/sites-available. Then when you enable a site, a link will be created for it in /etc/apache2/sites-enabled.

[beercz]

I have sorted this!

I feel a bit stupid really. Problem was a really simple one.

Looking at an example of a virtual host file (for website.jaaconsult.com):

# Website host configuration file

<VirtualHost *>
ServerAdmin webmaster@jaaconsult.com
ServerName website.jaaconsult.com
ServerAlias website.jaaconsult.com

# Indexes + Directory Root
DirectoryIndex index.php
DocumentRoot /home/website/

# GCI Directory
ScriptAlias /cgi-bin/ /home/website/cgi-bin/
<Location /cgi-bin>
Options +ExecCGI
</Location>

# Log Files
ErrorLog /home/website/logs/error.log
CustomLog /home/website/logs/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

I have specified a location for log files (/home/website/logs).

But, I hadn't created the directory /home/website/logs. Once I created this directory as user website, then re-enabled the site and reloads apache the site worked.

I feel soooooo stupid!!

In the words of the great(?) Homer Simpson "Doh!!!"

Thanks to all those who responded.

Marking this thread as solved.