FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common questions about projects, WordPress, hosting, support and working with Mumford Connect.
General
GeneralDo you only build WordPress websites?
No. WordPress is a strong fit for many content-managed websites, but Mumford Connect also develops custom PHP/MySQL applications, integrations and purpose-built web systems when WordPress is not the right tool.
GeneralDo you use pre-built WordPress themes?
The normal approach is a custom theme and structured Gutenberg editing experience built around the project. Established plugins are used where they genuinely fit the requirement; custom functionality is developed where they do not.
GeneralCan you host the website as well?
Yes. Mumford Connect offers Canadian website hosting with professional email included, plus higher-resource and custom hosting packages. Hosting and website maintenance are separate services so the scope is clear.
GeneralDo you build accessible websites?
Accessibility is considered from structure and design through front-end development and testing. Where WCAG 2.2 AA is a project requirement, the site can be built and reviewed against that standard; ongoing conformance also depends on the content and documents added after launch.
GeneralCan you take over an existing website?
Often, yes. The first step is to review the current platform, hosting, plugins, custom code and known issues. A maintenance relationship, targeted repair or full redesign may be the right path depending on what we find.
GeneralDo you provide ongoing support after launch?
Yes. Hosting, maintenance, troubleshooting, content changes and future development can continue after launch. Long-term support is a normal part of the relationship, not an afterthought.
GeneralCan you build custom functionality or integrations?
Yes. Custom WordPress plugins, APIs, database-driven applications, administrative workflows and integrations are a core part of the work.
GeneralDo you work only with organizations in Nova Scotia?
No. Mumford Connect is based in Nova Scotia and works with organizations across Canada. Most project communication and development can be handled remotely.
GeneralHow do we get started?
Send a short description of what you are planning, what exists today and any important timing or functional requirements. We can then determine the most useful next step without turning the first conversation into a sales process.
GeneralQuestion
Hosting & cPanel
Hosting & cPanelHow do I log in to cPanel?
Use the secure cPanel login address supplied with your hosting account and sign in with your cPanel username and password. If you no longer have the login details, contact support rather than repeatedly guessing the password and risking an IP block.
Hosting & cPanelWhere can I see what is using my hosting space?
Open Disk Usage in cPanel for a breakdown of the space used by your account. Large mailboxes, old backups, logs and website files are common causes. Do not delete unfamiliar files simply to free space; ask first if you are not sure what they are.
Hosting & cPanelCan I use cPanel File Manager to edit my WordPress site?
File Manager is useful for controlled file work, but it bypasses WordPress safeguards and there is no undo button for a bad edit. Do not change plugin, theme or core files unless you know exactly why the change is needed and have a current backup.
Hosting & cPanelCan I make a backup from cPanel?
Yes. If the Backup or Backup Wizard feature is enabled for your account, you can download a full or partial backup. A downloaded backup is useful before significant work, but it should not be treated as the only backup strategy for a business website.
EmailHow do I access webmail?
You can open Webmail from cPanel under Email Accounts by choosing Check Email for the mailbox. You can also use the secure Webmail address for your domain if it has been provided to you. Sign in with the full email address and that mailbox password.
EmailHow do I create a new email account?
In cPanel, open Email Accounts and choose Create. Select the domain, enter the mailbox name, set a strong password and choose an appropriate storage limit. If you are not sure whether a new mailbox or a forwarder is the better choice, ask before creating it.
EmailHow do I change an email password?
In cPanel, open Email Accounts, find the mailbox and choose Manage. Set a new strong password and save the change. Remember to update the password on every phone, computer or mail application that uses the account.
EmailHow do I set up my email on a phone or computer?
In cPanel, open Email Accounts and choose Connect Devices beside the mailbox. Use the secure incoming and outgoing server settings shown there. Use the full email address as the username. IMAP is normally the better choice when the same mailbox is used on more than one device.
EmailShould I use IMAP or POP for email?
Use IMAP in most cases. It keeps mail and folders synchronized with the server, which is much easier when you use more than one device. POP downloads mail to a device and can create confusion over where messages are stored.
EmailHow do I forward an email address to another address?
Open Forwarders in cPanel and add a forwarder for the address you want to redirect. If the address also has a real mailbox, cPanel can keep a copy there while forwarding another copy. Check the destination carefully before saving it.
EmailHow do I set an automatic reply or out-of-office message?
Open Autoresponders in cPanel, choose the email address and enter the message, start time and end time. Incoming mail still goes to the mailbox while the autoresponder is active.
EmailWhy is my mailbox full?
A mailbox can stop receiving new mail when it reaches its storage quota. In cPanel, open Email Accounts to check the mailbox usage. Removing large or old messages can help, but also check Sent, Trash and Junk folders because they count toward the total.
EmailWhat are SPF, DKIM and DMARC?
They are DNS-based email authentication controls. SPF identifies servers that are allowed to send mail for a domain, DKIM adds a verifiable signature to outgoing mail, and DMARC tells receiving systems how to handle messages that fail authentication. They should be changed carefully, especially when more than one service sends mail for your domain.
EmailWhy can I see email in webmail but not Outlook or my phone?
If a message is visible in webmail, the mail server has received it. That usually points to a synchronization, connection or account-setting problem in Outlook or on the device rather than a problem receiving mail at the server. Force a refresh, fully close and reopen the mail app, restart the device and use the app’s account reset option if one is available before removing and recreating the account.
Domains & DNS
Domains & DNSCan I change DNS records myself?
You can manage DNS records through cPanel Zone Editor when your account is authoritative for the domain, but a wrong A, MX, CNAME or TXT record can take a website or email service offline. If you are not certain what a requested DNS change does, send the instructions to support first.
Maintenance & Updates
Maintenance & UpdatesShould I change the PHP version in cPanel?
Only when there is a reason to do so and the website has been checked for compatibility. MultiPHP Manager makes the change easy, but an older plugin, theme or custom application can fail on a newer PHP version. For a live site, test first or ask support to handle the change.