ReallySimpleSSL- Could not reach challenge directory Error code 403.

Hi @frostreal,

If you’re seeing this error during the “Directory verification” step when generating an SSL certificate, there is most-likely a security restriction on your server preventing that path from being accessed; so a 403 Forbidden appears when the plugin tries to open the file.

You can either try removing this restriction, or, when the “directory verification” fails at this step again; you should also see a button to “Switch to DNS verification”, so you can try generating an SSL certificate using that method instead.

Kind regards, Jarno

Hello @jarnovos

How do I find this security restriction on profreehost? It’s my first time making a website so I need quite a bit of details.

sincerely,frost

Hi @frostreal,

I did a Google search on your Hosting Provider (ProFreeHost) and whether they support the generation of Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates, and found this article on the subject, which clarifies the message that you’re receiving:

Let’s Encrypt cannot be implemented on free hosting at the time, however it is available to all premium accounts for free. This is caused by the security system presented here, which prevents Let’s Encrypt bots from accessing certain value via URL that is neccesary for verification.

Please see this resource from your Hosting Provider for the alternatives that are available to you, or contact their support for assistance: https://profreehost.com/support/ssl-https/free-ssl-on-profreehost-let-s-encrypt-sslforfree.com

Kind regards, Jarno

Hello @jarnovos

Thanks for your help I’ll give you feedback in an hour and notify you on what happens.

Hello @jarnovos

Do you have recommendations on what Hosting Provider I should use that is FREE to use and easy to use so that I can install Really Simple SSL. I found out that the alternatives are not working in my case and I would love to upgrade my experience on website designing.

Sincerely, frost.

Hi @frostreal,

I’m afraid that suggesting a free Hosting Provider for your website is outside of the scope of the support I’m able to offer for the Really Simple SSL plugin.

Kind regards, Jarno

Hello @jarnovos

Ok please send me providers that work well with the SSL.

Sincerely, frost