Understanding and Resolving Certbot Redirect Issues on AlmaLinux: A Beginner’s Journey
Navigating SSL certificate installation on a self-managed server can sometimes be a complex endeavor, especially when unexpected issues arise. Recently, I encountered an intriguing problem while setting up SSL certificates with Certbot on an AlmaLinux server hosting multiple websites. Though I’m still learning the ropes—having migrated from CentOS and doing most of this manually—these experiences have been valuable learning opportunities.
Background: Migrating from CentOS to AlmaLinux
My server hosts about seven websites, and I recently transitioned from an older CentOS system. The migration involved manually syncing web files and configuration files—using rsync for website content, copying virtual host configurations, and backing up databases. This hands-on approach meant I was flying somewhat blind, troubleshooting as I went.
The Challenge: Infinite Redirects and Certbot Failures
The primary obstacle arose when attempting to obtain SSL certificates with Certbot. The process stalled due to redirect loops—a common issue where web traffic is caught in an endless cycle of redirects, preventing proper certificate installation. Certbot complained about these infinite redirects and refused to complete the setup.
Initially, I was puzzled because the same setup worked flawlessly on CentOS Stream 8, yet on AlmaLinux, it refused to cooperate. I tried googling various error messages and logs, but results were inconclusive. Recognizing the limitations of pure online searches, I turned to local assistance from a language model, pasting in logs and configuration snippets for guidance. Yet, the AI’s suggestions didn’t resolve the matter.
A Simple Fix: Opening Files in Vim
After a series of troubleshooting steps, I discovered an unexpectedly simple trick: opening each virtual host configuration file in Vim and then closing it seemed to resolve the issue. I re-ran Certbot, and surprisingly, the redirect errors disappeared—without making any direct changes to the files.
Conclusion: Sometimes, a Restart Can Do Wonders
This experience reminded me that in server administration, sometimes small actions—like editing and closing configuration files—can resolve complex issues. While I’m still learning, I appreciate that troubleshooting often involves patience and a willingness to try simple fixes.
For those encountering similar redirect issues with Certbot on AlmaLinux or other Linux distributions, consider checking your configuration files for subtle errors or inconsistencies, and try editing and reloading them even if you don’t change anything. Often, these small steps can break the cycle of infinite redirects and let you move forward with
