This article explains how to set up a custom URL for your Mintsoft portal, including DNS configuration and SSL certificate creation.
Before you start
To complete this setup, you'll need:
Access to your domain's DNS settings.
Admin privileges in your Mintsoft account.
The Custom URL module (chargeable - contact your Account Manager).
Note: Due to the technical complexity of creating SSL certificates, the Mintsoft Support Team cannot provide direct assistance. For additional support, contact your Account Manager to arrange a consultation.
Downloadable Guide
Download the attached PDF for a step by step guide on setting up a custom portal.
Update your DNS settings
Configure your DNS to point your custom domain to Mintsoft:
Access your domain's DNS management panel.
Add a CNAME record with these details:
Name: Your portal subdomain (e.g., 'portal' if your URL is portal.mywebsitename.com).
Type: CNAME.
Data: v5.mintsoft.co.uk.
For additional guidance, see Google's help guide on adding CNAME records to your domain's DNS.
Troubleshoot DNS errors
If you see a "Can't reach this page" error when accessing your custom portal, your DNS isn't correctly mapped to v5.mintsoft.co.uk. Verify your CNAME record is configured correctly.
Create an SSL certificate signing request
You'll need an SSL Certificate and Key Management Tool. We recommend XCA (download from https://hohnstaedt.de/xca/index.php/download).
Install XCA
Download and install XCA.
Select Typical when prompted for Setup Type.
Create a database
Open XCA and click File then New Database.
Select a location and provide a filename.
Click Save.
Create a password for the database.
Generate the certificate signing request
Click the Certificate signing requests tab.
Click New Request in the right panel.
Click the Subject tab.
Complete all fields in the Internal Name section:
Internal name: Enter your subdomain.
Email address: Use an admin address (e.g., admin@mintsoft.co.uk).
Click Generate a new key.
Right-click the request and select Export then Clipboard.
Copy this into a document for purchasing your SSL certificate.
Purchase an SSL certificate
Purchase an SSL certificate from any vendor. We recommend Trustico (https://www.trustico.co.uk/).
Convert to PKCS#12 format
Convert your SSL certificate signing request and SSL certificate into PKCS#12 format for upload to Mintsoft.
Import the SSL certificate
Open XCA and go to the Certificate Signing Request tab.
Copy the certificate string from your SSL vendor's email.
Right-click in the white space and select Paste PEM Data.
Click Import All in the new window.
Export in PKCS#12 format
Go to the Certificates tab.
Find your certificate and right-click it.
Select Export then File.
In the Certificate Export window:
Set Export Format to PKCS #12.
Click OK twice.
Create a password when prompted.
Provide this password to Access when uploading the SSL certificate in Mintsoft.
Once this has been done please raise a new case online and reference the title of this article along with the following information:
SSL Certificate | The SSL Certificate needs to be provided to Access in the PKCS#12 format. You need to provide the password that relates to this Certificate. |
Sub Domain | For Example: system.mywebsitename.com |
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Hex Colours if Custom Colour Scheme is required |
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