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PowerMTA - Single Domain Installation

Single Domain PowerMTA Installation

This guide covers installing PowerMTA on a server configured for single domain sending — one IP, one domain. This is the default and simplest setup in PMTAcore.

Requirements

  • PMTAcore with a paid license (PMTA installation is not available on free trial)
  • A server running AlmaLinux 8/9 or Rocky Linux 8/9 (other OS not supported)
  • Server accessible via SSH (port 22 open)
  • Server must be added to PMTAcore — either through Cloud Manager (Linode, Vultr, DigitalOcean, AWS) or as a custom server via SSH Manager
  • A domain name you own with access to DNS settings
  • Port 25 must be open on the server (check with your cloud provider — some block it by default)

Step 1: Select Your Server

  1. Go to PowerMTA Installation in the sidebar (or click Install PMTA from Cloud Manager next to a server).
  2. Select the server from the dropdown. It shows all servers from your connected cloud accounts and custom SSH servers.
  3. PMTAcore automatically detects all IP addresses on the server.

Step 2: Configure Installation

  1. Domain — Enter your sending domain (e.g. mail.yourdomain.com). This is the domain PowerMTA will use as the sender identity.
  2. PowerMTA Version — Select the PMTA version to install. Versions from 4.5r1 to 6.0r3 are available. We recommend using the latest.
  3. Installation Mode — If the server has multiple IPs, you will see two options:
    • Single Domain — Standard setup using the primary IP only. Select this.
    • IP Rotation — Uses all IPs with separate domains. See the IP Rotation guide instead.
  4. SMTP Credentials — Enter a username and password for SMTP authentication. These will be configured in PowerMTA so you can authenticate when sending mail through the server.

Step 3: Start Installation

  1. Click Start Installation.
  2. PMTAcore connects to your server via SSH and runs the installation automatically. You see real-time progress in the output area.
  3. The installer:
    • Checks OS compatibility (AlmaLinux/Rocky Linux 8 or 9)
    • Installs all required dependencies
    • Downloads and installs the selected PowerMTA version
    • Configures the PMTA config file with your domain and SMTP credentials
    • Sets up firewall rules
    • Generates DKIM keys
    • Starts the PowerMTA service
  4. Installation typically takes 5-15 minutes depending on server speed.

Step 4: Configure DNS Records

After installation completes, PMTAcore displays the DNS records you need to add. These are extracted automatically from the installation and include:

  • SPF Record — TXT record for your domain authorizing the server IP to send mail
  • DKIM Record — TXT record with the public key generated during installation. Add it at the selector shown (e.g. pmta._domainkey.yourdomain.com)
  • DMARC Record — TXT record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com
  • MX Record — Points your domain to the server
  • PTR Record (Reverse DNS) — Set this from your cloud provider's dashboard. Point the server IP to your sending domain.

Copy these records and add them in your domain registrar or DNS provider. DNS propagation can take up to 24-48 hours but usually works within minutes.

Step 5: Test

Use the SMTP Tester in PMTAcore to send a test email through your new server. Enter the server IP, port 25, your SMTP credentials, and send a test to a Gmail or Yahoo address. Check the email headers to verify SPF and DKIM pass.

After Installation

Your installation is saved in PMTAcore. You can view the DNS records anytime, change SMTP credentials, or reinstall if needed. The server will show as "PMTA Installed" in the Cloud Manager and PowerMTA Management pages.

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