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This guide explains how to create and configure additional WebDAV folders in Apache for select users and integrate them into Nextcloud as external storage, ensuring folders remain private to specified users.

Step 1: Create a Directory for the New WebDAV Folder

1. Create the folder for the user:

    

   sudo mkdir -p /mnt/webdav/folder_name

2. Set ownership and permissions for Apache (assuming www-data is the Apache user):

    

   sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /mnt/webdav/folder_name sudo chmod -R 755 /mnt/webdav/folder_name

Step 2: Create a Password File for Authentication

1. Generate a password file: Replace username with the desired user's name.

    

   sudo htpasswd -c /etc/apache2/webdav.folder_name.password username

2. Verify the password file:

    

   sudo cat /etc/apache2/webdav.folder_name.password

   If you need to add more users, omit the -c flag:

    

   sudo htpasswd /etc/apache2/webdav.folder_name.password another_user

Step 3: Configure Apache for the WebDAV Folder

1. Edit your Apache configuration file:

    

   sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-enabled/000-default.conf

2. Add a new Alias and <Directory> block for the WebDAV folder:

    

   Alias /folder_name /mnt/webdav/folder_name <Directory /mnt/webdav/folder_name> DAV On AuthType Basic AuthName "Private WebDAV Folder" AuthUserFile /etc/apache2/webdav.folder_name.password Require user username Options Indexes FollowSymLinks AllowOverride None Require all granted </Directory>

3. Save the configuration and exit (Ctrl+O, then Ctrl+X).

4. Enable the necessary Apache modules: If not already enabled, run:

    

   sudo a2enmod dav sudo a2enmod dav_fs

5. Test the Apache configuration:

    

   sudo apachectl configtest

   If the output is Syntax OK, proceed.

6. Restart Apache:

    

   sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 4: Add WebDAV Folder as External Storage in Nextcloud

1. Log in to Nextcloud as an admin.
2. Navigate to Settings > Admin > External Storages.
3. Add the new WebDAV folder:
   • Folder Name: Choose a name (e.g., folder_name).
   • External Storage: Select WebDAV.
   • Authentication: Set to Username and password.
   • Configuration:
     • URL: http://your-server-ip-or-domain/folder_name
     • Username: username (created in Step 2).
     • Password: The password you set for the user.
4. Available for: Select specific users or groups who should have access to this storage.
5. Save the configuration.

Step 5: Test the Configuration

1. Access the WebDAV folder:

   • Use a WebDAV client or browser to access:
      

     http://your-server-ip-or-domain/folder_name
   • Enter the username and password created earlier.

2. Verify access in Nextcloud:

   • Log in to Nextcloud as the assigned user.
   • Verify that the WebDAV folder appears in the user's external storage and is accessible.

Step 6: Additional Tips

• Separate Folder Permissions: Ensure each WebDAV folder has unique ownership and permissions to prevent unintended access.
• Audit Access Logs: Review Apache access logs to verify users are only accessing their assigned folders:
   

  sudo tail -f /var/log/apache2/access.log
• Secure Connections: Consider enabling HTTPS for secure WebDAV access. Install an SSL certificate using Let’s Encrypt or another provider.

Example Folder Structure

If you’re managing multiple user-specific WebDAV folders, you can organize them under a common directory:

Each folder can have a unique password file and Apache <Directory> block.