SMF Installation Tutorial

[ONLiNEZONE]

SMF Installation Tutorial
Updated: 14, May, 2008 

.: Introduction :.
Welcome, SMF Community!

This tutorial is designed to help others that can't or have trouble following the documentation.
I will try to make this tutorial user friendly, easy to read, and easy to understand.
Note: SMF Installation Tutorial is only relative with, SMF x2 

.: Index :.

A :: Requirements (Parts: 3)
B :: Packages (Parts: 2)
C :: Setup (Parts: 2)
D :: Installation (Parts: 5)
E :: Credits (Parts: 2) 

.: Contents :.

A) :: Requirements
A) :: 0.1 :: WebServer/Host
A) :: 0.2 :: FTP Client Application
A) :: 0.3 :: WinRAR/Extraction Application

B) :: Package
B) :: 1.1 :: Download/SMF Forum Software
B) :: 1.2 :: Extraction

C) :: Setup
C) :: 2.1 :: FTP Information
C) :: 2.2 :: Exchange
C) :: 2.3 :: MySQL/Database

D) :: Installation
D) :: 3.1 :: Point Domain
D) :: 3.2 :: FTP Connection Information
D) :: 3.3 :: Chmod
D) :: 3.4 :: Basic Settings
D) :: 3.5 :: Database Server Settings
D) :: 3.6 :: Create Your Account
D) :: 3.7 :: Database Password

E) :: Credits
E) :: 4.1 :: SMF
E) :: 4.2 :: Credits 

.: A :: 0.1 :: Requirements :: WebServer/Host :. 

What is a WebServer/Host?
Okay, before we start you need a WebServer or Host. What I mean by that is, if you have a WebServer then you will need to upload the files to your, WebServer.
But if you don't have a, WebServer. Then you need a, Host a Host is like freewebs.com or 000webhost.com. They host your website or they Servers. I recommand 000webhost.com Why?
• No downtime.
• Short sub-domain: yourdomain.site88.net.
• cPanel intergrated with the website.
• Unlimited Websites
• Unlimited Databases.
• Free.
• FTP.
• and much, much more.
Once you have found one and your happy with it then you can start. 

.: A :: 0.2 :: Requirements :: FTP Client Application :.
What is a FTP Client Application?
Firstly, FTP stands for 'File Transfer Protocol'. Don't let the name put you off it is very simple. Okay, FTP enables you to exchange files over the internet in a secure
environment. The best FTP Client Application is FileZilla Why, you may ask?
• Fast, Great Performance.
• User friendly.
• Simple.
To download, FileZilla. Click here
I can't give you the direct link to the download. Just for your safety.
Once your there. you find your OS "Operating System" and download the file with a .zip extension for example: 'FileZilla_3.0.9.3_win32.zip'
Note: Please refer to, "Requirements :: 0.3 :: WinRAR/Extraction" before you download FileZilla, if you don't have it already. 

.: A :: 0.3 :: Requirements :: WinRAR/Extraction :.
What is WinRAR?
WinRAR is a extraction application you will need this to extract your files to a directory on your computer. WinRAR should execute as soon as you start a download from the internet as default. If you have no other extraction application.
You may notice there is not much to say about WinRAR if you look how long the text is. Lol, . Okay so if you have everything that I said to download or you might have it already then you can start the real deal    

  .: B :: 1.1 ::Package :: Download/ SMF Forum Software :.
Okay, this is the real deal. Let's download the latest version of SMF. You can do that by following the direction below...
SimpleMachines>Download>>Scroll down until you find "Download SMF 2.0 Beta 3.1 Public">>>Download the "Full Install" click "zip".
A new window should appear, when it does. Click Run. The file will then start downloading.
.: B :: 1.2 :: Package :: Extraction :.
If WinRAR is the only extraction application on your computer then it should open up when the download is complete by default. If not, PM me.
Once it's finished. Click the big button on WinRAR named, "Extract to..." before you do that, make a new directory on your desktop called "SMF". then extract the files/folders to that new directory when created. I'm sure you know how to extract the files/folders to the directory named, SMF on your desktop. Once you have done that, Just to ensure that the files/folders when to that directory we created. lets open it up and you should see the directory for SMF containing sub-folders. Once done and your happy then continue with, setup. If you are unsure or I haven't gave enough information for extraction and download/SMF Forum Software then by all means PM me. 

.: C :: 2.1 :: Setup :: FTP Information :.
Okay, so you have the files/folders of SMF on your desktop. If not refer to, Extraction. Above and you must have the requirements. Okay, so you have a Host
You need to sign up with them I recommand, 000webhost.com. Once you have signed up, click here Login in, and we now need to get your FTP Information. Once logged in. Click "Create new" just near "Manage another domain" Once you clicked that fill in the information required. Once that is done, click the drop down menu. Just near "Manage another domain" Find your created website name that you created. Find the FTP Information which is listed on the center right-hand side. Open notepad. Copy the following...
• Username
• Password (Note: That will be hidden.)
• Domain
Save it as anything. Save it to your desktop.
This will be used for the FTP Client, that we downloaded. If you didn't refer to "Requirements :: FTP Client Application". Once you are done with that. Continue with, Exchange. 

.: C :: 2.2 :: Setup :: Exchange :.
Okay, Open, FileZilla, SMF (Directory on desktop), Notepad (FTP Information).
On the GUI for FileZilla look for, Host, Username, Password, Port. Just above the FileZilla menu. Once found put in the Host text field, your hosted website by 000webhost.com. Now for the username. Your username, open that notepad we made and copied the information from 000webhost.com type it in, The username starts with... a then about seven digit numbers. Type that in the username field on FileZilla. Now for password, Use the password that you used to log in to members area on 000webhost.com. Now port, just type in 21. then click "Quick connect" now you will see if you did it correctly your files on the servers at 000webhost you will see "html_public" click that then create a new folder by right clicking then scroll down to "new directory" type in forum and change the SMF directory on the desktop to "forum"(Note: do not use capitals for the directory on FileZilla and the desktop change them to "forum"). Once done on the left pan on FileZilla you will see your file system. find the forum directory on the desktop. Then right click and scroll down to "Upload". You will see that the files/folders are going to your WebHost. Once that is done continue with, MySQL 

.: C :: 2.3 :: Setup :: MySQL/Database :.
Go to 00webhost and go to, Members area log in and create a database. Follow the direction below...
000webhost.com>Members Area, Login>>Go to your site using "Manage another domain">>>cPanel will now be displayed.>>>>Find MySQL, Click it. Do the following...
• For, MySQL database name: type in: forum.
• For, MySQL user name: type in: admin.
• For, Password for MySQL user: Type in, a password.
• For, Enter password again: type in, the password again that you created.
• Important: MySQL Host for any database in this account is mysql1.000webhost.com , do not use localhost! Remember that, Copy, mysql1.000webhost.com and paste it in notepad. .
Click "Create database" Okay, that is done. Before you start the install process. I need to say, Good luck. Please ensure that you have done everything correctly. 

.: D :: 3.1 :: Install :: Point Domain :.
Okay, this is the part that people have trouble with, I did.
Now type in your, address bar the following...
"www.sitename.sub-domain/forum/install.php" Before you do that keep on reading!
Sitename, This is your created sitename at 000webhost.com. So for example: SMF
Sub-domain, This is the sub-domain at 000webhost.com which is ".site88.net" So lets say this is our address, www.SMF.site88.net/forum/install.php Note: This is an example, DO NOT CREATE A SITENAME TITLED "SMF"
What is "/forum/install.php"?
install.php, is the official SMF Forum Installer, that's right your almost there.
Okay, if this is done correctly. You should see the,  Official SMF Installer. Remember if you have trouble. Please PM Me , Good luck for the following steps. 

.: D :: 3.2 :: Install :: FTP Connection Information :.
Okay, Just type in the following...
For, Server: Type in, localhost
For, Username: Type in, username that 00webhost.com gave you.
For, Password: Type in, password that you used to log in with 00webhost.com.
For, Install Path: Type in, Leave it as it is.
For, Port: Leave it as 21. 

.: D :: 3.3 :: Install :: Chmod :.
Okay, We need to open, FileZilla and connect with your host.
Type in the following on the GUI of FileZilla
Host: sitename.site88.net
Sitename is your sitename, change it to your sitename.
Username: aXXX...
Username is your username that 000webhost gave to it starts with an a...
Password: is your password you use to log into members.000webhost.com
Port: is 21 as default.
Once you are connected with your host follow the following directions...
FileZilla>public_html double click it on the right pane on FileZilla's GUI.>>Double click, forum>right click attachments.>>>Scroll down to, "File Attributes">>>>Change 557, to 777. Execute this action on the following directories...
• Attachments, Numeric Value: 777
• Avatars, Numeric Value: 777
• Cache, Numeric Value: 777
• Packages, Numeric Value: 777
• Packages/installed.list, Numeric Value: 777
• Smileys, Numeric Value: 777
• Themes, Numeric Value: 777
• agreement.txt, Numeric Value: 777
• Settings.php, Numeric Value: 777
• Settings_bak.php, Numeric Value: 777
Once done, click "Connect" on the SMF Installer.
If you are having trouble. Please PM Me. 

.: D :: 3.4 :: Install :: Basic Settings :.
Okay, Really this must to the easy and fun part to this tutorial.
Change the following...
Forum Name, Anything you want, Can be changed in ACP later.
Forum URl, DO NOT CHANGE!
Leave the check boxes as they are.
See, told you this part is easy    

  .: D :: 3.5 :: Install :: Database Server Settings :.
Change the following...
Database Type, Leave as "MySQL"
Server name, Refer to, 2.3 :: Setup :: MySQL/Database. But change, Localhost to, mysql1.000webhost.com.
Username, Your username we created, admin. Don't change the aXXX just add Username to it, Example: aXXX_admin.
Password, Your database password we choosed, in 2.3 :: Setup :: MySQL/Database.
Database Name, Your database name we created, called "forum" in 2.3 :: Setup :: MySQL/Database. DO NOT REMOVE, aXXXX. JUST LEAVE THAT BUT ADD THE DATABASE NAME, Example: aXXX_forum.
Table Prefix, Leave it as it is, BUT NEVER CREATE TWO FORUM DATABASE'S WITH THE SAME PREFIX!.
Click, "Proceed". We are just moments away from seeing your New, Simple, Free, SMF powered, Forum! 

.: D :: 3.6 :: Install :: Create Your Account :.
This part is where you need to create your administrator account, I don't need to explain. 

.: D :: 3.7 :: Install :: Database Password :.
Just type in your password for the database on 3.5. Just for security reasons! 

.: E :: 4.1 :: Credits :: SMF :.
This tutorial would not be complete without SMF. Why?
Because this would be spam .
Thanks to, the guys at SMF. For letting us have Free, Simple, Great, Forum Software. We hope SMF remains Free    

  .: E :: 3.7 :: Credits :: Credits :.
To be honest I know I haven't explained enough. But try and remember I'm only 15. I think I have done alright for my age group. Remember PM Me If I have not made it simple, or you are having trouble Please ensure the Content Number and Name. Thanks

[Gary]

Urm. We already have documentation how to install SMF.

Installing SMF

[ONLiNEZONE]

Urm. We already have documentation how to install SMF.

Installing SMF

Lol, I know.

[Gary]

So the point of writing that is...?

[ONLiNEZONE]

So the point of writing that is...?

I was bored. But it might come in handly.
Your like my mum. Lol

[shadow82x]

Someone needs to be a doc helper.

[ONLiNEZONE]

Someone needs to be a doc helper.

Really?
I would love that.
How do I become a doc helper?
Do you mean doc writer or helper?

[Gary]

How do I become a doc helper?

Contact akabugeyes

Do you mean doc writer or helper?

Helper.

[ONLiNEZONE]

How do I become a doc helper?

Contact akabugeyes

Do you mean doc writer or helper?

Helper.

Thanks, I contacted, akabugeyes.

[ONLiNEZONE]

Bump

[_Anthony_]

This is kinda useless.
Plus it would probably be better if you added pics

[N3RVE]

Nice one. .

[ONLiNEZONE]

This is kinda useless.
Plus it would probably be better if you added pics

Please tell me why it's "useless" and picture's are not really needed.

Nice one. .

Thanks

[deceylon]

this is a good tutorial.
But still I can not done it with 000webhost.
error message: 'Unable to connect to FTP server with this combination of details.'

[N3RVE]

this is a good tutorial.
But still I can not done it with 000webhost.
error message: 'Unable to connect to FTP server with this combination of details.'

Create a topic regarding your trouble and give proper information pertaining difficulties your facing.
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?board=10.0

[SwapsRulez]

Its too much simple & a good guide for newbie. I appreciate your work mate. That's pretty good submission.
I think its worth of Sticky.

[_Anthony_]

Pics would help people who are more on the challenged side quite a bit.
And it is kind of useless because there is already a guide to install smf...

[ONLiNEZONE]

Hey guys!

I haven't been on recently.
I am gonna improve the tutorial. I am happy that some people are giving me some credit.
The tutorial has some spam contained. Because 000webhost.com are having major problems.
I am gonna change the webhost and Insert some images.

Thanks for your comments.

[riker]

Bah don't listen to them ONLiNEZONE, there's nothing wrong in having more than one tutorial around

[ONLiNEZONE]

this is a good tutorial.
But still I can not done it with 000webhost.
error message: 'Unable to connect to FTP server with this combination of details.'

Check that you have your credentials correct.

[ONLiNEZONE]

Bah don't listen to them ONLiNEZONE, there's nothing wrong in having more than one tutorial around

Thanks. But I need people to be true about it. So I can improve the tutorial.
Thanks anyways.

[dispecer]

OK, maybe you should move forward and add the SMF settings configuration and make a pit stop to the security issues of leaving files with full write permissions in your tutorial. What if you ruin someone's sites by allowing them to be vulnerable?

[ONLiNEZONE]

Dispecer, this tutorial is focused at installation of the software. I am sure there is some tutorials for security.

[Arantor]

Indeed there are:
How do I make my forum safer against hacker attacks?