On Install instructions, pointing browser

[Goldengirl71]

This part of the instructions on installing once I have uploaded to File Manager on server:

Run the installer

This is nearly the last step. You know where your forum directory is, because you put the files there yourself. So, point your browser at the file install.php in that directory. For example, if you put your forum in (I can't post links wouldn't let me, but the links it tells me in your instructions)

First, I think I have downloaded correctly, and then used Filezilla to upload to File Manager.  Everything looks fine, although the name of my Simple Machines package was a little confusing, but I think it is "package" right?  I'm so new to this, and what I did know in the past, well, it's been too long, I have to re-learn;)

I just uploaded to public the the h t m l, and I don't see a file named install dot php.   (attached).

I don't know what the "package" should have in it so I can't be sure it is all there.  I'm also attaching a snip of my "package" I downloaded to my C drive, and then a snip of how it looks in my File Manager.  Please let me know if I can give you more information to help.

My site is seniorsriot dot c o m , thanks again, Denise:) PS sorry I have the attachments out of order.  Oops, says I can't attach external links.  Ok, I'll post this and see if there is an upload for images on SM:)

[kat]

Firstly, try to forget File Manager. Stick with FTP. MUCH better.

Secondly, make sure Filezilla's "Transfer type", in the "Transfers" menu is set to "binary". The default, "Auto" tends to break things.

As for the actual install... Does this help?

http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/A_friendly_guide_to_installing_SMF

[Kindred]

oh... I see.

you uploaded ONLY the "packages" directory.

This is incorrect... you must load ALL files AND directories from the full install archive.
then, the files in the root will include install.php, Settings.php and index.php (amongst others)

[Goldengirl71]

Hi K,

Thank you for your reply!  Yes, I did get Filezilla set to binary.  I think the directions you sent will help, it has pictures, LOL!!  Thank you again, but if need be, and I want to "uninstall" and "reinstall" if I have done it wrong, do I just uninstall "packages"?  That looks like the whole ball of wax, but wasn't sure about the name;)

Then, I chose the zip file to download from SMF the first time around, I understand those a bit better.  Ok, feedback welcome, and then I'll go give it another go;) Denise

[Kindred]

you should have chosen the full install archive file.

yes, you can delete the contents that you uploaded before, since they do not belong in the root directory.

[Goldengirl71]

Ok Kindred,

I see where I messed up, geesh, bigtime!!  Thank you soooooooo much.  Shall I just leave the zip I have uploaded to site, and add the other two "box icon" parts of the package?  Or, should I start fresh and do them all at once?

Also, I didn't quite understand what it means when K said to "skip" file manager and just use FTP (Filezilla)?  I am doing the "extract" on my laptop first, before I upload on Filezilla.  Is that what she meant?  Thanks all, you guys are wonderful, just to be here!!

[kat]

Denise

EEK! Ex-wife's name!

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, don't upload to the public?  I can read again to find where, or you can tell me, lol??  Do I make a folder in File Manager for "forum", or I think it said something about the folders being created on download (extraction I think), but I don't know about upload;)?

Thanks again, I apologize if I am a pain;) I do try to do everything myself, but sometimes I am so guilty of missing things in my "reading the instructions"

[Goldengirl71]

LOL!!

Ok K;) I'll try not to, so far I am not, I feel I am in good hands here, Denise!!

[kat]

If your site's going to be a forum and squat else, upload everything into public_html, if that's what you have.

What I'd do, myself, is dearchive everything on the computer, then upload the extracted files/directories.

[Kindred]

no worries.   We have no problem answering questions for people who are actually TRYING.


delete the files that you originally uploaded.
Either upload ALL of the files from the archive/ZIP to your site or upload the archive/ZIP and extract it there, using the site filemanager.

You can put it in the root (usually public_html, or something like that)
or you can put it in a subdirectory -- as long as ALL files and directories are added to the SAME location.

if you put it in a subdirectory, though, your site URL to access the forum would be yoursite.com/forum/index.php

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, both K, and Kindred,

I think I have it.  I'll keep you guys posted, lucky you, LOL!! Have a great day!  Yes, by the way, all my site will be is a forum;)  I'm so excited because this has been about 5 years in the making, well, decision to "just do it" LOL:)  I have so many "little" ideas to make my forum different then the rest of the senior forums.  I'll run them all by you guys, once I can get my Forum up.  I am hoping I don't have to do much customizing, other than adding a photo here and there, naming the "boards".

Thanks so much for your help this a.m., ok, off to follow your instructions now;) denise

[kat]

Pleasure! One thing, before you go... Look at my sig. Get it burnt into your brain.

If you don't, you WILL get a disaster, sometime.

Click the sig, for the "How".

[Goldengirl71]

On Backup??  Yes, that is going to be important for me to learn about, also, spam busting etc.  Another topic, I'll be back when it's time;) Denise

[Goldengirl71]

Has anyone had issues with the links in your "online manual".  I realize it could be my internet, although I don't have any problems with other links this a.m., or yesterday.  For example, when I click on install "step", it fills in on URL, but doesn't open, just empty page opens.  But if I go up and click at end of URL, and hit Enter, it opens.

Anyone?  Just makes me a little nervous if this site is having issues, will I have those on my site.  Please don't misunderstand, I know there are always glitches, and I don't expect perfection anywhere online;)  I just want to cover as much as I can, as I go, thanks again everyone, Denise

[kat]

The wiki's been a bit crap, today. If a page won't load, try refreshing a few times. I've had to do that, too, today.

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, nothing unusual, I notice on my own internet, just, normal slow-downs etc.  No worries, like I said earlier, I feel I am in good hands here;)

I just got "all" uploaded to my server, went perfectly on Filezilla.  Now on my server as smf file, I appreciate the "extra" help from the link you sent on install;)  Very helpful;)  Now onto "install.php" which is actually there this time since I did load the whole deal like it told me to in the first place, lol!  One thing that threw me was it said download .zip file, but I didn't realize that meant all 3 boxes (box icon files) doi!! 

[kat]

You'll be surprised how much you learn, doing this stuff... You'll even surprise yourself by doing things that you didn't even know could be done!

'course, you're bound to find out that some of the things you thought could be done, can't.

One thing nooBs often don't know, for example, is that the net is case-sensitive. On Windoze, you can call a file CARROT.PHP or carrot.php and it'll treat them in the same way. On the net, they're totally different files.

Carrot.php
CaRrOt.php
cArRoT.php

all are totally different files.

Same with URLs.

SMF.org isn't the same, say, as smf.org.

[Goldengirl71]

I did figure that out and just do all my files as simple as I can, and all, small letters.  Great to mention though, even now I find myself capitalizing something.

My host has 4 databases, I'm working on that part of the instructions now.  I believe the mysql is something that works with smf.  There's a wizard for Mysql and I was going to look at that.  I can't find where I originally read which databases smf works with, so could you correct me if I'm wrong?

See attached for what I have to choose from, maybe I am mistaken about databases, any corrections are welcome;) denise

[kat]

I doubt an existing one will work. When you run the install script, I believe it asks you if you want to create a database. That usually works. Or, you can go to MySQL databases and create one, there.

Make sure you include yourself as a user, if you do that (I often forget that).

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, yes, the instructions say they'll lead through it all, so I will depend on that as I go.  Ttys, I have to run some errands, will be back later to start the database, then the next step;) Denise!!

[kat]

You'll manage.

[Kindred]

no. it does not.

You have to have a database created with a valid database user BEFORE running the install.
http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Installing

[kat]

From the wiki...

Create a Database

Once you create your database, be sure to make note of the database name, database user name, and password. You'll need it later, when you run the installer. An SMF forum needs a database to store all the information about members, posts, and topics. You can use the tools your web host provides to create a new database and a database user for SMF to login as and use. If you neglect this step at this point, the SMF installer will offer to help you with it later on.

So, I assumed that it could. Is that wrong? Or, is the wiki's wording weird?

[Illori]

if you have root access the database can be created for you, otherwise it does not.

[Goldengirl71]

Full, steam ahead!  I have my database setup!  Your directions are great!  At this rate, I should be up and running much earlier then I thought.  I know there will be tweaking as I go, but this is way fun!

Denise

PS Forgot to mention I made an "under construction" page, index.html.  Should I delete that before I go ahead with install.php?  Or will that over-ride my "holding page"?

I don't think it will make a lot of diff. so I think I will just delete it first come to think of it;) feedback welcome though, as always;)

[Goldengirl71]

Ok Kindred,

I just now saw your post on having to create my own database, I think that was to me.  Anyway, I did get that done.  Now though, I see my install.php in my File Manager, and I pointed my browser, and got the default page Hostgator puts up.  Where have I gone wrong LOL!!

here are 3 pics to show you guys how my files look, attached that is. ty much, denise

[Kindred]

Looks like you actually extracted the smf files two levels deep...   Public_html/smf/smf2.0.........   All of those files and directories should be in the root, public_html directory

[Goldengirl71]

From the wiki...

Create a Database

Once you create your database, be sure to make note of the database name, database user name, and password. You'll need it later, when you run the installer. An SMF forum needs a database to store all the information about members, posts, and topics. You can use the tools your web host provides to create a new database and a database user for SMF to login as and use. If you neglect this step at this point, the SMF installer will offer to help you with it later on.

So, I assumed that it could. Is that wrong? Or, is the wiki's wording weird?

Yes, it does say that, so I wasn't sure.  I did just go ahead though, rather then wait.  I mean I went into MYsql and it was an easy go.  I have written all my pw's down, and any usernames etc.  My printer is bust so I can't just print them out, but that ok, I am not bad at keeping things filed, and handy.  Not perfect, but I do better now, after losing too many things, LOL!! Live and learn hey;)

[Goldengirl71]

if you have root access the database can be created for you, otherwise it does not.

I'm not sure what "root" access means, but as I told K, I did just make my own, np with that in my host;) denise

[Goldengirl71]

From the wiki...

Create a Database

Once you create your database, be sure to make note of the database name, database user name, and password. You'll need it later, when you run the installer. An SMF forum needs a database to store all the information about members, posts, and topics. You can use the tools your web host provides to create a new database and a database user for SMF to login as and use. If you neglect this step at this point, the SMF installer will offer to help you with it later on.

So, I assumed that it could. Is that wrong? Or, is the wiki's wording weird?

Yes, it does say that, so I wasn't sure.  I did just go ahead though, rather then wait.  I mean I went into MYsql and it was an easy go.  I have written all my pw's down, and any usernames etc.  My printer is bust so I can't just print them out, but that ok, I am not bad at keeping things filed, and handy.  Not perfect, but I do better now, after losing too many things, LOL!! Live and learn hey;)

Ok, I've done that before, I remember it ended up like that when I first tried phpbb3, had it 3 deep.  I think I can move the files from the 3rd to the first?  Not sure if that's the way to go.  How the heck does that happen?  I just move the smf in Filezilla from the local side, over to the remote side.  Does anyone know what the remote side files have questions marks on them?  I'll show you a snip of my Filezilla below.  ty much, denise PS the red arrow shows where I moved the smf to the remote.  I did wonder about those question marks?

Edit: Oh shoot, this was in reply to Kindred about me being 3 deep, I see that, can't figure out why that happens to me, or how to fix it for sure Kindred?  ty sorry bout quoting the wrong post, doi

[webshine]

usually you have to create the instance of the SQL database separately

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, I see in the instruction, read it, but forgot when I went to ftp:

5. Upload all the files to your site

Once you've extracted all of the files, you'll need to upload them to your site. Begin by starting up an FTP client ( For more information about what FTP is and how to use it, see FTP_-_How_do_I_use_FTP). Point the FTP client at the correct directory on your web host. Often, it is "Public" or "public_html". If you don't know, ask your host for help. Grab all the files and directories in the smf directory on your desktop computer -- but not the directory called smf itself -- and copy these to the correct directory on your web host.

Can I just remove/delete the SMF file, off the server?  I'm thinking that could "take out" everything, since everything was in that on my local?  thanks you guys, I know I'm getting close here

[Goldengirl71]

usually you have to create the instance of the SQL database separately

Thanks Webshine, yes, I went ahead and did that.  It said it would work out both ways but I liked going ahead since when I looked into the MYsql the directions were really easy for me;)  Thank you for your feedback, Denise

[Goldengirl71]

LOL, ok, I know the answer, until I get it right, I have to delete it from server, and run it through ftp again, LOL!!  Well, it's a heck of way to learn, but it is my way, always the hard way because I don't follow the directions step by step, to big a hurry;)

So here I go, 3rd times a charm, so they say

[Kindred]

Actually, I have no idea what we shine was talking about since you did it the right way already...

As for the files...  You can just move the files and directories into the root public_html directory. No need to delete and extract them all again...   Although, if you've already done that, it won't hurt either...

[Goldengirl71]

Hi Kindred,

I did redo it, leaving the SMF in the local.  But I still can't pull up the install.php file.  I had to lay it all down for the day/night.  Maybe someone will be around in the a.m.

Since you were kind enough to come down and reply, I'll show you some pics of what my File Manager looks like now, seems it's all as it should be, can't figure out why I am not able to get the install.php.  I figure I am missing something in the directions again;) thanks again, Denise:)

[Kindred]

You still have all of the smf files one level deep, in the smf_2.0.8_install directory.

When you extracted the files, you allowed the extract utility to drop the files I. A created subdirectory


So...   
1- delete all files in your root directory.
2- move all files out of that subdirectory up to the root.

[Goldengirl71]

So the files have to be moved separately, not all in one folder.  I hope that makes sense.  I think I read that but I couldn't see the problem with moving them all at once in a folder.  It evidently creates one though so I have learned something else;)  Thank you much, I'll do it in the a.m. Kindred, Denise:)

[Kindred]

You can move the entire contents of that sub folder to the root....   First, you should delete the files that are currently in the root...   And directories like cache, since your file manager won't be able to move the smf cache directory if that one is already there.

[Goldengirl71]

I think I figured this out when I first woke up this a.m. Kindred.  If I want the file path to be right, for install.php "has" to be in the root folder so the path would be seniorsriot.com/install.php.  The way I have had it, there are two (now one) folders that would have to be included in the path like, seniorsriot.com/smf/install.php which just complicates the path, I think.  Anyway,  I am going to follow your instructions above, and wish me luck;) 

I really want to thank you for sticking with me on this;) Denise

PS I am confused as I look at all the Directory.  It is listed like this as you probably know:

Home Directory
Web Directory
Public FTP Root (public_ftp)
Document Root for:
    seniorsriot.com

So the install.php "has" to be in seniorsriot.com directory root if I am getting this? I'm going to try to do your steps now.

I DID IT!! I highlighted all the files under the smf_2-0-8_install folder, and moved them directly under public_html.  After the smf folder was empty, I deleted it.  Then I typed in seniorsriot.com/install.php and voila!  There is my SMF Installer page, lol, oh boy, now for more fun and games, hope this thread helps others:) Denise

PS MAKE THAT "WE DID IT" could not have done it without your help, all of you!

[kat]

Backup! NOW!!!

[Goldengirl71]

Ok, will do, haven't been doing anything, I think I have burn-out, lol!

I'll go click your sig, and follow the steps;)  There is soooooooooooooo much to do yet:(  but I am really pleased with the way things look.  But yes, I'll try the backup now so I know how to do that.  Thank you K, Denise

[Goldengirl71]

Hi K,

I haven't a clue where to "backup" to?  I'll see if I can find something that tells me, but if you see this maybe you can fill me in.  I mean, I have backed things up on disks/cd's but I don't know if there are other ways now?

Thanks, Denise PS I just found info on Filezilla having a place to backup my site!  Does that sound good to you K?  Seems good to me since I love Mozilla Firefox, and Filezilla worked so well for me;) denise

[kat]

I backup to an empty directory on my hard disk. I'd rather have it, myself, than rely on someone else to look after it.

[Goldengirl71]

I think so too, about having my backup, but what if my laptop croaks?  It's in good shape now, but almost 2 years old, who knows, none of us can be too sure how long our toys will last, lol;)

[kat]

My laptop stiffed, the other day.

I back mine up to my HD and I also backup to an external USB drive, too. If you do that, don't backup and copy the file to another drive. Take two backups. I've fallen for that, myself. The backup was corrupt and, obviously, so was the copy.

With the forum, itself, that's not so bad. You can rebuild that.


But... it was the database...

[Goldengirl71]

Oh geez, well, I can learn from that hey:)  Ok, will do K, I gotta be goin, gonna go read, and just get off this thing for awhile, thanks a bunch, you are fun to work with;) Denise

[kat]

you are fun to work with

That made me