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    Softaculous Auto-Installer

    Install popular applications with just a few clicks

    On This Page

    What is Softaculous?

    Softaculous is an auto-installer that makes it easy to install hundreds of popular web applications including WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, phpBB, and many more with just a few clicks.

    Accessing Softaculous

    1. Log in to your cPanel account
    2. Scroll down to the "Software" or "Softaculous Apps Installer" section
    3. Click on "Softaculous Apps Installer" icon

    Installing an Application

    1Browse or Search

    • Browse Categories: Click on categories like "Blogs", "E-Commerce", "Forums", etc.
    • Search: Use the search box to find specific applications
    • Popular: View most popular installations

    2Select Application

    1. Click on the application you want to install
    2. Review the application details and demo
    3. Click the "Install" button

    3Configure Installation

    Software Setup:

    • Choose Version: Select the version to install (usually latest)
    • Choose Protocol: Select http:// or https:// (use https if SSL is enabled)
    • Choose Domain: Select which domain to install on
    • In Directory: Leave blank for root or enter subdirectory name

    4Site Settings

    • Site Name: Enter your website name
    • Site Description: Brief description of your site
    • Enable Multisite: (WordPress specific) Enable if needed

    5Admin Account

    • Admin Username: Choose admin username (avoid "admin" for security)
    • Admin Password: Set a strong password
    • Admin Email: Enter your email address

    6Advanced Options (Optional)

    • Database Name: Auto-generated or customize
    • Table Prefix: Database table prefix (default usually fine)
    • Auto Upgrade: Enable automatic updates (recommended)
    • Backup Location: Where to store backups
    • Automated Backups: Set backup frequency

    7Complete Installation

    1. Review all settings
    2. Click "Install" button at the bottom
    3. Wait for installation to complete (usually 1-2 minutes)
    4. You'll see success message with admin URL and credentials

    Managing Installed Applications

    View Installations

    1. In Softaculous, click "All Installations" link
    2. See list of all installed applications
    3. View installation details, URLs, and dates

    Upgrade Application

    1. If update is available, you'll see an upgrade button
    2. Click to review upgrade details
    3. Click "Upgrade Installation"
    4. Backup is automatically created before upgrade

    Backup Installation

    1. Click the backup icon
    2. Choose backup location (server or download)
    3. Click "Backup Installation"

    Remove Installation

    1. Click the remove icon
    2. Choose whether to remove files only or files + database
    3. Confirm removal

    Automated Backups

    Softaculous can automatically backup your installations:

    • Frequency: Set backup schedule (daily, weekly, monthly)
    • Retention: How many backups to keep
    • Location: Store on server or remote location
    • Email Notification: Get notified when backups complete

    Restoring from Backup

    1. Go to "All Installations"
    2. Click on the installation to restore
    3. Click "Backups" tab
    4. Find the backup you want to restore
    5. Click "Restore"
    6. Confirm the restoration

    Best Practices

    • Use HTTPS: If you have SSL, always choose https:// protocol
    • Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong admin passwords
    • Enable Auto-Updates: Keep applications secure with automatic updates
    • Regular Backups: Enable automated backups for peace of mind
    • Avoid "admin" Username: Use unique admin usernames for security
    • Empty Directory: Install in clean directory to avoid conflicts
    • Review Requirements: Check application requirements before installing

    Troubleshooting

    Installation Failed

    • Check if directory already has files (must be empty)
    • Verify domain is properly configured
    • Ensure sufficient disk space
    • Check if database limit has been reached

    Can't Access After Installation

    • Wait a few minutes for DNS propagation
    • Clear browser cache
    • Verify the URL is correct
    • Check if .htaccess is blocking access

    Upgrade Failed

    • Restore from automatic pre-upgrade backup
    • Check error logs in cPanel
    • Try manual upgrade if auto-upgrade fails

    Database Connection Error

    • Check database credentials in config file
    • Verify database exists in phpMyAdmin
    • Ensure database user has proper privileges

    Softaculous vs Manual Installation

    Softaculous Advantages:

    • Quick and easy installation
    • Automatic database creation
    • Built-in backup system
    • Easy updates and management
    • No FTP or technical knowledge required

    Manual Installation Benefits:

    • More control over configuration
    • Can use development versions
    • Custom file structure
    • Better for advanced users with specific needs