Install php forum - UK Web Hosting | Dedicated Server Windows and Linux VPS Forum

**MonteJon** · #1 (**permalink**) 31-10-2007, 16:27

Hi all,
Can someone take me through the steps involved in installing a php [version 2.2] forum via ftp on my linux account please ?
I've just discovered that with the php forum available via the CP I don't have access to the forum back-up files. This is one of the reasons I'm leaving my old host.
Many thanks,
Jon

**WelshTom** · #2 (**permalink**) 31-10-2007, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonteJon

Hi all,
Can someone take me through the steps involved in installing a php [version 2.2] forum via ftp on my linux account please ?
I've just discovered that with the php forum available via the CP I don't have access to the forum back-up files. This is one of the reasons I'm leaving my old host.
Many thanks,
Jon

I assume you mean phpBB?

**WelshTom** · #3 (**permalink**) 31-10-2007, 17:10

Well. If you are talking about phpBB2.2, here are some instructions on how to install a phpBB forum onto your web hosting account.

You can either install phpBB2 from something called Fantastico, which will automatically install phpBB for you within a matter of seconds.

This may be convienent for you as it will mean you wont have to download the files from phpBB's website hosting to install the forum. It will also mean you are quickly able to upgrade the forum when new releases of phpBB2 are distributed. However, the likelyhood of another version of phpBB2 being released is quite low, as the phpBB team have been working on a new project (phpBB3), which is set to release very soon.

If however, you do not want to install phpBB from Fantastico, you'll have to install it manually. You can do this by going to http://www.phpbb.com, and downloading the latest phpBB2 release. You will then need to upload this to your home directory, and unzip it via cPanel or SSH (if you have access).

Then simply open the forum in your web browser, and you'll see the instalation screen. The install is pretty much self-explanatory, so you should have no problems if you are installing it this way.

If you are trying to copy over a forum from a previous web host, you'll need to backup the database from the forums Administration panel. When you have made a backup, and have installed a new forum on your new hosting account, you'll be able to upload the backup from your new forums administration panel.

If you want to copy skins/logos and other images, you'll need to copy over the images directory, and the skins directory from your previous web host.

This can be done via FTP. If you are not too sure on how to do this yourself, open a ticket at eUKhost, and I'm sure they'll get this done for you.

**jc8654** · #4 (**permalink**) 31-10-2007, 17:35

If you do get stuck on anything, just drop a message on here and one of us will be more than happy to help!

**DPS Computing** · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 04:40

phpBB is available for installation through Fantastico (isn't it still?). This may be an easier way for you to install it on your web site hosting if you choose.

**jc8654** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 08:33

Yeah, it's still there.

**DPS Computing** · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc8654

Yeah, it's still there.

Thanks for that confirmation Jonathan. The Fantastico version is sometimes a minor version behind but is normally updated after a few weeks - for most people this is not an issue and for its ease of use - you can't beat it!

**jc8654** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPS Computing

Thanks for that confirmation Jonathan. The Fantastico version is sometimes a minor version behind but is normally updated after a few weeks - for most people this is not an issue and for its ease of use - you can't beat it!

If you do customise anything with the files in phpBB e.g. stylesheets, they will get reverted back to the originals with an upgrade so make sure you keep a hard copy you can just upload again. You database files etc. won't change so you'll still have all your posts etc.

**DPS Computing** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc8654

If you do customise anything with the files in phpBB e.g. stylesheets, they will get reverted back to the originals with an upgrade so make sure you keep a hard copy you can just upload again. You database files etc. won't change so you'll still have all your posts etc.

Yes that is an important note to remember with auto installers. I do think that Fantastico prewarns you before the upgrade to only proceed if you haven't installed any mods but the databases are left intact.

You have 2 options from there on in. You either do the upgrade and reinstall the modifications. Or you can do a manual upgrade following the software owners instructions and preserve certain files to preserve your upgrades.

**jc8654** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 16:49

Although I don't think this is a problem with phpBB, some of the software is only updateable through fantastico because of restrictions on the server in which case you have to add the customisations, rather than just doing the manual update route.

**MonteJon** · #11 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 01:17

Thanks all for the replies !
I've since discovered that I can get access to the files that I need so problem is solved.
Regards,
Jon

**DPS Computing** · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 03:02

Glad to see it sorted for you satisfactorily Jon

.