Installing Exponent Tutorial
From ExponentCMS Docs
Tutorials
- Installing ExponentA step-by-step guide to Installing Exponent version 0.96.6 on a remote web server.
- Configuring Exponent Coming soon.
- Editors Tutorial Coming soon.
- Designers Tutorial All of the information you'll need to start creating your own ExponentCMS Themes.
- Administrators Tutorial Coming soon.
- Developers Tutorial Coming soon.
Installing Exponent Tutorial
This page contains a step-by-step Tutorial to guide you through Installing Exponent.
About this Tutorial
This tutorial will guide you through installing Exponent version 0.96.5 on a remote web server using the cPanel v11 Control Panel and a MySQL Database. Even if you use a different Control Panel or Database you should find this tutorial useful.
For more information about Installing Exponent using other tools see the Installing Exponent page.
Before you begin your installation make sure that your computer or web server meets the System Requirements for Exponent.
Installing Exponent Tutorial 
A text only version of this tutorial is included below. You can access a version with visual guides in 3 different ways:
- View the Tutorial mini-site online.
- Download a PDF Version of the Tutorial.
- Download an ZIP Archive of the Tutorial mini-site.
Please note that this tutorial is for Exponent version 0.96.5. Users installing other versions of Exponent should view the INSTALLATION text file included as part of the Exponent software package.
Get Exponent CMS
This lesson guides you through the process of downloading the latest version of Exponent CMS.
Exponentcms.org Downloads Page
The first thing you need to do is download a copy of the Exponent CMS software.
Go to www.exponentcms.org and use the Downloads > Get Exponent CMS! link to access the downloads page.
Next use the Click here to download Exponent Content Management from Sourceforge link.
Note: Below this link you'll find information about downloading Exponent from the Subversion Repository. If you are a developer you may want to use this version, but most users should download the latest stable release.
SourceForge Download
You are now on the Exponent Downloads page at SourceForge.net, which is a site that hosts downloads for a wide range of software developers.
You'll find information about Exponent on this site, but only the Downloads section is kept up-to-date so for the latest info on Exponent it's best to use www.exponentcms.org.
Latest File Releases
Towards the top of the page is the Latest File Releases section. If you're looking for the latest add-ons for Exponent, then this is the place to look first.
For now, though we just want to download the latest stable release of Exponent, so we'll move onto the section below.
File Releases
The File Releases section contains a list of the various versions of the Exponent software and add-on modules. At the top of the list you'll find the latest versions of Exponent CMS:
• 0.96.6 Beta (Bossanova)
• 0.96.6 Alpha (Bossanova)
• 0.96.5 Stable (Goodyear)
As we want to install Exponent on a live site, we want the latest stable version 0.96.5 Stable (Goodyear).
Note: The other two versions may be newer, but they are works in progress and should only be used in a development environment.
Latest Stable Release
Use the +/- icons to hide the 0.96.6 Beta (Bossanova) options and reveal the three 0.96.5 Stable (Goodyear) options:
• exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.tar.bz2
• exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.tar.gz
• exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.zip
Which one you download, depends on where you want to install Exponent.
Windows Installations
If you'll be installing Exponent on a Microsoft Exchange server or a Windows PC then you'll want to download the .zip archive.
Click on exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.zip to start the download.
Unix, Linux & Mac Installations
For this example we'll be installing Exponent on a Unix server so we'll download the .tar.gz archive. If you're using a Linux or Apple Macintosh computer then you'll also want this version.
Click on exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.tar.gz to start the download.
Downloading...
You should now get a confirmation message that the Exponent Archive you selected is being downloaded.
Note: If your download doesn't start automatically then use the this direct link option to force a download.
That's it. Once complete you will find your Exponent CMS Software Archive in your browser's downloads folder.
You're now ready to setup your Exponent Database.
One More Thing...
If you're new to Exponent, then it's probably best to just stick with installing the core software for now, but if you're feeling adventurous, then you can also download Add-On Modules.
Have a look at the Latest File Releases section and download any you think might be handy. Just make sure that any Modules you download match the Release of the Exponent software you install. For this lesson we're installing Exponent 0.96.5 (Goodyear) so be careful not to download add-ons for any other version, no matter how great they sound!
For more information about Add-On Modules see the Module Contributions section of the Exponent website.
Creating the Database
This lesson guides you through Creating the Database which Exponent will use to hold the content for your website.
Note: For this lesson we are going to setup a MySQL database, but Exponent will also support users who wish to use a PostGreSQL database.
The Control Panel
The way you manage your site will depend on your Hosting Service Provider package. You will usually have a Control Panel with a set of icons for accessing all your services.
This lesson uses cPanel v11.
Note: Your actual Control Panel may vary somewhat from this example, but the basic steps should be the same. If you are unsure, then either contact your Hosting Service Provider or use the Exponent Forums to look for help.
Go to your Control Panel and login.
Once you've logged into your Control Panel you'll find a whole host of options for managing your domain.
Find the Databases section and click on the MySQL® Databases link.
Databases Manager
You should now be on the MySQL Databases page. This allows you to manage the databases for your domain.
Create New Database
Using the Create New Database section type in a name for your new database. We're going to call our database exponent but you can call yours whatever you like.
Then click Create Database.
Once the database has been created you'll get a confirmation message with the database name, in this case exponent. Make a note of this as you'll need it later.
Then click the Go Back button to return to the main MySQL Databases page.
Create New User
You now need to create a User to allow you to access the database.
Using the Add New User section, type in a Username (1) and Password (2). Remember that the stronger your password, the safer your site.
Then click Create User.
Note: If you've already created a User for another database then you can always use that identity for your new database, though it's more secure to have a different user and password for each database you manage.
Once the user has been created you'll get a confirmation message with your Username (1) and Password (2), in this case expuser and my01paSSworDx991a. Make a note of these as you'll need them later.
Then click the Go Back button.
Add User to Database
Now you need to give the User you created access to the Database.
Using the Add User To Database section, use the dropdown menus to select the User (1) and the Database (2) you just created. In this case expuser and exponent.
Then click Submit.
Manage User Privileges
The Manage User Privileges page should now load. This is where you set the Privileges your user will have when accessing the database.
In this case, you want the user to access everything, so tick the All Privileges box.
Then click Make Changes.
Once the user has been added to the database you'll a get confirmation message with the Username (1) and Database (2), in this case expuser and exponent. This should match the settings you made a note of earlier.
Now click the Go Back button.
Database Created
You've now created a Database to hold all the content for your Exponent website and created a Username and Password to access the database.
You're now ready to Upload & Extract the Exponent CMS software to your website.
Upload and Extract
This lesson guides you through Uploading & Extracting the Exponent CMS software to your web server. There's a wide range of ways to do this, but for this example we'll be using the domain management Control Panel, cPanel v11.
FTP Note: Some Control Panels do not have the option for FTP. If so, then use an FTP Client to upload the Exponent software to your website.
Extracting Note: If your Control Panel isn't able to extract the Exponent software archive, then you can always extract Exponent on your local computer and then FTP all the files to your web server. If you FTP this way, then you need to be sure to check your File Permissions are correct when through.
Launch the File Manager
Return to the home page of your Control Panel and locate the Files section.
Click on the File Manager link.
The File Manager
The File Manager window should now be open. This contains a set of Menu Controls (1) across the top, a File Structure List (2) of your website on the left and an Active Folder List (3) on the right.
Note: What you see will vary depending on your hosting setup but the principles should be similar.
Set Active Folder
Using the File Structure list, open the folder you want to use for Exponent. In most cases that will mean putting it in the Public HTML folder for your website, but it can also happily run from another folder or sub-domain.
In this example we're going to upload the Exponent archive to the Public HTML folder.
Upload
Once you've selected the folder to house Exponent CMS, click the Upload button in the Menu Controls.
Upload Files
This opens the Upload Files popup. Check that the path for your files is correct, in this case /home/public_html/ (1).
Now click the Browse button.
Select the Folder
Use your computer's file browser to Select the Exponent archive.
Uploading
Your screen should now indicate that the file is being Uploaded and when it's finished it should say 100% complete.
You can now close the Upload Files popup.
Set Active File
Using the right-hand Active Folder list, select the file exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.tar.gz you just uploaded by clicking on the file icon.
Note: If you click on the file name then the File Manager will assume you want to rename the file. Just hit Escape to leave the file name intact.
Extract
Once you've selected the file, click the Extract button in the Menu Controls.
Check Path
This opens the Extract popup. Check that the extraction Path (1) is correct, then click Extract File(s).
Extraction Results
Once the files have been extracted you'll get a success message.
You can now close the Extraction Results popup.
Folder Created
You'll now find a new folder exponent-0.96.5-GA in the Active Folder list. This folder contains the Exponent software.
If you want to run Exponent from another folder, or even your Public HTML folder (i.e. the web root), then just move all the files out of the archive folder to the correct location.
For this installation we'll leave the files where they are.
Rename Folder
In order to make the website more accessible, we're going to rename the folder exponent-0.96.5-GA to just plain old exponent.
Using the right-hand Active Folder list, click on the file name exponent-0.96.5-GA-11012006.tar.gz and when prompted type in the new name exponent.
Then hit Return.
File Permissions
If you used cPanel v11 to upload and extract Exponent then your File Permissions should be set correctly so you can skip this step.
If you have used a different version of cPanel or another FTP process, then you may need to manually change these permissions. For Exponent 0.96.5 the following files and folders should have their permissions set to 755:
• /conf/
• /conf/config.php
• /conf/profiles/
• /extensionuploads/
• /files/
• /install/
• /modules/
• /overrides.php
• /tmp/
• /views_c/
Note: If you are installing another version of Exponent, then the file permissions will vary.
Changing File Permissions
To change permissions with cPanel use the following instructions:
Select the File
In the right-hand active folder list, select the folder /conf/ by clicking on it's folder icon.
Menu Controls
Once you've selected the folder, click the Change Permissions button in the Menu Controls.
Change Permissions
When the Change Permissions popup appears, tick the boxes necessary to set the permissions to 755.
Then click the Change Permissions button.
Now do the same for the other folders and files in the list above.
Hint: If your browser supports it, then you can select multiple files and change all the permissions at once.
Upload and Extraction Complete
That's it. You now have copy of the Exponent CMS software uploaded to your website in the folder exponent.
You are now ready to run the Exponent Install Wizard.
Note: In order to keep your web space tidy, you may wish to delete the tar.gz archive, but it's entirely up to you.
Exponent Install Wizard
This lesson guides you through using the Exponent Install Wizard to link your website to the Database and add an account for your site's Super Administrator.
Accessing the Wizard
Use your web browser to navigate to your Exponent folder, e.g. www.yoursite.com/exponent/ which should automatically bump you into the Install folder and launch the Exponent Install Wizard.
Once there, use the dropdown menu to select your Language (1) then click Set Language.
If you don't get bumped to the Install folder, then enter the complete url for the Install folder, e.g. www.yoursite.com/exponent/install/index.php
New Installation
As this is your first time using Exponent, click on the New Installation link.
Note: If you have an existing Exponent website then you need to click on the Upgrade link, but that process is not covered in this lesson.
Unable to Write
If you see an Unable to write message on the top left of your screen then you need to check your File Permissions before moving on.
Note: For help setting File Permissions, return to the Tutorial Contents screen and review the Upload & Extract lesson.
Sanity Checks
The next step is the Sanity Checks (System Requirements Check) where the Install Wizard checks that everything is properly setup. If you want an explanation of what this is all about, then click on the read about each sanity check link on the install page.
File and Directory Permission Tests
The top of the screen shows the File and Directory Permission Tests. This is where Exponent makes sure that your files and folders have the right Permissions so that the software can write to certain files and folders when it needs to.
Each item in the list should verify as Okay.
Permissions Problems
If you see a Not Readable/Writable message next to any item in the list, then the File Permissions for that item are incorrect. To fix this, use your Control Panel or FTP Client to change the Permissions for all the problem items.
When complete, click the Re-run Environment Checks link to run the Sanity Check again.
Note: For help setting File Permissions, return to the Tutorial Contents screen and review the Upload & Extract lesson.
Other Tests
The bottom of the screen shows the Other Tests. This is where Exponent makes sure that your hosting environment has the necessary database and system extensions installed.
Each item in the list should verify as Passed or Supported.
Other Tests Problems
If you see a Failed message next to any item in the list, then there are problems with your web hosting setup. You should click on the read about each sanity check link on the install page and take appropriate steps to resolve the problems.
If you are still unsure of what to do, then check with your Hosting Provider or look in the Exponent Forums for further advice.
Sanity Passed
Now that all the Sanity Checks have passed, you are ready for the next step.
Click on the Configure Database Settings link at the bottom of the page to continue.
Database Configuration
You're now ready to enter details about your Database Configuration, including Server Information, Database Information and Example Content.
Server Information
The first section deals with your Server Information which tells Exponent where your Database Server is located and how to connect to it.
Backend Software
Select which Backend software you are running. For most users this will be a MySQL Database Backend, but if your hosting provider doesn't supply you with MySQL then you can use a PostGreSQL Database Backend instead.
For this example leave the Backend on the default MySQL Database Backend.
Address
For most users, the Address your database software will run from is the same as your website, so the default setting will work. If however your Hosting Provider has their database software installed on a different computer, then you should enter this address here. It should be either an an IP address (e.g. http://192.256.3.4) or an internet domain name (e.g. http://mysql.example.com/userABC/).
For this example we'll leave the Address on the default localhost.
Port
Most users should leave the Port set to the default, but if your database is on another computer you may need to use a different port number. Check with your Hosting Provider if you are unsure.
For this example we'll leave the Port set to the default 3306.
Database Information
This section deals with your Database Information where you input details of the database you set up earlier.
Database Name
Input the Name of the database you created earlier, for this example, exponent.
Note: It is possible for Exponent to share the database with other software installed on your system, though for this lesson we are using a unique database.
Username
Input the Username you created to access the database, for this example, expuser.
Note: You must ensure that this user has the correct Database Privileges. If you're unsure what this means, click on the More Information link.
Password
Enter the database user's Password you saved earlier, for this example, my01paSSworDx991a.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you to use a unique password to ensure the highest security for your website.
Table Prefix
Most users should leave the Table Prefix set to the default. This prefix helps Exponent differentiate its' tables from other tables which may be stored in your Database for other software to access.
For this example we have created a unique database for Exponent to use, so we will leave the Table Prefix set to exponent.
Default Example Content
The last setting determines if the Wizard will install Example Content for your Exponent website. This includes a set of commonly used modules with sample content and provides a great sandbox to help you get familiar with Exponent. If you are new to Exponent then you should definitely do this.
For this lesson, we will leave the Install Example Content checkbox ticked.
Verify
Now take a look back over the settings you entered and verify that everything is correct.
Once you are sure it's all ok click the Test Settings button.
Checking Database Configuration
You should now see the Checking Database Configuration page. If everything in your system checks out, then you should have a list filled with Succeeded.
Click on the Create an Administrator link to move onto the next step.
Database Configuration Failed
If you get a Connecting: Failed... message then something in your Database Configuration was incorrect.
Click on the Edit Your Database Settings and repeat the steps above to correct the problem.
Note: If you are unable to resolve the problem, then visit the Exponent Forums for further advice.
Setup Administrator Account
This is where you'll setup a Super Administrator Account so that you can login an manage your Exponent website. There is only one Super Administrator for each Exponent website.
Note: Once you've logged into your site can create as many Administrator Accounts as you like, but there is only one Super Administrator Account which gives you access to full site control.
Username
Type in a Username for your Super Administrator Account. You will use this to login to your website. To ensure the security of your website, DO NOT leave this as the default admin!
In this example, I've set my Username to aturing.
Note: Once you've set the username of the Super Administrator, it can't be changed so make sure to use something memorable but secure.
Password
Select a Password to use with your Super Administrator Account. Remember that the stronger your password the more secure your website will be. DO NOT leave this as the default admin!
In this example I've set my Password to pasSwXR234b.
Note: Once you've logged into your website, you can change the Super Administrator password whenever you like. You are advised to do this periodically to ensure the continued security of your website.
Personal Details
Now input your First Name, Last Name and the Email Address you want Exponent to use when sending Password reminders and such.
Make a note of all the settings you entered, in particular your Username and Password.
Once you have done this, click Continue.
Installation Complete
Congratulations, you now have a fully working Exponent website!
Click on the Go to the web site link to view your new site.
If your site loads ok, then you are ready to Configure Your Website.
Not Found Error - Don't Panic!
For this lesson we installed Exponent in a Sub-Folder of our website /html_docs/exponent/. In some hosting environments this can cause a problem as Exponent's index.php script will keep reverting back to the root directory /html_docs/ of the website.
If you encountered this problem, then you need to perform one little fix before you can enjoy your Exponent website.
Sub-Folder Installations Fix
All you need to do is add the Path to your exponent installation, in this case /exponent/ to the file overrides.php.
There are a wide variety of ways to edit this file, such as downloading it via FTP, editing the file and then uploading it back to your website, but for this lesson we're going to make the fix using Control Panel cPanel v11.
Go back to the File Manager of your Control Panel.
Locate the file overrides.php in the base folder of your Exponent installation, in our case /public_html/exponent/overrides.php and select it by clicking on the file (PHP) icon.
Once you've selected the file, click on the Code Editor button in the Control Menu.
Line 3 of this file tells Exponent what the root path for your website is:
You simply need to add the path to your Exponent website, in our case the sub-directory exponent:
Then click the Save Changes button.
That's It! You should now be able to access your new Exponent website by typing the url into a browser.
For this example, visit www.yoursite.com/exponent/index.php.
You are now ready to Configure Your Website.
