Topics

Running the Installation Process

If you've gotten to this point, the Exponent CMS package files are on the web server and you've created a database.  The web-based Install Wizard should now be used to complete the installation (this is NO longer semi-automatic as of v2.0.4).

  1. Use your web browser to navigate to the Exponent installer for your website to run the installer:
    • www.yoursite.com/install/index.php
    • www.yoursite.com/exponent/install/index.php
  2. You should see the following screen appear, if so, click the Begin Installation button.
    • If you are returned to a 'site is currently down' screen, the system has already been installed and the '/install/not_configured' file is missing/has been deleted already.
    • If you are forcing a new re-installation and had saved any configuration profiles, you'll be given an opportunity to restore one of them.
  3. If you see this screen, the system has detected you were already logged in as a super-administrator and are upgrading an existing installation (has an existing '/framework/conf/config.php' file)
    • Please refer to the the Upgrade procedures found here.
  4. Review the System Requirement Checks to ensure that everything is passed as ok
    • Ensure that your File and Directory Permissions are set correctly
    • Ensure that the Other Tests indicate your web hosting environment is compatible with Exponent.
    • If an error is detected, you'll be asked to correct the situation and given an option to Re-run the checks.
  5. Click on the Configure Your Database link once all the System Requirement Checks have been passed.
  6. Input the Database Settings:
    • Backend - select the type of database being used - MySQLi is the default
    • Database Encoding - select the database language - utf8 is the default
    • Address — the default setting localhost should work for most users, but if your Hosting Provider runs their database software on a different server, then you should enter this address here. It should be either an an IP address http://192.256.3.4 or a domain name http://mysql.example.com/userABC/.
    • Port — the default port 3306 should work for most users but if your database is on another computer you may need to use a different port number.
    • Database Name — input the Name of the database you created for Exponent, usually Exponent.
    • Username — input the Database Username you created to access this database.
    • Password — input the Database Password for the User.
    • Table Prefix — the default prefix exponent should work for most users, but if you are using a shared database for multiple Exponent installations you may need to differentiate it. Note that the Install Wizard will add an underscore (_) to the table prefix do don't add this yourself.
  7. Once you've verified your settings are correct, click the Install Database button.
    • If you get a Connecting: Failed... message, then something in your Database Configuration was incorrect. Click on the Edit Your Database Settings link and repeat the steps above to fix the problem.
    • Otherwise, you'll see a result of all the test performed on the new database.
  8. Click on the "Continue Installation" button
    • Enter details about your web site.
      • You can change this information later using "Site Configuration".  Details are found here.
    • Click on the "Add Configuration Settings" button
  9. Next, Click on the button to select your site's Theme
    • You'll have the option of installing sample content with examples of several modules and features.
  10. Enter the information for the "Super Admin" Administrator.
    • Username — set the Username you will use this to login to your website. To ensure the security of your website, DO NOT leave this as the default admin! 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 — set a Password for this account. Remember that the stronger your password the more secure your website will be. DO NOT leave this as the default admin!  The password can NOT be equal ot the username and must be at least eight (8) characters long.
    • Personal Details — set your personal details and valid email address which the system can use to contact you.
  11. Click the Create Administrator button.
  12. You should now see an "You're all set!" message.
    • Enter the "Super Admin" username and password you just created.
    • Select the first thing you want to do after leaving this installation.
      • If you want to perform some additional Site Configuration, select the first option.  You'll find details about Site Configuration here.
      • If you want to import/restore a saved database file (.eql), select the second option.  You'll find details about Import Database here.
      • If you are "transferring" from an earlier version of Exponent 1.0, 0.9x, select the thirdoption.  You'll find details about Site Migration here.
      • Otherwise, select the fourth option to go to your new home page.
    • Click on the "Log In" button.
  13. Welcome to your new web site!
Loading Help