Install phpBB in cPanel

Installing phpBB, a popular open-source forum software, in cPanel using Softaculous is a straightforward process. Softaculous is an auto-installer that simplifies the installation of web applications like phpBB. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing phpBB using Softaculous in cPanel:

Step 1: Log into cPanel

1. Access cPanel:
   • Open your web browser and navigate to your cPanel login URL, which is typically in the format of https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or https://yourserverip:2083.
   • Enter your cPanel username and password to log in.

Step 2: Open Softaculous Apps Installer

2. Navigate to Softaculous:
   • Once logged in, scroll down to the “Software” or “Softaculous Apps Installer” section.
   • Click on the Softaculous icon. This will open the Softaculous dashboard.

Step 3: Find phpBB

3. Search for phpBB:
   • In the Softaculous dashboard, use the search bar to find “phpBB”.
   • Click on “phpBB” from the search results.

Step 4: Start the Installation Process

4. Install phpBB:
   • On the phpBB software page, click on the “Install” button. This will take you to the setup page where you can configure your forum settings.

Step 5: Configure Installation Settings

5. Choose Installation URL:
   • Choose Protocol: If your site has SSL, select https:// or https://www.. If not, select http:// or http://www..
   • Choose Domain: Select the domain where you want to install phpBB.
   • In Directory: If you want to install it in the root of your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com), leave this field blank. To install in a subfolder, enter the folder name (e.g., entering forum will install it at yourdomain.com/forum).
6. Site Settings:
   • Fill in your forum name and site description.
7. Admin Account:
   • Create an admin username, password, and email. This is important for managing your forum, so choose a secure password and an email you have access to.
8. Choose Language:
   • Select the language for your forum if you want something other than English.
9. Advanced Options (Optional):
   • Here, you can manage database settings and backups. You can usually leave these at their default settings.

Step 6: Complete the Installation

10. Install:
    • Review all the settings. When you’re ready, click the “Install” button at the bottom of the page.
    • Softaculous will start the installation process and show a progress bar.

Step 7: Access Your New Forum

11. Access phpBB:
    • Once the installation is complete, Softaculous will provide you with the links to your forum’s URL and the admin area.
    • Click on the provided URL to go to your new phpBB forum.

Conclusion

Installing phpBB via Softaculous in cPanel is a quick and efficient process. It automates the technical aspects, allowing you to set up a forum with just a few clicks. Remember to keep your phpBB installation and any installed extensions updated for security and performance reasons. Enjoy building your online community with phpBB!