Import a Manually Installed App into Softaculous

What does import mean?

Softaculous is a tool in cPanel that installs apps such as WordPress. It keeps a list of apps it installed itself. If you uploaded an app by hand, Softaculous does not know about it. Importing tells Softaculous: "This app is here. Please add it to your list." After that, you can update it, back it up or remove it from Softaculous. cPanel is the control panel where you manage your hosting.

Ask Hostvento support if Softaculous is on your plan.

Before you start

• The app must be of a type that Softaculous supports, for example WordPress.
• The app should work normally. Open the site first to check.
• Take a backup of your files and database before you begin.

Steps

1. Log in to cPanel from your client area.
2. Open Softaculous Apps Installer.
3. Find your app type in the list on the left, or type its name in the search box. Click it.
4. Click the Import tab on the app page. You can also click the Import link in the top menu.
5. Choose the protocol and domain where the app lives, for example https:// and your domain.
6. In Directory, type the folder name, or leave it empty if the app is in the main folder.
7. Check the other boxes that show up. You may need to choose the right folder path.
8. Click Import.
9. Wait for the green success message.

Some versions ask you to pick the app first and then use a link named Import. The idea is the same.

After the import

1. Click All Installations.
2. Look for your app in the list.
3. Now you can use the icons for backup, update and login.

If it fails

• Check that the folder path is right.
• Check that the app is complete and not damaged.
• Check that the database details in the app's config file are right.
• Try a version of the app that Softaculous supports. Very old or heavily changed apps may fail.

Quick recap

• Import adds a hand-installed app to the Softaculous list.
• Take a backup first.
• Use the Import tab and choose the domain and folder.
• Find the app under All Installations.