Install an App with Softaculous

What is Softaculous?

Softaculous is a tool in cPanel that installs apps for you. cPanel is the control panel, a web page where you manage your hosting. Without Softaculous you would need to upload files and set up a database yourself. This tool does all that work. Ask Hostvento support if it is on your plan.

Before you start

• Your domain should point to your hosting.
• If the folder has old files, move or delete them after a backup.

Steps

1. Log in to cPanel from your client area.
2. Open Softaculous Apps Installer. Look in the Software section, or type Softaculous in the search box.
3. Find your app. Use the search box or pick a category.
4. Click the app name, then click Install Now.
5. In Choose Protocol, pick https:// if you have an SSL certificate. Otherwise pick http://. An SSL certificate is a digital badge that makes the site safe.
6. In Choose Domain, select the domain for your app.
7. In In Directory, leave the box empty to install in the main folder. Many apps fill in a name like wp by default, so remove it if you want the app on the main address.
8. Type a name and description for your site under Site Settings.
9. Under Admin Account, choose an admin username and a strong password. Also type your email address. Write these down, as you will need them to log in.
10. Pick a language in Select Language.
11. Look at the optional settings, such as plugins or themes. You can keep the defaults.
12. If you want, tick the box to email the install details to you, and type your email address.
13. Click Install.
14. Wait until the progress bar finishes. Do not close the page.

After the install

You will see a success message with two links. One opens your new site. The other opens its admin page, where you log in with the name and password you chose. For WordPress, the admin page is usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

If it fails

• Read the error message. It usually tells you the cause.
• Check that the folder is empty.
• Check that you have enough disk space.

Our guide on Softaculous install errors explains the common ones.

Quick recap

• Open Softaculous in cPanel and pick your app.
• Click Install Now and choose the domain and folder.
• Set a strong admin name and password.
• Click Install and wait for the success message.