Softaculous is an auto-installer included with MdmHost cPanel hosting. It installs over 400 scripts, from WordPress, Joomla and PrestaShop to forums, wikis and project tools, in a minute or two. It creates the database, uploads the files, sets permissions and can keep the app updated and backed up.
Before you start
- Access to cPanel (log in from the MdmHost dashboard).
- A domain added to the account and pointed at MdmHost, so you can open the site straight after installation.
Open Softaculous
- Log in to cPanel.
- Scroll to Software and click Softaculous Apps Installer, or click a script icon such as WordPress in that section.
- Use the search box or browse the categories on the left (Blogs, E-commerce, Forums, CMS and more).
Install an application
Click any app, choose Install Now, pick the domain and folder, set an admin username and strong password, and click Install. The whole process takes a minute or two. For every option explained step by step, follow install an app with Softaculous.
Warning: Install into an empty folder. Installing over an existing site can overwrite its files.
Manage installations
Click the Installations icon (a box) at the top of Softaculous to see every app it installed. From there you can:
- Upgrade an app when a new version is out (or let auto-upgrade do it).
- Backup and Restore files and database together.
- Clone a site to another domain or folder, or create a Staging copy and push changes back live.
- Edit details such as the admin email, or Remove the installation, its database and files.
For WordPress, Softaculous also has a WordPress Manager with one-click login, plugin and theme control.
Troubleshooting
- Domain not listed: add it as an addon domain or subdomain in cPanel first.
- Installation succeeded but the site shows the old page: remove the default
index.htmlfrom the folder or clear your browser cache. - An app you installed manually is missing: use Import in Softaculous to add it to the list.