discussion Guide XenForo XenForo 2.3 Installation — Step by Step

[Kreathex]

In this guide, I’ll explain step-by-step how to install XenForo 2.3, one of the most preferred software platforms for forum infrastructures. Even if you don’t have technical knowledge, you can easily complete the installation with the help of this tutorial. 👨‍💻

Requirements​

• A domain name
• Hosting that supports PHP 8.1 or higher (preferably cPanel)
• MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
• XenForo 2.3 files (Licensed users can get them from xenforo.com)

1. Downloading and Uploading XenForo Files​

1. Log in to your XenForo account and download the latest version of XenForo 2.3.
2. Extract the downloaded .zip file.
3. Upload the contents of the upload folder to the main directory of your hosting (usually /public_html or a subfolder).
4. You can upload via cPanel → File Manager,
   or alternatively use an FTP client such as FileZilla.

2. Creating a Database​

1. Go to cPanel → MySQL Databases.
2. Create a new database (e.g., jetto_xf).
3. Create a new MySQL user and assign it full privileges to the database.

3. Starting the Installation​

1. Open your forum’s URL in a browser.
2. On the XenForo installation screen:
   
   • Enter your database details.
   • Start the installation process.
3. XenForo will create the necessary tables and direct you to the admin setup page.

4. Creating the Administrator Account​

• Choose your username, password, and email address.
• This account will be the first administrator of your forum.

5. Post-Installation Recommendations​

• Security: Delete or rename the /install directory.
• Turkish Language Pack: Download and install from forums or xenforo.com.
• Theme: Customize the default theme or install a premium one.
• Add-ons: Add useful plugins to enhance functionality (e.g., SEO add-ons, advanced editor, etc.).

Common Issues​

White screen during installation:
→ Check your PHP version; it must be 8.1 or higher.


Cannot connect to the database:
→ Verify your database credentials and ensure the user has proper permissions.