Install Simple Machines Forum with Softaculous

If you want to install a fresh instance of Simple Machines Forum (SMF) on your cPanel account you can do so very easily with Softaculous. Softaculous is an auto-installer for cPanel that can auto-install over 266 useful scripts.

To get started:

1. Log into cPanel for the domain.

2. Navigate to the Software section and click Softaculous App Installer.

3. Hover your mouse over the SMF icon and click Install.
   

4. On the Install screen in the Software Setup section:

   • Protocol can be left unchanged unless you have a SSL certificate installed on the domain or prefer the 'www' prefix to exist for the site address.

   • ​Choose your target domain from the dropdown menu.

   • If you would like to have the software installed in the root of your domain, leave the In Directory option empty; otherwise input directory name relative to the domain's folder.

   • Leave Database name as is unless you'd like a different name.
     
     

5. In the Board Settings section:

   • Fill out Board Name and Site Description as preferred.

   • Input a valid and working email address for the Board Email.

   • Leave Table prefix with the current defaults unless you'd prefer a different prefix.
     

   In the Admin Account section:

   • Important! Change the administrative username to something other than 'admin' to minimize risk of someone guessing it.

   • Choose a strong password for Admin Password or click the Key icon to generate a random password.

   • Enter a working email address for the Admin email. 
     
     

   • Select the appropriate language for the board in the Choose Language section.​

   • Click the arrow to the left of Advanced Options and alter the configurations as you choose, you can also email the installation details to a chosen email address.

   • Click the Install button.

The login address will be displayed once the install is complete.