Learn Drupal 8

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• Last Updated: 02/17/2020
• ( 9 minutes reading )

How to manually install Drupal using installation archive

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will introduce another method for installing Drupal. We will step-by-step guide you on how to manually install the Drupal CMS which comes really handy when you cannot do so via the Softaculous Auto Installer for some reason. At the end of this guide, you will not only have a website empowered by Drupal but you will be familiar with the basic concept of installing web applications manually.

 

Downloading Installation Files

First thing first, you will need to download the required installation files from Drupal's official website. By clicking on the link you will be redirected to the application download page where you will need to simply click on the "Download Drupal zip" button to initiate the download process of the archive.

 

Downloading Installation Files

 

When the download process is initiated, please allow it the necessary time to be successfully completed. As soon as you have the archive file downloaded on your local computer you are ready to jump into the next step.

 

Uploading Installation Files

Now it is time to upload the installation files to your web hosting account. There are two methods you can follow in order to complete this task and they are both relatively simple.

Regardless of which method you find more convenient and decide to follow you will need to pay attention to the directory under which you are located while you are uploading/extracting the files as this will determine the directory under which Drupal will be installed. If you want Drupal to be installed directly onto your domain name (i.e. https://yourdomain.com) make sure to upload the files to the root folder (public_html for your primary domain name). Alternatively, if you wish Drupal to be installed in a subdirectory (e.g. https://yourdomain.com/bolg) you will need to ensure the subfolder is created and the files are uploaded in it.

Another important thing to mention. Once you extract the archive you will end up with a new folder called "drupal-x.x.x" under which the actual installation files will be located. It is vital to move all the files from this folder directly under the directory under which the installation should take place. If this is NOT done you will end up with a web address such as yourdomain.com/drupal-x.x.x and we strongly believe this is not something you would want.

Now that we got it all clear, let's review each of the methods and you will decide which one to go with.

The first method is to directly upload and extract the archive file using the “File Manager” tool integrated into your cPanel account. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to upload and extract files in our guide based on How to manage the files of your hosting account using the File Manager feature. For your convenience we have included direct links to each of the sections:


The second method is to extract the archive file on your local computer and upload the files to your web hosting account using your favorite FTP Client. In our tutorials based on FTP Services, you will find detailed instructions on how to upload files using various FTP Clients.

 

Creating a new database

Drupal, like most CMSs, requires a database to function properly and store your website data. Therefore you will need to create a new one that will be assigned to it during the installation process. That can be done within a few clicks via the “MySQL Database Wizard” tool integrated into your cPanel account. You will find step-by-step instructions in our guide based on How to create MySQL Database via cPanel.

While you are creating the database, please make sure to keep the database name, username, and password on file as you will need them later on while setting up the application.

Once your new database is created you will be finally ready to step into setting up Drupal.

 

Setting up Drupal

Now, after all the hard work you are finally on the finishing line. Please open your favorite web browser and enter the domain name under which you aim to install the application (e.g. https://yourdomain.com). This action will launch the Interactive Installer and within a few simple steps, you will have your brand new website empowered by Drupal up and running.

Once this is done you will be presented with the first "Choose Language" step. All you will need to do is select the desired installation language from the dropdown menu and hit the "Save and continue" button.

 

Selecting installation language

 

When this is done, you will be directed to the second "Choose Profile" step. Here you will need to select the desired installation profile. Each profile type provides different site features and functions intended for specific types of websites. We would recommend you to stick with the preselected "Standard" option unless otherwise required. When you are ready, please click on the "Save and continue" button.

 

Selecting installation profile

 

Following is the "Verify requirements" step. In this step, a system check will be initiated to confirm it meets the minimum requirements of Drupal. In case the requirements are met you will be automatically directed to the next step. Otherwise, you will receive a message informing you of what actions are expected to meet the requirements.

The fourth step is the "Set up database". We hope you have kept your database details like we previously suggested as you will need them now. Please leave the "Database Type" as it is - set to "MySQL, MariaDB, Percona Server, or equivalent" unless another database type is strictly required. Enter your database name, username, and password, and click on the "Save and continue" button.

 

Configuring the database



Please note that this might take slightly longer compared to the previous steps as a check of your database credentials will be initiated. Once it is completed you will be taken to the "Install site" step where you will see a progress bar indicating the state of the installation process.

 

Instalation progress bar

 

As soon as the installation is successfully completed, you will be automatically redirected to the final "Configure site" step. In this step, you will need to enter your website information, administrative account login credentials, and regional preferences.

Under the first "Site Information" section, you will need to specify the following:

  • Site name - This represents the main title of your website and the text which will be displayed in the browser title bar. The value entered here can be changed anytime in the future.
  • Site email address In this field, you will need to enter the desired administrative email address which will be used for all update notifications, password reset requests, etc.


Under the second "Site Maintenence Account" you need to specify your login credentials for the Drupal backend. Please make sure to select a strong password as using insecure login credentials may affect your website security and make it vulnerable to various attacks. If you have entered a weak password this will be indicated and you will be advised on how to improve its strength.

 

Site Information and Maintenance Account

 

Under the "Regional Settings" section you can select your default country and the website time zone from the corresponding dropdown menus.

The last section you will see is the "Update Notifications" where you will need to tick/untick the checkboxes depending on your preferences regarding update notification emails send by Drupal.

 

Regional Settings and Update Notifications

 

Whenever you are ready, please click on the "Save and continue" button to finalize the setup process. With this done, you will be presented with a new message stating that Drupal had been successfully installed.

 

Drupal successfully installed

 

That is it! You have now successfully installed Drupal and you are ready to start working on your brand new website. We would like to thank you for trusting our guidance and welcome you to contact our Support Team in case you have any further questions.

 

 

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Sebahat
Content Marketing Specialist

Sebahat is a young and bright woman who has become an invaluable part of our team. She started as a Customer Care Representative, mastering that role and, along the way, growing into a tech-savvy individual who is well acquainted with every support layer of the company. Driven by her aim to improve our customers’ experience constantly, she is committed to enhancing the extraordinary support we deliver.

Learn more about Drupal 8 in the other tutorials that we have: