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Updated: 03/09/2020
( 7 minutes reading )
In this tutorial, we will introduce another approach for installing the X-Cart eCommerce software. We will step-by-step guide you on how to manually install X-Cart, which comes in 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 an Online Store empowered by X-Cart but also get the lowdown on the basic concept of installing web applications manually.
For a start, you need to download the required installation files from X-Cart's official website. Тhe application download page will appear upon clicking on the link. Please click on the "Download" button located under the first "Download" column to initiate the download process of the archive.
In the pop-up window, please enter a valid email address, select the most suitable option for your project, choose the required package, and click on the "Download X-Cart" button.
When you initiate the download process, please allow it the necessary time to be completed. As soon as you have the archive file (x-cart-X.X.X.XX-en) downloaded on your local computer, you are ready to jump into the next step.
Now it is time to upload the installation archive to your web hosting account. There are a few methods you can follow to complete this task, and they are all relatively simple.
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 include direct links to each of the sections:
The second method is to upload and extract the archive to your web hosting account using your favorite FTP Client. In our tutorials based on FTP Services, you can find detailed instructions on how to upload and extract files using various FTP Clients.
Regardless of which method you decide to follow, you need to pay attention to the folder you are currently under while you are uploading and extracting the archive this determines the directory under which the X-Cart installation will take place. If you want X-Cart 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 to install X-Cart in a subdirectory (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/store), you need to create the subfolder, upload, and extract the files in it.
After the archive extraction takes place, you will have a new "x-cart" folder containing all the required files. You need to select them all and move them one directory back. Either way, you will end up having an "x-cart" suffix after your store address, i.e., yourdomain.com/xcart or yourdomain.com/store/xcart. We believe this is not something you would want. Therefore, please pay close attention to the exact location of the files.
X-Cart requires a database to function properly and store your website data. You need to create an empty database, which will be assigned to X-Cart during the installation. You can do that within a few clicks via the "MySQL Database Wizard" tool integrated into your cPanel account. Please review our How to create MySQL Database via cPanel tutorial, where you will find step-by-step instructions on the process of creating a new database. 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 when setting up the application.
When you complete the database creation, you are ready to step into installing X-Cart.
Now, it is finally time to start with the installation process. Please open your favorite web browser and enter the domain name under which you aim to install the application, followed by "(e.g., https://yourdomain.com). This action will launch the Installation Wizard, and within seven simple steps, you will have your brand new Online Store empowered by X-Cart up and running.
The first step is the "License agreement". Please take a moment to read the terms thoroughly - once you are ready, tick the "I accept the License Agreement and the Privacy policy" checkbox and click on the "Next" button.
In the second step, you need to specify the login credentials for your X-Cart Admin Account:
The third step is the "Environment check". In this step, a system check of your web hosting environment is performed to confirm it meets the minimum requirements of X-Cart. In case the requirements are met, you will be automatically redirected to the next step. Otherwise, you will receive a report informing you of what actions you have to take to achieve compatibility.
In the fourth step, you have to configure the database. We hope you have kept your database details like we previously suggested, as you will need them now. Please enter the database name, username, and password in the corresponding fields and leave the "MySQL server name" set to "localhost" unless the database in question is on a remote server. When you are ready, please click on the "Next" button to continue to the following step.
In the fifth and sixth steps, X-Cart is setting up the directories, creating the MySQL tables for the database, configuring the cache, the development code, etc. Both of the steps are automated, and within a few moments, you will be redirected to the last step.
The final, seventh step is the "Installation completed". It contains links to your website frontend and your X-Cart Admin Area, as well as additional information you need to keep on file. At this point, you are entirely ready to go ahead and explore your new website.
In case you need to activate your X-Cart license, please find detailed instructions on the matter in our How to activate X-Cart Free or Premium License tutorial.
That is it! You have now successfully installed X-Cart, and you are ready to start working on your brand new Online Store. We would like to thank you for trusting our guidance and welcome you to contact our Support Team if you have any further questions.
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 X-Cart in the other tutorials that we have:
