These are the 2 popular Joomla install methods at Bluehost:
- Standard Joomla Installer (Default built-in installer, this page)
- SimpleScripts (Bluehost's custom one-click installer)
Standard Install -- This is the built-in Joomla web installer that comes with the Joomla package. Download the install package from Joomla.org, upload it using File Manager, configure databases and start the installation. This method is continued below, on this page.
SimpleScripts 1-click installer -- SimpleScripts was originally developed by Bluehost and it is now established as a 3rd party script installer used by many different hosting companies. Use this method to install Joomla in one easy click. Learn how to Install Joomla Using the SimpleScripts installer.
We hope you find this guide helpful. If you do, please share your Bluehost experience with others by using the social buttons above and by leaving a Bluehost review for others to learn from.
Watch the video or follow the steps below:
Before you begin, you will need:
- Bluehost Account (Sign up)
- Bluehost Domain Name & Password
- DNS configured (Domain name pointed to Bluehost Server)
Step 1: Download Joomla
- Download the Joomla install 'full package' (.zip) The package is available here: http://Joomla.org/download *Note at the time of this documents creation Joomla 1.7 was the current version. However, it's recommended to download the latest version.
Step 2: Go to Bluehost Control Panel Login
- Click on 'Control Panel Login' at http://bluehost.com. You will need your Bluehost Domain Name and Password to Login.
Step 3: Login to Bluehost Control Panel
- Enter your Domain Name, Password and click 'LOGIN'
Step 4: Go to 'File Manager'
- Click 'File Manager' which is under the "Files" section (Select "Web Root" in the dialogue box that appears after you click on 'File Manager').
Step 5: Use "File Manager" to upload Joomla Package
- Verify you are in the "public_html" folder (This is the top level folder).
- Click Upload. In the upload window, click 'Choose File' or 'Browse'. Select the Joomla Install Package (The '.ZIP' Joomla package) that was downloaded from Joomla.org, and click 'Open'. (Not Pictured)
- Highlight uploaded Joomla Package (back in the File Manager after using the upload window).
- Click ‘Extract’ (There should not be ANY files EXCEPT the ‘cgi bin’ folder in the directory you install to. Some files will mess up Joomla).
*Optional - You can also upload the .Zip of Joomla already extracted via FTP. We recommend Filezilla FTP client for this.
Step 6: Go to MySQL Database Creation Screen
- Click on ‘MySQL Databases’ after scrolling down to the "Databases" section in the Bluehost control panel.
Step 7: Create MySQL Database and User
- Create a New Database by entering 3-4 (Where we have x’s in the example) characters where it says ‘New Database: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX’ (For droplinemenu.com our database is called ‘frame_JOOMLA’), then click ‘Create Database’.
- Create a New User by entering 3-4 characters where it says ‘Username: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX’ (For droplinemenu.com our username is ‘frame_JOOMLAUSER'), create a strong password, then click ‘Create User’.
- Add the USER to the DATABASE by selecting ‘User: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX’ to ‘Database: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX’ (For droplinemenu.com it is ‘User: frame_JOOMLAUSER’ to ‘Database: frame_JOOMLA’) and click ‘Add’. *Note - We just added a ‘1’ after our username.
- Check ‘All Privileges’ and click, ‘Make Changes’ (Not Pictured). WRITE DOWN YOUR DATABASE, USERNAME AND PASSWORD!
Step 8: Start the Joomla Install
- Visit http://YOURDOMAIN.com/installation/ (For us it is http://droplinemenu.com/installation) to start the web-installation.
- Choose the preferred language.
- Click 'Next'.
Step 9: Joomla 'Pre-Installation Check'
- Joomla Performs a pre-installation check. All areas need to say, ‘Yes’ in green. If any of these settings say 'No' in red, consult Joomla.org’s help section for more information.
- 'Recommended Settings' are not required to be green, but they are recommended for a reason. It is best if they are all green.
- Click ‘Next’.
Step 10: Joomla 'License'
- Read and agree to Joomla's GNU Public License.
- Click ‘Next’.
Step 11: Joomla 'Database Configuration'
- MySQLi (Most common. It should work for you.)
- Host Name: localhost (Joomla defaults to this)
- Username: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX (Ours is frame_JOOMLAUSER)
- Password: YOURPASSWORD
- Database Name: YOURUNIQUEID_XXXX (Ours is frame_JOOMLA) *Note - Skip over ‘Table Prefix’ and/or ‘Old Database Process’ unless you know what you're doing.
- Click ‘Next’.
Step 12: Joomla 'FTP Config (Skip)'
- Don't touch this section unless you know what to do (Refer to Joomla.org for more information).
- Click ‘Next’.
Step 13: Joomla 'Main Configuration'
- Enter the desired website name into ‘Site Name’ (Ours is Dropline Menu).
- Enter the email you plan to use with Joomla.
- Enter preferred Joomla login information.
- Choose if you want Sample Data
- Click ‘Next’
Step 14: Joomla 'Finish'
- Make sure to click ‘Remove Installation Folder’.
- Visit your site to see the installation
- Login to Joomla to start making you're website
Step 15: Visit Your New Joomla Site
- Visit the "Frontend" of the site to make sure it is working properly by visiting it at YOURDOMAIN.COM ours was DROPLINEMENU.COM
Step 16: Log into Administrator & Congrats! You're Done!
- Get started by visiting YOURDOMAIN.COM/ADMINISTRATOR for us it's DROPLINEMENU.COM/ADMINISTRATOR. Congratulations! You are ready to start using Joomla to develop your website! Just have your login information handy and you are set.
