Magento documentation

Complete installation

The complete installation method can be used if you want to set up a Magento store using a sample content. We assume that you have completed all the preparation steps.

The installation process consists of 3 stages:

  1. Creating a database.
  2. Uploading all the required files to the server.
  3. Installing a Magento Commerce engine together with the template you have purchased.

Let's get started!

Creating a database

First, you need to prepare a new database for your Magento store. You can create the new database using the database management tool from your hosting control panel (usually PhpMyAdmin).

The following data will be received while creating a database: database name, database username, password and you server name. You need to save this data as you will need it for further Magento installation.

With the phpMyAdmin tool you will be able to create a new database in 3 simple steps(check the slides below):

  1. Open the "Database" tab, you will see the list of databases.

  2. Input your database name. Click "Create" button.

  3. Your database has appeared in the list. In order to enter the database, click on its name in the list.

You can also check the detailed video tutorial on How to create a database

If you have any issues with creating a database, please contact your hosting provider for help and assistance.

Sample data import

Magento template package contains the sample data file (dump.sql or dump.gz). This file is located in the /sources/sample_data folder of your template. It allows you to load sample data, so that your website looks exactly like our demo template.

Do not import dump.sql.gz if you already have the data on your site. After importing the dump.sql.gz all the products will be erased from your store. If you do not want to install sample data, use clean database while installing Magento. Skip the sample data installation step.

In order to install the dump file, follow the steps below:

  1. Log into PhpMyAdmin and select the database that you will use for Magento Commerce (It was created by you with the help of the steps provided earlier).
  2. Navigate to "Import" tab and click "Browse" button.
  3. Find the "/sources/sample_data" folder of your template and select the dump.sql.gz.file. Click "GO".
    The import process can take a few minutes.

Uploading and unzipping

To start working with Magento you need to upload the files to your hosting server. This can be done using your hosting file manager or some third party FTP manager.

  1. Select 'unzip.php' and 'fullpackage.zip' files and upload them to your server ( How to upload the files to a server).
  2. Type the path to the 'unzip.php' file on your server (http://your_domain_name/unzip.php) in your browser.
  3. You should see the following screen:
    Unzip.php initial screen.
  4. In the 'Choose your zip file' select box please select the uploaded fullpackage.zip file.
  5. In the 'Unzip to' field specify the directory where you want to extract the files.
  6. Click the 'Unzip' button to proceed.

Please make sure to set the correct permissions for the directory where you are planning to extract the files. Permissions should be CHMOD 755 or 777 depending on your server configuration.

Magento engine installation

When you are done with uploading the files, you can start with Magento engine installation. Open your browser and type your 'domain name/path to your Magento directory' in the address bar. You should see the welcome screen. Please follow the instructions below to install Magento.

Please note: the dump.sql.gz file should be imported into the clear database BEFORE you install Magento.

Step 1: Installation Assistant

Please read the license agreement and click the "I agree to the above terms and conditions" checkbox if you agree with the terms.

Step 2: Installation Assistant (Localization)

Select the Locale, Time Zone and default currency. The Locale option defines your Magento store backend language. If you want to change the frontend language, you need to download and install Magento frontend locales. All the options can be easily changed through the Magento admin panel.

Step 3: Configuration

Here you need to input the store database details and some initial settings. Database Connection – input the database host name, user name, password and name. Contact your hosting provider if you don't have the necessary details.

Make sure you have a database created for the Magento installation. And also make sure it is clear, without any tables. Web access options and Session Storage Options – please leave the options without any changes if you are not sure. The default settings usually work fine.

If everything is correct, please click the'Continue' button.

Step 4: Create Admin Account

Here you need to input personal details for the store owner and administrator.

When you are done, click the 'Continue' button.

Step 5: You are All Set

This is the final step of installation. Copy the generated encryption key and keep it safe. You can use the buttons in the bottom right corner to view the store front end and the admin panel.