PHP FORUMS???

[TheDoctor]

I just download the phpBB2 "software". For some reason I can't open the files. What program do I need to open the files? Also, if anybody has experience with php forums could you please give me an idea of what it takes to set one up.

Thanks

[matauri]

You can use any editor to my knowledge as long as you contniue to save them as .php files. Personally I use ultraedit.

To set one up you first need to have a mysql db setup. Some hosting services will have them integrated & set them up for you (tho I have heard this isnt preferable if possible). You could also have a control panel with your hosting, and can possibly set one up there. It all depends on your hosts abilities.

Once you have that setup, its as easy as running the install.php file in your browser after you have uploaded all the phpbb files. Select which template from those included, go into the phpbb forum & dowload one of theirs & install it, or use one of the pre existing ones & modify to what you want. On the php forums you will see a pretty large range of templates avalable, plus additional plugins.

Once all that is done, go into Administration section off the forum, go to Configuration & set the prefernces. Then go into Manage Forum to arrange your categories.

Hope this helps. If you have any probs the guys who frequent the Programming forum here will be able to help.


Cindy

[mikmik]

To add to what Matauri said, If you don't have a server set up on your own computer, you will not be able to run the forum with .php file extentions.
I don't know ultra-edit, But I think it shows a 'preview' of the page, but I don't know it you can view the php site completely like this.

She pointed out that you have to have a database installed, so if you are running the forum on your host, you DO have to arrange that also, in order to install phpBB, like she says.

Are you trying to run the forum on your computer? Or are you trying to set it up on your host only?

I can help you install the stuff to run all this on your own computer if you want, several of us have already with the help of cyanide, and it is very easy for us newbies to php to do.

One last thing, for opening the .php files, Wordpad works the best on windows. You have to right click on the file and choose "Open with..."
and then it gives you a list of choices, so just highlight 'Wordpad' and click 'OK' and then you will have that option on the right-click menu always.

Let us know, sometimes I am not clear, so ask away if you want more info :o)

You can also view this thread where we recently did some 'php' installs on our own computers: http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=13315

[matauri]

I wouldnt suggest setting up any forum structure (categories, etc) though until you have it live. Because then you would have to import the tables into the live db.



Cindy

[brandblast]

TheDoctor,

You downloaded what is called a zip file, you can "unzip" the file by using a free program called WinZip at http://download.com.com/3000-2250-10265341.html

Once you unzip the files, follow the instructions for uploading and setting your permissions and you should be closer to your goal.

once you have it setup, it should resemble our demo and administrative area at http://brandblast.com/hosting/web-ho...age-board.html

I wish you the best of luck,