How to Install a CMS (Joomla Drupal etc.) on Hostinger

Embarking on your online journey with a new website is an exciting endeavor. Whether you’re building a blog, an e-commerce store, or a dynamic corporate site, a Content Management System (CMS) is your best friend. It simplifies website creation and management, allowing you to focus on content rather than complex coding. And if you’ve chosen Hostinger as your web host, you’ve picked a platform known for its user-friendliness and robust performance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installing popular CMS platforms like Joomla, Drupal, and others on your Hostinger account. We’ll cover both the effortless one-click method and the more advanced manual installation, ensuring you have all the knowledge to get your site up and running smoothly.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Hostinger’s hPanel and Auto Installer
• Step-by-Step: Installing a CMS with Hostinger’s Auto Installer

  • Step 1: Log in to Your Hostinger Account
  • Step 2: Navigate to the Auto Installer
  • Step 3: Choose Your CMS (e.g., Joomla, Drupal)
  • Step 4: Configure Installation Details
  • Step 5: Complete the Installation
  • Step 6: Verify and Access Your New CMS

• When to Choose Manual Installation?
• Preparing for Manual CMS Installation on Hostinger

  • Step 1: Download the CMS Package (Joomla/Drupal)
  • Step 2: Create a Database and User in hPanel
  • Step 3: Connect to Hostinger via FTP/File Manager
  • Step 4: Upload CMS Files to Your Hostinger Server

• Step-by-Step: Manually Installing Joomla on Hostinger

  • Step 1: Access Your Domain to Start Installation
  • Step 2: Configure Main Settings
  • Step 3: Set Up Database Connection
  • Step 4: Finalize Installation & Remove Installation Folder

• Step-by-Step: Manually Installing Drupal on Hostinger

  • Step 1: Access Your Domain to Start Installation
  • Step 2: Choose Language
  • Step 3: Select Installation Profile
  • Step 4: Set Up Database Connection
  • Step 5: Configure Site Information
  • Step 6: Complete Installation

• Crucial Steps After CMS Installation

  • Update Your CMS
  • Install Essential Security Extensions
  • Configure Permalinks/SEF URLs
  • Backup Your Website
  • Change Default Admin Passwords

• Frequently Asked Questions About CMS Installation on Hostinger
• Conclusion

Understanding Hostinger’s hPanel and Auto Installer

Hostinger provides its own custom control panel, hPanel, designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. One of hPanel’s most powerful features for beginners and advanced users alike is the Auto Installer. This tool allows you to install popular web applications, including a wide range of Content Management Systems, with just a few clicks.

The Auto Installer handles all the technical aspects: it creates databases, sets up configurations, and deploys the CMS files to your hosting account, significantly simplifying your Hostinger hosting setup. This makes it the preferred method for most users who want to get a website online quickly without diving into complex server configurations or database management.

Step-by-Step: Installing a CMS with Hostinger’s Auto Installer

This section will guide you through the easiest way to install a CMS on Hostinger using their integrated Auto Installer. We’ll use examples like Joomla and Drupal, but the process is largely identical for other platforms such as WordPress, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and more.

Step 1: Log in to Your Hostinger Account

First things first, open your web browser and navigate to the Hostinger website. Click on the “Login” button and enter your credentials to access your hPanel dashboard.

• Screenshot Description: A login page with fields for email and password, and a “Login” button.

Step 2: Navigate to the Auto Installer

Once logged in, you’ll see your hPanel dashboard. If you have multiple websites, select the website you wish to manage. On the left sidebar, look for the “Website” section and click on “Auto Installer”.

• Screenshot Description: hPanel dashboard with the left sidebar highlighted, specifically pointing to the “Auto Installer” option under “Website”.

Step 3: Choose Your CMS (e.g., Joomla, Drupal)

The Auto Installer page will display a list of available applications. You’ll typically see popular options like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal prominently featured.

• If installing Joomla: Find the Joomla icon and click on it.

• If installing Drupal: Find the Drupal icon and click on it.

• For other CMS: Select the relevant application from the list.

• Screenshot Description: A grid or list of CMS icons (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.) on the Auto Installer page, with one highlighted.

Step 4: Configure Installation Details

After selecting your desired CMS, you’ll be prompted to fill out a form with crucial installation details. This is where you customize your new website’s initial settings.

• Domain: Select the domain or subdomain where you want to install the CMS. Make sure you choose the correct one if you have multiple domains on your Hostinger account.

• Website Title: Enter the name for your website. This can be changed later.

• Administrator Username: Choose a unique username for your CMS administrator account. Avoid “admin” for security reasons.

• Administrator Password: Create a strong, complex password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Administrator Email: Provide an email address that will be used for administrative purposes, password resets, and notifications.

• Database Details: For most CMS installations via Auto Installer, Hostinger automatically creates a new database and database user. You’ll typically just see the database name being generated. Note it down if you want to access it later via phpMyAdmin.

• Update Preferences: You might have an option to enable automatic updates for the CMS. While convenient, some prefer manual updates for better control.

• Screenshot Description: A form with fields for domain, website title, admin username, password, email, and auto-generated database name.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you’ve filled in all the required details, review them carefully. When you’re satisfied, click the “Install” button. The Hostinger system will now proceed with the CMS installation, which usually takes only a few minutes. A progress bar might appear.

• Screenshot Description: The “Install” button at the bottom of the configuration form, potentially with a loading spinner or success message.

Step 6: Verify and Access Your New CMS

After the installation is complete, hPanel will display a success message. It will also provide links to your new website and its administration panel.

• Click the link to your website to see the default CMS installation page.
• Click the link to your administration panel (e.g., yourdomain.com/administrator for Joomla, yourdomain.com/user for Drupal) and log in using the administrator username and password you created in Step 4.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a CMS on Hostinger using the Auto Installer. You can now start customizing your website, adding content, and exploring its features.

When to Choose Manual Installation?

While Hostinger’s Auto Installer is incredibly convenient, there are situations where you might prefer or need to perform a manual CMS installation:

• Specific Version Requirements: You might need an older or a very specific development version of a CMS that isn’t available via the Auto Installer.
• Custom Database Configuration: If you need to set up a database with particular advanced settings or integrate with an existing database, manual installation provides more control.
• Learning Experience: For developers or those wanting a deeper understanding of how a CMS interacts with the hosting environment, manual installation offers valuable insight.
• Troubleshooting: In rare cases where the Auto Installer fails or produces an error, a manual installation might be the only way forward.
• Existing Database Migration: If you’re migrating a CMS site and already have the database, a manual installation might be part of the process of setting it up on a new host.

Manual installation involves downloading the CMS package, uploading it to your server via FTP or File Manager, creating a database, and then running the web-based installer. It offers more control but requires a bit more technical comfort.

Preparing for Manual CMS Installation on Hostinger

Before we dive into the specific installation steps for Joomla and Drupal, there are a few preparatory steps common to almost any manual CMS installation on Hostinger.

Step 1: Download the CMS Package (Joomla/Drupal)

You’ll need the core files of your chosen CMS. Always download these directly from the official website to ensure you get the latest stable version and avoid modified or compromised packages.

• For Joomla: Visit Joomla.org and download the latest stable release. It will typically be a .zip or .tar.gz file.
• For Drupal: Visit Drupal.org and download the latest stable version (e.g., Drupal 9 or 10). This will also be a compressed archive.

Save the downloaded package to a location on your local computer where you can easily find it.

• Screenshot Description: A typical download page on an official CMS website, showing a “Download” button for the latest version.

Step 2: Create a Database and User in hPanel

Every CMS needs a database to store its content, user information, settings, and more. You’ll need to create one through your Hostinger hPanel.

1. Log in to hPanel: Access your Hostinger account.
2. Navigate to Databases: On the left sidebar, under the “Databases” section, click on “MySQL Databases”.
3. Create New Database:

   • New Database: Enter a descriptive name for your database (e.g., joomla_db, drupal_site). Hostinger will typically prepend your account username to this, like u123456789_joomla_db.
   • New MySQL Username: Create a unique username for this database (e.g., joomla_user, drupal_admin). Again, Hostinger will add a prefix.
   • New MySQL Password: Generate a strong password for your database user. Make sure to save the database name, username, and password securely, as you’ll need these during the CMS installation process.

4. Click “Create”: This will set up your new database and user.

• Screenshot Description: The “MySQL Databases” section in hPanel, showing fields for creating a new database name, username, and password, and the “Create” button. A list of existing databases might also be visible.

Step 3: Connect to Hostinger via FTP/File Manager

You need a way to upload the CMS files from your computer to your Hostinger server. You have two main options:

1. hPanel File Manager (Recommended for beginners):

   • In hPanel, under the “Files” section, click on “File Manager”.
   • Navigate to the public_html directory (or the specific domain folder if you have multiple sites).
   • You can upload files directly here. If your CMS package is a .zip file, you can upload the zip and then use the File Manager’s “Extract” feature, which is much faster than uploading individual files.

2. FTP Client (For advanced users):

   • You’ll need an FTP client like FileZilla.
   • To get your FTP credentials (hostname, username, password), go to hPanel > “Files” > “FTP Accounts”. You can use your main hPanel login details or create a separate FTP account.
   • Connect your FTP client to your Hostinger server using these credentials.
   • Screenshot Description: The “File Manager” interface in hPanel, showing the public_html directory and an “Upload” button. Alternatively, an FTP client like FileZilla connected to a server.

Step 4: Upload CMS Files to Your Hostinger Server

Once connected via File Manager or FTP, navigate to the directory where you want your CMS to be installed. For your main website, this is typically the public_html folder. If you’re installing it on a subdomain or subfolder, navigate to that specific directory.

• Using File Manager: Click the “Upload” button, select your downloaded .zip or .tar.gz CMS package, and upload it. Once uploaded, right-click the file and choose “Extract” to unzip its contents directly on the server. Make sure the extracted files are directly within public_html (if it’s your main site) or your designated subfolder, not inside another nested folder created by the archive.
• Using FTP Client: Upload the unzipped contents of your CMS package directly into the target directory on your server. This can take longer as it uploads individual files.

After the upload and extraction (if applicable) are complete, your server is ready for the web-based installation process.

• Screenshot Description: The public_html directory within File Manager showing the extracted CMS files (e.g., index.php, configuration.php.dist for Joomla, index.php, web for Drupal).

Step-by-Step: Manually Installing Joomla on Hostinger

Now that your files are uploaded and your database is ready, let’s proceed with the Joomla installation.

Step 1: Access Your Domain to Start Installation

Open your web browser and navigate to your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com). If you installed Joomla in a subfolder, go to yourdomain.com/subfolder. The Joomla installer will automatically launch.

• Screenshot Description: The initial Joomla installation screen, usually asking for the site name and language.

Step 2: Configure Main Settings

The first screen will ask for basic site information:

• Site Name: Enter the name for your Joomla website.
• Description: A brief description of your site (optional).
• Admin Email: Your email address.
• Admin Username: A unique username for your Super User account. Choose something secure.
• Admin Password: A strong password for your Super User.
• Confirm Admin Password: Re-enter the password.

Click “Setup Database” or “Next” to continue.

• Screenshot Description: The Joomla installation screen with fields for Site Name, Admin Name, Admin Username, Password, and Email.

Step 3: Set Up Database Connection

This is where you’ll use the database details you created in hPanel.

• Database Type: Leave as MySQLi (the default and recommended).
• Host: Usually localhost.
• Database Username: Enter the MySQL username you created (e.g., u123456789_joomla_user).
• Database Password: Enter the strong password for your database user.
• Database Name: Enter the MySQL database name you created (e.g., u123456789_joomla_db).
• Table Prefix: You can leave this as the randomly generated prefix or choose your own (e.g., jos_). If you plan to have multiple Joomla installations in the same database (not recommended), ensure unique prefixes.
• Old Process Handling: Choose whether to “Backup” or “Remove” existing tables if any. For a fresh installation, “Remove” is fine.

Click “Install Joomla” or “Next”. The installer will now create the necessary database tables and populate them.

• Screenshot Description: Joomla database configuration screen showing fields for database type, host, username, password, database name, and table prefix.

Step 4: Finalize Installation & Remove Installation Folder

After a successful database setup, you’ll see a confirmation screen.

• Remove Installation Folder: Joomla will prompt you to remove the installation folder for security reasons. This is a crucial step! Click the button or manually delete the folder via hPanel File Manager or FTP. If you don’t remove it, anyone can re-run the installation process.

You’ll then see options to “Open Admin Panel” or “Open Site”. Click “Open Admin Panel” to log in to your Joomla backend and start building your site.

• Screenshot Description: Joomla final installation screen with a prominent button to “Remove installation folder” and links to “Administrator” and “Site.”

Step-by-Step: Manually Installing Drupal on Hostinger

Let’s walk through the manual installation of Drupal on your Hostinger account.

Step 1: Access Your Domain to Start Installation

Open your web browser and navigate to your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com). If Drupal is in a subfolder, go to yourdomain.com/subfolder. The Drupal installation wizard will begin.

• Screenshot Description: The initial Drupal “Choose language” screen.

Step 2: Choose Language

Select your preferred language for the installation process and the Drupal site itself. Click “Save and continue”.

• Screenshot Description: Language selection dropdown with “Save and continue” button.

Step 3: Select Installation Profile

Drupal offers different installation profiles. For most users, “Standard” is the recommended choice as it includes common features and modules. If you’re a developer or have specific needs, you might choose “Minimal” or a contributed profile. Select “Standard” and click “Save and continue”.

• Screenshot Description: Options for “Standard” and “Minimal” installation profiles, with “Standard” selected.

Step 4: Set Up Database Connection

This is similar to Joomla, where you’ll input the database details you created earlier in hPanel.

• Database type: Leave as MySQL, MariaDB, Percona Server, or equivalent.
• Database name: Enter the MySQL database name you created (e.g., u123456789_drupal_db).
• Database username: Enter the MySQL username you created (e.g., u123456789_drupal_user).
• Database password: Enter the strong password for your database user.
• Advanced options:

  • Host: Usually localhost.
  • Port: Leave blank unless specified by Hostinger (rare).
  • Table prefix: Optional. Use if you need to run multiple Drupal sites in one database (again, generally not recommended for clarity).

Click “Save and continue”. Drupal will now connect to your database and install the necessary tables. This step might take a few moments.

• Screenshot Description: Drupal database configuration screen with fields for database name, username, password, and advanced options for host and port.

Step 5: Configure Site Information

Once the database installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to set up your site’s basic information and administrator account.

• Site name: The name of your website.
• Site email address: The email address for automated site emails.
• Username: A unique username for your administrator account. Do not use “admin”.
• Email address: The email address associated with your administrator account.
• Password: A strong password for your administrator account.
• Confirm password: Re-enter the password.
• Default country: Your country.
• Default time zone: Your time zone.

Click “Save and continue”.

• Screenshot Description: Drupal “Configure site” screen with fields for site name, email, admin username, password, country, and time zone.

Step 6: Complete Installation

Drupal will finalize the setup. Once done, you’ll be redirected to your new Drupal website’s homepage, and you’ll be logged in as the administrator. Congratulations, your Drupal site is now live on Hostinger!

• Screenshot Description: The homepage of a freshly installed Drupal site, showing a welcome message or default content.

Crucial Steps After CMS Installation

Installing your CMS is just the first step. To ensure your website is secure, optimized, and ready for your content, follow these essential post-installation steps.

Update Your CMS

Immediately after installation, check for any available updates for your CMS core, themes, and plugins/extensions. Developers frequently release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and add new features. Keeping your CMS updated is paramount for security and performance.

Install Essential Security Extensions

While Hostinger provides server-level security, your CMS needs its own layer of protection. For Joomla, consider extensions like Akeeba Admin Tools or RSFirewall!. For Drupal, explore modules like Security Kit. These tools can help prevent common attacks, enforce strong passwords, and monitor for suspicious activity.

Configure Permalinks/SEF URLs

Search Engine Friendly (SEF) URLs, or “Permalinks,” make your website’s addresses clean, readable, and better for SEO. Instead of yourdomain.com/?p=123, you’ll have yourdomain.com/your-article-title.

• Joomla: Go to System > Global Configuration. Under “SEO Settings,” enable “Search Engine Friendly URLs” and “Use URL Rewriting.” Ensure your htaccess.txt file (if present) in your root directory is renamed to .htaccess.
• Drupal: Go to Configuration > Search and metadata > URL aliases. Ensure “Use clean URLs” is enabled and generate path patterns for content types.

Backup Your Website

Regular backups are your safety net. Hostinger typically offers its own backup solutions, but it’s wise to have an additional method. Many CMS platforms have backup extensions (e.g., Akeeba Backup for Joomla, Backup and Migrate for Drupal) that allow you to create full site backups and store them off-site. Schedule regular automatic backups.

Change Default Admin Passwords

While you created a password during installation, it’s a good practice to review and potentially update all default passwords, especially if you used a simple one initially. Ensure all admin accounts have strong, unique passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions About CMS Installation on Hostinger

Q1: Can I install any CMS on Hostinger?

A: Hostinger’s hPanel supports a wide range of popular CMS platforms, especially those based on PHP and MySQL (like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, OpenCart, etc.). If a CMS is not available via the Auto Installer, you can almost always install it manually, provided it meets Hostinger’s server requirements.

Q2: What if my CMS installation fails?

A: If an Auto Installer installation fails, try again. If manual installation encounters issues, double-check your database credentials (name, username, password, host), ensure all files are uploaded correctly to the right directory, and check file permissions (usually 644 for files and 755 for directories). Hostinger’s support team is also available to assist.

Q3: How do I update my CMS after installation?

A: Most CMS platforms have built-in update mechanisms within their administration panels. For example, Joomla has a “Joomla! Update” component, and Drupal has a “Reports” section for available updates. Always back up your site before performing any major update.

Q4: Can I migrate an existing CMS to Hostinger?

A: Yes, you can migrate an existing CMS website to Hostinger. This typically involves backing up your site’s files and database from your old host, uploading the files to Hostinger via FTP/File Manager, importing the database into a new MySQL database on Hostinger, and then updating your CMS’s configuration file with the new database details. Many CMS platforms also have migration plugins or tools.

Q5: Do I need an SSL certificate after installation?

A: Yes, installing an SSL certificate is highly recommended for any website. It encrypts data between your site and visitors, which is crucial for security, builds trust, and is a positive ranking signal for search engines. Hostinger offers free SSL certificates (Let’s Encrypt) that you can easily enable via hPanel under the “Security” section.

Q6: What’s the main difference between one-click and manual installation?

A: The one-click installation (Auto Installer) automates the entire process, including database creation and file deployment, making it very fast and easy for beginners. Manual installation requires you to perform each step yourself (downloading files, creating a database, uploading via FTP, and running the web installer), offering more control and a deeper understanding of the process.

Q7: Can I install multiple CMS on one Hostinger plan?

A: Yes, depending on your Hostinger plan, you can host multiple websites. Each website can run a different CMS. You can install them in separate subdirectories or configure different domains/subdomains to point to different installation folders within your hosting account.

Q8: How do I point my domain to Hostinger after purchasing hosting?

A: If you bought your domain from Hostinger, it’s usually pointed automatically. If your domain is registered elsewhere, you’ll need to update its nameservers or A record to point to Hostinger’s servers. You can find Hostinger’s nameserver details in your hPanel dashboard under “Domains” -> “DNS/Nameservers”.

Conclusion

Installing a CMS on Hostinger, whether you choose the streamlined Auto Installer or the hands-on manual method, is a straightforward process that empowers you to build a powerful website. Hostinger’s intuitive hPanel, combined with these detailed steps, ensures that users of all technical levels can successfully set up their preferred content management system.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end with installation. Ongoing maintenance, security updates, and regular backups are crucial for a healthy and high-performing website. Choose the installation method that best suits your comfort level and get ready to bring your online vision to life.

What CMS are you planning to install on Hostinger, and what are you building? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

Fash ViRal

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