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We have already covered in our previous articles which hosting to choose for OpenCart. Today, we will look at installing the OpenCart CMS on a virtual hosting server.
Preparing for OpenCart Installation
Before starting the installation of OpenCart on your hosting, make sure your server settings match the chosen OpenCart version. For version 3x – PHP 7.4, and for version 4x, PHP needs to be updated to PHP 8.x.
It is better to choose a reliable top hosting provider with good support, a control panel, and the ability to quickly switch PHP versions. We recommend installing OpenCart on Hosting Ukraine.
Creating a Database
Through your hosting control panel (cPanel, ISPmanager, or DirectAdmin), create a new database. Specify:
- Database name
- Username and password
You will need these details during the OpenCart installation.
Downloading the OpenCart Package
You can download the engine from the official website opencart.com or from our site with the option for translation into any language.
Uploading Files to Hosting
There are two ways to upload files:
1. Using the file manager in the control panel
- Go to your control panel.
- Upload the downloaded archive to the root directory of your website.
- Unpack it into the public_html or www folder so that the root of your site contains the folders admin, catalog, system, etc. Be careful: if you unpack the upload folder into the root, the store will be installed in that directory and will be accessible at https://site.com/upload
2. Using an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla)
- Connect to the server using your login and password.
- Transfer all files from the upload folder to the root directory.
Launching OpenCart Installation
Before starting, you need to rename two configuration files. Using an FTP client or file manager, rename config-dist.php to config.php in the root of the site and also in the admin folder.
Then open your browser and enter your site’s domain name. If you uploaded and unpacked the files correctly, a window with the first installation step will appear.
Here, you will be asked to read the GNU General Public License — the free license under which OpenCart is distributed. There’s nothing more to do on this page; just click “Continue.”
- The next page is the pre-installation check. It verifies whether your server meets the minimum system requirements and whether the config.php files exist. If any issues occur, fix them and continue. If all checks pass, click “Continue.”
- At the next step, enter your database access details and the admin account for the site. Provide:
- DB driver — choose MySQLi from the dropdown
- Hostname — server name
- Username — the user you created earlier
- Password — the password for this user
- Database — the name of the database you prepared
Then move to the second block — “Please enter a username and password for administration.” Create a secure admin login and password. Also, enter the email where site notifications will be sent.
Once all information is entered, click “Continue.”
- If all previous steps are successful, a window will appear confirming that the installation is complete. From this window, you can go directly to the admin panel or the store.
Completing Installation
After successful installation, there are a few important steps:
- Delete the install folder — this is a mandatory security requirement. This can be done via FTP or file manager.
- Check the site — visit the main page and admin panel.
- Perform basic settings — configure currency, language, timezone, and contact details.
Conclusion
Installing OpenCart on hosting does not require deep technical knowledge. Just prepare the hosting, upload the files, and follow the step-by-step wizard. After this, you will have a fully functional e-commerce platform, which can be enhanced with templates, popular modules, and products.
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