How to install SMF (Simple Machines Forum)

SMF is free forum software that runs on any PHP and MySQL hosting. The quickest way to install it is with Softaculous, which creates the database and your admin account for you.

Before you start

• Your domain should point to Traxio, so the forum loads and SSL can be issued. Check your domain is connected
• Decide where the forum lives: at the top of your domain (yourname.co.uk), in a folder (yourname.co.uk/forum) or on a subdomain (forum.yourname.co.uk). For a subdomain, create it first.
• SMF needs its own database. One is included with your account; if WordPress or another app already uses it, add an extra database first (£0.99, one-off). Add-ons

Install with Softaculous

1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
2. Open Extra Features › then Softaculous Auto Installer, then the Forums category, and choose SMF.
3. Select Install.
4. Choose https:// and your domain. Leave the directory empty to install at the top level, or type a folder name such as forum.
5. Enter the forum name, and your admin username, password and email. Use a strong password you don’t use anywhere else.
6. Select Install. After a minute you’ll get links to the forum and its admin area.

Install by hand (optional)

If you want a specific version, download SMF from simplemachines.org, create a database and user in DirectAdmin, upload the files with the File Manager and visit install.php in your browser. The installer asks for the database details and creates your admin account. Make sure install.php is deleted afterwards.

First five settings

1. Use HTTPS. Check the forum’s URL in Admin › then Configuration › then Server Settings starts with https, then redirect http to https.
2. Choose how people register: email activation is a good default. Stopping forum spam
3. Turn on anti-spam: verification questions and CAPTCHA on registration.
4. Check email works: register a test account with an outside address. SMF email settings
5. Create your boards. Planning boards and categories

Next

Give the forum its own look with a free SMF theme, then set up permissions.