How to Overwrite Files When Installing a Script in Softaculous Make it Rain Paper

This tutorial will guide you through the process of overwriting existing files while installing a script in Softaculous. We will use WordPress, a popular blogging script, as an example.

Pre-requirements

• Access to cPanel or another control panel with Softaculous installed
• Administrator login credentials
• Basic understanding of the script you want to install (e.g., WordPress)

Steps to Overwrite Files During Script Installation

1. Log in to cPanel

   Access your cPanel by visiting https://example_domain.com:2083 and log in using your credentials.

2. Open Softaculous End-user Panel

   In the cPanel dashboard, click on the Softaculous icon or link to open the Softaculous End-user Panel.

3. Choose the Script to Install

   On the left side of the Softaculous panel, you will find a list of script categories. Select a script from these categories or from the top scripts displayed in the center of the page. In this example, we are installing WordPress, which is under the Blogs category.

4. View Script Details and Start Installation

   Once you select the script (WordPress), you will be able to access various details about the script such as ratings, reviews, and demo URLs. Click on the Install tab to begin the installation process.

5. Fill in Installation Details

   Fill in the required installation details such as protocol, domain name, directory (if installing in a subdirectory), database name, admin login credentials, and language. If you want to install WordPress in the root of the domain (e.g., http://example_domain.com), leave the In Directory field blank.

6. Handle Existing Files

   If files already exist in the target directory, such as index.php or .htaccess, you will receive an error message: "Installation cannot proceed because the following files already exist in the target folder."

   • Option 1: Use FTP or SSH to manually delete the existing files before proceeding with the installation.
   • Option 2: Select the Overwrite Files checkbox that appears on the install form after encountering the error. This allows the installation to overwrite the existing files automatically.
7. Complete the Installation

   After filling in all the necessary details and handling any file conflicts, click the Install button to proceed. The installation time may vary depending on the size of the script and server performance, so please be patient.

8. Access the Installed Script

   Once the installation is complete, Softaculous will provide links to your site and admin dashboard. Click on these links to access your newly installed script.

Gotchas to Avoid

• Backup Before Installation: Always create a backup of your website before proceeding with an installation that might overwrite existing files.
• Ensure Correct Directory: Double-check the In Directory field to make sure you're installing the script in the correct location.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure that any existing files (e.g., themes, plugins) are compatible with the new installation to avoid issues after overwriting.

By following these steps, you can successfully install a script like WordPress in Softaculous and overwrite existing files if necessary. This method is useful when upgrading or reinstalling a script in a directory where files already exist.