I have downloaded and got SMF's forum system working on my server (with the help of Red Spiral) but I cannot install packages for it. I have downloaded the files and placed them in the correct folder but when I click on 'Apply Mod' in the Package Manager in SMF and enter the FTP information, it doesn't apply the mod.

Can someone please help me, and tell me step by step how to install?

As far as I know you can't install the mods unless you do it manually. But I have no experience with SMF, i'm just remembering old topics about this. You could search the forums for "SMF mods" or something similar, (which you should have done first anyway ) but I really can't say what will turn up.

I tried a search and found nothing. I would do it manually but I don't know how, I am new to this type of stuff.

BUMP.

I still need help installing the packages... I have set the CHMOD to 777, but everytime I click 'apply mod' in the Package Manager in SMF it comes up with a warning message.

Error in Package Installation
At least one error was encountered during a test installation of this package. It is strongly recommended that you do not continue with installation unless you know what you are doing, and have made a backup very recently. This error may be caused by a conflict between the package you're trying to install and another package you have already installed, an error in the package, a package which requires another package that you don't have installed yet, or a package designed for another version of SMF.

On the file description it says 'Modification Parse Error'

Help?

Make sure the package works with the SMF version you have

Thanks,
Red-Spiral

I have. It won't let you upload others, I don't think.

I don't know what the problem is then.

Go on to SMF forums and contact someone there

Thanks,
Red-Spiral

I had a look earlier on and someone said it may be down to Safe Mode in PHP. Is there a way to turn it off... even if it is temporary?

I had already said, that SMF won't work the way it's supposed to. You have to install the mods manually, you can't upload them from within SMF.

But you can turn safe mode off by paying Jack $10. Talk to him in IRC chat.

I haven't really got $10 to spare.

Do you know how to install manually?