Before you start:
If I reffer to YOURSITE_smf or http://YOURSITE.YOURHOST.com/, you need to change YOURSITE to the name of your site, and YOURHOST to the host you are using, like for example uuuq or any other zymic host.

Ok, so you have made an account on Zymic.com, and you are thinking "Hey, a forum could be an useful addition to my website!", then you've came to the right place. This Tutorial will show you how to make a forum with phpBB (Php Bulletin Board).

All the steps are shown below:

Step 1:
Download phpBB from their website, by going to http://www.phpbb.com/ and clicking downloads, or going directly to http://www.phpbb.com/downloads/. Download the version at the top of the page, like so (DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE AUTO-UPDATER. IT WON'T WORK WITH ZYMIC):


Step 2:
Download FileZilla from their website (if you don't already have it, if you do have it already continue to the next step), by going to http://filezilla-project.org/ and clicking download client, or go directly to http://filezilla-project.org/download.php and download the client, like so:


Step 3:
Log in to your site trough the Control Panel, and save the following information somewhere:


Step 4:
Open FileZilla and log in using the details you just saved, your accounts password and port 21, then click "Quick Connect" like so:


Step 5:
Now once you are connected, create a new folder called "phpbb" (without the quotes) in your root directory (main directory):


Step 6:
Open the folder and upload the smf folders in there by unzipping them and then selecting all the unzipped files and dragging them into the folder:


Step 7:
Once you did that, go back to your site, and click MySQL Database Management:


Step 8:
In there, create a new database called "phpbb" (without the quotes), like so:


Step 9:
Then create a new username below that, also called "phpbb" (without the quotes), and with any password:


Step 10:
Now assign priviledges to them below that, MAKE SURE EVERY BOX IS CHECKED, and assign:


Step 11:
Now go back to FileZilla, and open the phpbb folder. In there select all these files:
cache
files
store
config.php

Then right-click, and click File Permissions, then in the text-field type 777:


Step 12:
Go into the subfolder called Images, then into the subfolder Avatars, and do the same for the folder called upload.

Step 13:
Go to http://YOURSITE.YOURHOST.com/phpbb/, and click INSTALL:


Step 14:
Click proceed to next step, this is just some info:


Step 15:
In there, again click next (you may see some red text but not everything is required, some functions just won't work):


Step 16:
On the MySQL part, leave the database type alone, at the database server hostname fill in localhost, for the port fill in 21LEAVE BLANK - picture is wrong - swordz, then for the database name fill in YOURSITE_phpbb and the username must also be YOURSITE_phpbb, the password should be the one you chose, and you must leave the table prefix alone:


Step 17:
Now the Installer should give you a message saying "Successful connection". Just click "Proceed to next step":


Step 18:
Now you need to fill in your Administrative settings. This is all up to you, if you're done just click "Proceed to next step":


Step 19:
The Installer should give a message saying "Tests passed", just click Proceed:"


Step 20:
The Installer should again give a message saying "The configuration file has been written. You may now proceed to the next step of the installation.", so Proceed:


Step 21:
Now you should come to a menu where you can enter some advanced settings. You can leave everything as it is, just change it if you know what you are doing:


Step 22:
Now it should say "The database tables used by phpBB 3.0 have been created and populated with some initial data. Proceed to the next screen to finish installing phpBB.", just Proceed:


Finished!
You're done! Now just click Login on the final screen and enjoy your forum!

Thanks for reading (or seeing ) my Tutorial,
~ Qub1



The Q&A:
Q: When i press next on the Installer it says that it couldn't connect to my database. What did I do wrong?
A: Your database name is too long. It can be a maximum of 16 characters. The YOURSITE_ also count, so if you have Mysimplezymicsite_smf it won't work, since it is 21 characters in total, so it exeeds the limit of 16.

Q: On the first step it says Unwriteable after every word at the bottom of the page?
A: You probably forgot to set the permissions for those files. Re-do that step and everything should be working.

Q: If the name of YOURSITE_ is already too long (over 16 characters), is there a way to resolve this issue, or you must create a new site with less characters?
A: Well, in fact you can't. Well maybe there is a way, try searching the forums.

Q: You write: "Step 11:Now go back to FileZilla, and open the phpbb folder. In there select all these files: cache, files, store, config.php"
Is it only these four (4) file that has to be selected or all the file of the phpbb folder?
A: No, only these four.

Q: Which is the address of the newly created forum?
A: http://YOURSITE.YOURHOST.com/phpbb

Q: When I click on the "Board index" link I reach a page that reads:

Warning: require() [function.require]: Unable to access ./../includes/functions.php in /www/uuuq.com/a/b/i/abitofdata/htdocs/phpbb/index.php on line 151

Warning: require(./../includes/functions.php) [function.require]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /www/uuuq.com/a/b/i/abitofdata/htdocs/phpbb/index.php on line 151

Fatal error: require() [function.require]: Failed opening required './../includes/functions.php' (include_path='.:/usr/lib/php') in /www/uuuq.com/a/b/i/abitofdata/htdocs/phpbb/index.php on line 151
A: Install again, and everything should work.

Currently that are all the F.A.Q.'s, if you have a question it will be added here.

The best tutorial ever!

I have one question though
If the name of YOURSITE_ is already too long (over 16 characters), is there a way to resolve this issue, or you must create a new site with less characters?

Thank you

Thanks that you liked it!

Oh, and for resolving your question, I think I read somewere that you can create a new domain, with just a few letters and then make a database in that, and then link to that database from another domain. Maybe try using this format when you link to it: THEOTHERSITE_phpbb? I guess I read it in the database creation tutorial. Well, I'm not on my own pc right now, but when I get home i'll try searching for it.

EDIT:
I think I found it, try reading this.

Two more questions (the last ones I hope)

Q1. You write: "Step 11:Now go back to FileZilla, and open the phpbb folder. In there select all these files: cache, files, store, config.php"
Is it only these four (4) file that has to be selected or all the file of the phpbb folder?

Q2. Which is the address of the newly created forum? When I click on the "Board index" link I reach a page that reads:




Thank you once again for the superb tutorial!

This is the link to the phpBB support knowledge base (about chmod permissions)

http://www.phpbb.com/kb/article/phpbb3-chmod-permissions/

A1: You just have to select those 4
A2: You probably forgot to set some permissions, or you forgot to install all the files.

You were right. I re-installed it and it works just fine.

Thanks a lot

My kind of pictorial (picture tutorial)
Qub1, thanks for taking the time to create this. I've yet to take a step (creating) in the php arena but you've definitely compiled an easy to comprehend process for use. I'm still sorting out to find a good beginning cornerstone (a lot of reading) for the foundation of knowledge to build upon so that I can understand the true meaning of php.

Thanks for your kind reply's everyone, I really appericiate them

Stuck on Step 16:

Could not connect to the database, see error message below.
Access denied for user '*********_phpbb'@'localhost' (using password: YES)

I followed all the instructions, don't know why its not working...

Well, it looks like that is a typical error for not setting the permissions. Are you sure you selected:
cache
files
store
config.php

And then went in the subfolder called Images, then into the subfolder Avatars, and did the same for the folder called upload? Maybe try setting the permissions again, or just select the whole phpbb folder and set permissions for every file to 777.

Hey what's up with the servers? Too many people accessing at once? I can't even upload to remote server!!

i am also stuck here and i have made the folder 777


any suggestions?

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have uploaded it again and it still don't work!!!!! been at this for 2 hours now. I'm very frustrated.

Ok, now lets not kill ourselves, shall we? Lets just calm down and get a nice cup of hot tea, and then lets discuss it. Ok, try making EVERY file in the phpbb folder 777, maybe that works...

@kaotickreationz
Don't double post, you posted again in the space of 40 minutes. That's hardly anything given that different people on this forum that may be able to help you live in different time zones.

***********
Pls help me I am trying to instal phpbb 3.0.5 and followed all the steps as stated, but I am getting the following error. Pls help me

Hi Player,
A lot of people make the overlooking mistake of entering too many naming characters for their phpBB projects. Have you tried lessening the characters in the name to be 16 or less: phpbb_topics_watch (18 characters).
I'm really new at this php thing and this may be a 50/50 chance that this is the problem, worth a try - isn't it?

If it works I've learned something here at Zymic again, if not the wizards will get a laugh from this (my) reply
and obviously if it does not solve the issue change it back to the original form and hang-tough, someone with real php experience will happen along.

********
But its only less than 16, I am getting that error in the last step of this tutorial(Step 22). Till then everything is correct. Hope someone helps me out

make sure you assign the privileges for the database user on your database

Yes in other words, go to step 10 and make sure you have applied all permissions.

Zymic Hosting requires all database usernames to be less than 16 characters in total, so watch out for that too.

**********
Yes I did that too, infact I followed all the steps correctly and all were successful till step20. Its at the last step 21 I am getting the beforesaid error

What's your site domain?
If you try creating a new database and entering those details, does it work?

Domain name is mobworld.uuuq.com
I am a newbie and had created it just today. I saw this tutorial and tried to create a forum but it didnt work out
Yes when I create a new database, its created. I followed all the steps in tutorial.

Annoying as it may be, I suggest starting from the beginning. All the phpBB files may not have uploaded correctly.

Ya I also think the same. Gonna start from the beginning. Thanks for the replies and suggestions

After successful installation of PHPBB3 please read these two articles:
1. http://ramui.com/phpbb/add-sidebar-in-phpbb3-template.html
2. How do you put Adsenese on phpBB3.x

I have installed phpbb forum on zymic.com.But at the last stage ,i found an error .I cannot install phpbb forum suceesfully.I found an error message like this:

[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/install_install.php on line 1199: file_get_contents() [function.file-get-contents]: Unable to access schemas/schema_data.sql
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/install_install.php on line 1199: file_get_contents(schemas/schema_data.sql) [function.file-get-contents]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/index.php on line 440: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /includes/functions.php:3247)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/index.php on line 441: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /includes/functions.php:3247)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/index.php on line 442: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /includes/functions.php:3247)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /install/index.php on line 443: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /includes/functions.php:3247)

What should be the solution of this error?

Bro's, I have this problem:


How I fix that problem ?

Tutan you need to chmod to 777 the files and folders that are Unwritable.

I keep getting this warning:

Warning

Please delete, move or rename the install directory before you use your board. If this directory is still present, only the Administration Control Panel (ACP) will be accessible.

and

Your config file (config.php) is currently world-writable. We strongly encourage you to change the permissions to 640 or at least to 644 (for example: chmod 640 config.php).

how do i fix O_o ?

DroNix, I chmod to 777 from FTP client, but I have the selfsame problem

Are you have other idea ?

Thanks for the help DroNix !

I would say to start from the beginning again TuTaN. You can also try this page.

DroNix, THANKS YOU, BRO !

I create my PHPBB3 forum !

hey no problem, glad you got it working.

Thanks for the tutorial! i have one question, when i go to my board i get this "Please delete, move or rename the install directory before you use your board. If this directory is still present, only the Administration Control Panel (ACP) will be accessible." were do i go to delete this?thanks

Log back into FTP and delete the install folder.

I followed all steps but I got this massage "404 Page Not Found!"
I can't figure out what is wrong....
plz help me~^^;;

We might be able to help you, if we knew your site's address.

I have a problem with step 13
Step 13:
Go to http://YOURSITE.YOURHOST.com/phpbb/, and click INSTALL:
Now instead of putting phpbb when i made the database i put "ig" which is short for my site "intensegaming.vndv.com" and when i put that in the url bar do i still include phpbb?and if so it doesnt work i just keep coming up with 404 errors.

I deleted all files then upload again and then, checked the instruction step by setp...
now its working. thanks~

thank for this guide
:-)iConsult.tk

i just have to say thnx

Good guide, but I got a problem when entering the Database name and Database username already in the installation (password incorrect.) I believe it's because my database name is "steamania_a" and username "steamania_mike"

I tried adding steamania_phpbb for both and using the "a" and "mike" too, but none of it worked. What do I do? I don't know how to change "steamania_a" and "steamania_mike" to "steamania_phpbb" or create a new username.

Hi There,

i was following tutorial steps until "Go to http://YOURSITE.YOURHOST.com/phpbb/, and click INSTALL:" untill i got 404 page not found.

Strange thing is that HTACCESS file are gone in filezilla. Is it because they are hidden?

Please help!!

Many Thanks

Try http://yoursite.host.com/phpbb/install.php

Need to know your domain really to try and help you.

.htaccess are hidden, in FileZilla you can click SERVER > Force Show Hidden Files

I really need help. I am brand new to this, and I really want to learn how to do stuff like this, but I am stumped and can not for the life of me figure out what's wrong...

Here's my info, and my error that keeps coming up.

FTP address: alxclan.zxq.net
FTP username: alxclan_zxq

Database Name
alxclan_zxq_phpbb

User Name
2601_phpbb

and here's what I'm putting into the install area:

_____________________________________________

Database Type: MySQL with MySQULi...

Database Server hostname: localhost

Database Server Port: 21

Database Name: alxclan_zxq_phpbb

Database Username: alxclan_zxq_phpbb

Database Password: *****

Prefix for tables in database: phpbb_
_____________________________________________

This is the error I keep getting:

Could not connect to the database, see error message below.
Can't connect to MySQL server on 'mysql.hosting.zymic.com' (111)


For my DB name and username, I have tried every single combination of everything I can think of, nothing works.

Do I not have the right account? It's the basic free one... Don't know if that matters. I've been at this for four hours and have tried reinstalling everything, making my domain name shorter, you name it.

Sitting here looking at it now, please don't tell me that because i have the "zxq" in my Database name, it makes it 17 characters, and THAT'S why it isn't working...

I'll cry. Lol.

But seriously. I will.

I too have a problem (by the way, this is by far the most helpful tutorial I have seen - and I have seen a LOT these past few days!!).

First of all, I am not trying to set a phpBB forum, per se, I am using a variation that is in accordance with a popular web game, Tribal Wars. the variation is called DSphpBB and I have downloaded it from the appropriate site.

2 small problems with that. 1, the config.php file was initially empty and during installation I was directed to download the phpBB one, which completed the installation - don't know if this responsible for the end outcome. 2. it didn't allow to upload 7 files, 6 were small mp3's (sound signals probably) and the 7th was a file with an .rb extension (don't ask what it does, I am totally new to this and the only thing that comes close is server "rollback", which happens in Tribal Wars, a bit rarely but it does). I wasn't prompted at any point in the procedure that this file was missing or needed so I went on.

the Database was created as desired (collation utf8-bin), no fields or other info specified as it would be done through the installation - and it was done! Connection was fine with it during the installation and the update.

To make a long story short, after the install procedure reached the last stage, I was asked to execute the database_update.php, which was where it was supposed to be) and to rename or delete the installation folder, which I first renamed and later deleted.

the problem is that I get a totally blank page when I try to access my site. Whatever combo I have tried (plain url, civforum.zxq.com, folder where all the goofies were supposed to be, civforum.zxq.com/twforum) I canot see anything, no admin panel, no options to proceed further, no board to access no nothing!

Is there any way out of this please?

Also, if I am to try and install again, should I delete the folder I made for this purpose and recreate it? This procedure NEEDS a specific folder to be present for the install to work, I am just asking if deleting this and recreating it is good enough way to re-install?

And now Filezilla cannot connect to my website!!

Can this be the reason: Bandwidth Usage: 205785 / 50000 mb??

Re the 16 character limit, I chose a 15 character site name before I realized this limit. I would edit the site name if I could, but can't find any way to do it... maybe it's not possible and I have to start a new site from scratch?

simply great tutorial. specially newbie like me.

Thanks a lot