Retired Documentation: You are using the documentation for version 1.7.3 which was retired in 2013. Go here for the latest version documentation or check here for your available upgrades to the latest version.
Installing the Discussion Forum Module
The Discussion Forum Module is simple to install.
The Discussion Forum Module requires the latest version of ExpressionEngine.
These instructions are only for first-time installations. Do not follow the instructions below if you need to update your forum installation. Instead, follow the Forum Update instructions.
Step 1
The first step is simply to download the Discussion Forum software once you purchase it. Unzip the software to your local computer.
Step 2
Inside the unzipped software, you will find a forum directory. Upload this directory and everything inside it to your server and place it in the system/modules/ directory. You should end up with it located at system/modules/forum/.
Step 3
Inside the unzipped software, you will find a forum_themes directory. Upload this directory and everything inside it to your server and place it in the themes directory. You should end up with it located at themes/forum_themes/.
Step 4
Inside the unzipped software, you will find a forum_attachments directory. Upload this directory and everything inside it to your server and place it in the images directory. You should end up with it located at images/forum_attachments/.
Step 5
Set the permissions of the newly uploaded images/forum_attachments/ directory to 777 so that ExpressionEngine can place the necessary files in it if someone includes an attachment in their forum post. If you're on a Windows-based server you will need to ensure that the directory is "writable".
Step 6
Inside the unzipped software, you will find two language files:
- lang.forum.php
- lang.forum_cp.php
Upload these two files into your system/language/english/ directory on your server. You should end up with:
- system/language/english/lang.forum.php
- system/language/english/lang.forum_cp.php
Step 7
Log into your ExpressionEngine Control Panel with a SuperAdmin user. Go to the Modules tab. You will see an entry listed for the "Discussion Forum". On the right side of the table, click the Install link corresponding to the Discussion Forum Module. This will install the necessary database tables and settings for the forum.
You are now ready to start using your new forum!