# Installing PhpWiki manually

> Set up a collaborative wiki on your hosting account by installing the PhpWiki engine by hand.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/manual-installations/installing-phpwiki-manually/

**PhpWiki** is an open‑source wiki engine written in PHP. It allows you to create collaborative documentation sites similar to Wikipedia. PhpWiki requires **manual installation** on your hosting account.

## Why Use PhpWiki?

- Provides a collaborative platform for teams and communities.
- Easy to install on any PHP/MySQL hosting account.
- Supports plugins, themes, and user authentication.
- Compatible with all **ruachost.com** hosting accounts.

## Steps to Install PhpWiki (Manual)

1. **Download PhpWiki.**

   - Visit the official project page: [PhpWiki on SourceForge](http://sourceforge.net/projects/phpwiki).
   - Download the latest `.zip` file to your local computer.
2. **Extract Files.**

   - Unzip the downloaded package locally.
   - You’ll see a folder containing PhpWiki files.
3. **Upload Files to Your Hosting Account.**

   - Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the extracted contents to the `public_html` directory of your **ruachost.com** account.
   - Alternatively, upload to a subdirectory (e.g., `example.com/wiki`).
4. **Create a MySQL Database.**

   - In cPanel, use the **MySQL Database Wizard** to create a database and user.
   - Assign full privileges to the user.
   - Note the database name, username, and password — you’ll need them during configuration.
5. **Import Initialization File.**

   - Log in to phpMyAdmin.
   - Select the database you created.
   - Click **Import**.
   - Browse to the PhpWiki `schemas` directory and select the `mysql-initialize.sql` file.
   - Click **Go** to import the schema.
   - ⚠️ Important: Do not select `mssql-initialize.sql` by mistake.
6. **Configure PhpWiki.**

   - In your browser, go to your domain (e.g., `http://example.com/wiki`).
   - The PhpWiki configuration page will appear.
   - Fill in the following:

     - **WIKI_NAME** → Name of your wiki.
     - **ADMIN_USER** → Admin username.
     - **ADMIN_PASSWD** → Admin password.
     - **DATABASE_TYPE** → SQL PEAR.
     - **SQL Type** → MySQL.
     - **SQL User** → Database user you created.
     - **SQL Password** → Database password.
     - **SQL Database Name** → Database name.
7. **Save Configuration File.**

   - Scroll to the bottom of the configuration page.
   - Click **Save config/config.ini**.
   - Copy the generated text into a new file named `config.ini`.
   - Upload `config.ini` to the `config` directory of your PhpWiki installation.
8. **Finalize Installation.**

   - Reload your site.
   - PhpWiki will automatically generate templates, help pages, and other application pages.
   - When installation finishes, you’ll see **Complete** at the bottom of the page.
   - Your PhpWiki main page will now appear.

> **Note:**
- PhpWiki is compatible with all **ruachost.com** accounts.
- Always use strong admin and database passwords.
- Keep PhpWiki updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Consider enabling automatic backups for added protection.