How to install a Prestashop store using the standard method

The previous post showed how to install Prestashop using the dedicated cloud. That solution is quick and simple, but it is not without drawbacks. From the previous post we already know how to install a Prestashop store using the dedicated cloud. This solution is quick and simple, but it is not without drawbacks. In my opinion the most important one is that in a store set up this way we cannot change the standard template for free. Of course, we can buy a template, as well as additional modules, from the official store, and if that is our plan, this solution may be the right choice. An additional advantage is that the store hosting comes in the package.   Now, however, let us look at the situation in which we already have a template and want to install a store that will use it. The first step is to visit the official Prestashop website and download the latest version as an archive. At the time of writing this is v1.6.1.5, taking up 21MB. Next, unpack the package and connect to the hosting company’s server, most often using an FTP connection. If we have not bought hosting, we will stop at this stage and will not be able to install the store. Hosting means the resources that allow the store to run. They include things such as space on the server, databases, computing resources and many other things. There are many companies offering such services. Signing up with one is usually a long-term commitment, so it is worth devoting enough time to choosing the best provider. If we have already bought hosting, all that is left is to upload the Prestashop files to the server and continue with the installation. All files must be uploaded to a single folder that is linked to the domain. Now a database has to be created. That may sound complicated, but most, if not all, hosting providers offer wizards for creating databases, so in practice it comes down to filling in a form. Prestashop stores use MySQL, a popular database management system.   Once the files are in place and we have a database, we open the browser and type in the address of the domain on which we want to install the store, making sure that the directory to which we uploaded the installation files is linked to it. If we have done everything correctly, the browser should redirect us to the address of our domain with “/install” appended. For example: http://testowysklep.pl/install. A multi-page form will now appear in which we fill in the basic details and set up the administrator account. On the last page we configure access to the database we created earlier. After that, the installation process begins. After a successful attempt we also receive information about the store’s access data and about the need to delete the “install” folder for security reasons. That is all, the store has been installed.