Installing the MODX CMS

Installing MODX is relatively easy. If you have a localhost setup on your home computer (with XAMPP, for example), you can install MODX there fairly quickly.

The process is simple. If you are installing MODX Revolution, look at this page from the MODX official documentation site: Installing MODX Revolution. I've also written a three-part series of blog posts on installing MODX with much more detailed information on Installing MODX Revolution.

I recommend creating the database and a db user with full rights before running setup. I also recommend making the database character set utf8 and the collation utf8_general_ci, unless you have a good reason for using something else.

Once the database is set up, the files are uploaded, you simply point your browser to https://yoursite.com/setup and follow the instructions. Select a good strong password which includes both letters and numbers and don't use any words found in a dictionary. Be sure to enter it carefully and write it down!.

Be sure to select the character set and collation use used for the database (e.g., utf8 / utf8_general_ci) Another recommendation is to make the file/folder permissions 755/644.

When you're finished and the site is working. It's a good idea to make the config.inc.php file read-only so would-be miscreants can't alter your site. You'll also want to remove the install directory if you didn't tell MODX to do so during the install. Leaving it there creates a security vulnerability. You can always re-upload it later if you need to re-install.

When the install is finished, you access the manager by pointing your browser to https://yoursite.com/manager. The default user name is admin but, for security, you should remember to change it to something else.

For some troubleshooting information, check out the Installation FAQ.

 

My book, MODX: The Official Guide - Digital Edition is now available here. The paper version of the book may still be available from Amazon.

If you have the book and would like to download the code, you can find it here.

If you have the book and would like to see the updates and corrections page, you can find it here.

MODX: The Official Guide is 772 pages long and goes far beyond this web site in explaining beginning and advanced MODX techniques. It includes detailed information on:

  • Installing MODX
  • How MODX Works
  • Working with MODX resources and Elements
  • Using Git with MODX
  • Using common MODX add-on components like SPForm, Login, getResources, and FormIt
  • MODX security Permissions
  • Customizing the MODX Manager
  • Using Form Customization
  • Creating Transport Packages
  • MODX and xPDO object methods
  • MODX System Events
  • Using PHP with MODX

Go here for more information about the book.

Thank you for visiting BobsGuides.com

  —  Bob Ray