Softaculous: install and maintain an application without overwriting a site

Softaculous is an optional installer provided by many hosts. It can simplify supported application installation and maintenance. Its presence does not mean every listed product, licence or extension is included in the hosting plan.

Plan the installation

1. Confirm the domain and document root in cPanel. Back up any existing files and database.
2. Open Softaculous, choose the application and read its requirements.
3. Select the HTTPS URL only after the certificate is valid. Decide whether the application belongs at the domain root or in a named directory.
4. Review the installation directory carefully. A blank directory field can mean the root of the selected domain; use a separate test destination for experiments.
5. Create unique administrator credentials yourself and save them privately. Review notification and automatic-update options.
6. After installation, test login, public pages, email configuration and any upload function.

Maintenance is still required

An installer does not maintain your content or guarantee compatibility between plugins. Back up before updates, review results afterward and remove unused installations.

If cloning or staging is available, check the copied site for live payment settings, scheduled messages and private customer information. Never delete an installation until its paths and database have been verified and a recoverable backup exists. Ask support before using a removal option that also deletes data.