Updating Hubzilla

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:59:19 -0400

Scott M. Stolz wrote the following post Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:59:18 -0400

Updating Hubzilla

I installed Hubzilla on a new web host, and later tried to update it. For some reason, the update script /util/udall does not work on that server.

Error message:

[username@servername util]$ bash udall
Unable to update /home/username/public_html/util

Are there prerequisites for being able to run the update script?

The server has the following:
* User access (non-root) to the command line and bash.
* WHM / cPanel
* Hubzilla
* CentOS v7.9.2009

Do you need root access to run the update script? Is there another way to update the script?

show all 73 comments

TruthSocial|st

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:15:00 -0400 last edited: Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:15:51 -0400

You need to chmod +x that script. Maybe the dir has wrong permissions. Yes, root. First check ls -lh I think will show you permissions.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:47:49 -0400 last edited: Mon, 03 Oct 2022 21:52:29 -0400

I changed the permissions to 744 and tried running it as root, and it did not work that way either.

-rwxr--r--. 1 username username  285 Mar 29  2022 udall
[root@servername util]# bash udall
Unable to update /home/username/public_html/util
[root@servername util]#

Directory is RWX
drwxr-xr-x. 7 username username 4.0K Apr 26 05:15 util

Any other ideas?

TruthSocial|st

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 22:02:05 -0400

That's weird. I'm not on my server now, but maybe you can try to run it in verbose mode to see what's happening: bash udall -v I think.

Anthony

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 23:45:56 -0400

I think you have to be in the hubzilla directory to launch ./util/udall
On my installation it's the same... ./udall doesn't work. I think you have to be in the installation folder.

Scott M. Stolz

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:23:33 -0400 last edited: Tue, 04 Oct 2022 06:43:25 -0400

I tried that too. Both as the user and as root.

[root@servername public_html]# bash util/udall
Unable to update /home/username/public_html
[root@servername public_html]# bash util/udall -v
Unable to update /home/username/public_html
[root@servername public_html]#

Scott M. Stolz

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:21:55 -0400

I never got udall to work on that site, and just updated it manually by overwriting the files with the new version. I am not sure why udall didn't work.

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:07:55 -0400

I had the same problem . Udall did not work for me and overwriting the files broke HQ. I am using the redbasic theme with no third-party addons. I am also using cPanel.

Scott M. Stolz

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:23:10 -0400

I didn't have a problem with HQ after updating manually. What is happening?

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:28:39 -0400

The HQ page loads the sidebars, but no content shows up in the middle. The network stream works, but not HQ. I tried multiple browsers.

Scott M. Stolz

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:59:38 -0400

Okay, I tried it using the redbasic theme and I am having the same problem you are.

Mario Vavti

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:02:36 -0400

util/udall requires git. If git is not avaiable it will not work. A manual update should work anyway, just make sure that addons and core must be at the same version. Otherwise things can break...

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:17:08 -0400

@Mario Vavti I never installed any addons. It is the default install. Where do you install addons?

Mario Vavti

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:58:55 -0400

If you do not have any addons installed, this should not be an issue...

Can you see anything in the js console when HQ is loading?

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:48:20 -0400

Error with Permissions-Policy header: Origin trial controlled feature not enabled: 'interest-cohort'.
main.js?v=7.6.1:51 Service worker registered. scope is #^https://tejanausland.com/
hq:2659 {network: {…}, dm: {…}, home: {…}, notify: {…}, intros: {…}, …}

Mario Vavti

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:07:53 -0400

Which browser? @Tejan Ausland

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:58:51 -0400

@Mario Vavti Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, Brave. Tried those four browsers.

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:01:04 -0400

@Mario Vavti Oh, and I forgot, I tried it on my phone too using the mobile Edge browser.

Mario Vavti

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:59:58 -0400

How did you do the update?

Tejan Ausland

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:24:17 -0400

@Mario Vavti After backing up my site, I downloaded the core-master from your Git Site. Extracted it. Uploaded the files which overwrote the old files. That's it. Was I supposed to do anything else?

Scott M. Stolz

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:57:11 -0400

@Tejan Ausland Any luck getting it to work?

Tejan Ausland

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:27:48 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz No. I think I will have to restore the backups and go back to the old version.

Mario Vavti

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 03:25:06 -0400

@Tejan Ausland this approach will keep old files, which were deleted in the repository. That could be a problem on the long term...

Tejan Ausland

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 14:26:52 -0400

@Mario Vavti If my server does not have Git, what is the correct way to update it?

Grouchy

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:00:33 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

Basically this:
1: Backup all the files and database.
2: Delete all the files except the .htconfig.php and store folder.
3: Upload new files, keeping .htconfig.php and store folder intact.

Honestly, you're better off installing git and using the ./util/udall script.

Tejan Ausland

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 21:30:12 -0400

@Grouchy Unfortunately, on a shared web host, that is not possible.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 06:33:01 -0400

And not all of us are programmers.

I am smart enough to follow simple directions, like uploading some files via cPanel file manager and filling out a form or typing something in a command line. Something like the WordPress 5-minute install is easy enough for me. No command line. Easy to follow instructions.

But git is a programming tool and is over my head. I am not a programmer, nor do I want to be. I upload a script and expect it to run. I don't modify it since I am not a programmer.

So be patient with me. I have no clue how git works.

Grouchy

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 08:23:26 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

Unfortunately, on a shared web host, that is not possible.

Lots of shared hosts support ssh and Git. I'd ask you current host if they'd be wiling to support it. Most hosts are pretty open about adding software their customers need.

But git is a programming tool and is over my head. I am not a programmer, nor do I want to be. I upload a script and expect it to run. I don't modify it since I am not a programmer.

You don't need any programming skills to use Git to update Hubzilla. The ./util/udall script handles it all for you. You just need Git available and Hubzilla files managed by it. Assuming you have Git available, I bet the community can help walk you through any issues.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 18:50:31 -0400

Okay, I see Git Version Contol in cPanel. And I have a command line available in cPanel too called "terminal".

#^https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/files/git-version-control/

So the server supposedly has git already installed, but the command util/udall does not work for me.

I installed Hubzilla via Softaculous but Softaculus can't update it because Hubzilla doesn't have an update script like WordPress does.

#^https://www.softaculous.com/apps/socialnetworking/Hubzilla

Not sure what to do.

Grouchy

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:01:28 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

Hubzilla has to be installed properly for the ./util/udall script to work. That means using Git to do the installation, not Softaculus.

Since you installed via Softaculus, it's up to Softaculus to do the updates.

It's a bit of work, but I'd take a backup, delete the Softaculus installation, and then do a proper install using Git.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:06:43 -0400

Why does this use git to update? Most scripts are much easier to update.

And if I delete my instance, don't I lose all my channels and data and stuff?

Grouchy

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:21:18 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

And if I delete my instance, don't I lose all my channels and data and stuff?

Backup your channel(s), and data first. Then import it on your new installation.

TruthSocial|st

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 13:56:02 -0400 last edited: Sun, 09 Oct 2022 14:14:45 -0400

Try to do a database dump and back up any files on your server. If that's impossible, no worries because you can install the app: Channel Export into your instance. Enter your admin or normal account/channel: it's a "featured app" like photos or roles, then use the app to export channels and all data (files photos, etc).
Setup a fresh vps server: choose Debian 11 (or 10). Use a terminal to ssh into your server. Then follow the automatic script (aka homeinstall script). Here's something for reference, "First steps with (any vps)". If you message me once you get the basic server up, I can send you a simple way to get it all working.

Tejan Ausland

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:43:06 -0400 last edited: Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:50:04 -0400

Is Hubzilla designed for programmers only? Git? VPS? SSH? command line?

I thought one of the selling points is that Hubzilla is lightweight and can even work on shared hosts. But it seems like you have to be a programmer to run it.

Hans

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:57:30 -0400

That might only show there is a lack of ux people in the team

Witcraft (Hubzilla)

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 17:03:14 -0400

Let me tell you from own experience:
Hubzilla works easily on shared hosting and can be installed with a sequence of less than 10 copy & paste text commands (one being git clone) from the online help. You need shell access and the ability to substitute pathnames (like the folder of installation). For web-setup, you'll need to Rhee path to php, and the credentials for you're database. That's it.

This is not a windows exe, bit we are talking web-services with backends here, and I doubt you will find any of those with a smaller footprint. You can go with less, and not update, or substitute git functionality by something of your preference, but I've not seen any web-services providing easier updates as Hubzilla's ./udall.

I'm afraid hosting web-services does not get much easier than this. Being a user on a provided instance, however, does.

Tejan Ausland

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 17:19:46 -0400

I can barely use cPanel. There is no way I am qualified to run my own VPS server. If something breaks, I would have no idea what to do. Most of this server stuff is over my head.

And considering the util/udall did not work for me, updating it is not so easy. Other than "start over," no one knows why.

I have seen other scripts that are much easier to update. Hubzilla is the only script I have seen that requires a command line to update. Most modern scripts can be updated from the admin interface or by FTPing up the new files and running an update script in the browser.

Maybe it is easier if you are a programmer but it certainly is not the standard way scripts are updated these days.

Hans

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 17:30:08 -0400

I do understand why people ask this. Lets be honest, it does lack a good and more logical interface. Those who are technical can do more, those who listen to tips coders provide can do a lot more....

Web services are easy in their basic forms but even the bigger Mastodon runners are using Docker or other container services. They are sometimes not able to install it or lack knowledge/time to search how to do it.

Scott M. Stolz

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 17:34:44 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

But it seems like you have to be a programmer to run it.

Unfortunately, it sort of is, at least currently. It is not designed for an administrator or user to install and update. It requires specialized knowledge that most developers take for granted. Most users do not have that specialize knowledge.

And playing around, I think I realized why neither of us could use util/udall to update the script. I think Softaculous does not understand how Hubzilla is updated, and something is not configured right for the update script to run. I haven't figured out what is missing, but it was Softaculous installations that could not be updated via the script, and that broke HQ when manually updated. Everything else works fine.

We can walk you through what you need to do. So have no fear. We'll get you updated. Do the instructions so far help, or do you need additional guidance?

Scott M. Stolz

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:01:18 -0400 last edited: Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:07:48 -0400

@Hans

Web services are easy in their basic forms but even the bigger Mastodon runners are using Docker or other container services. They are sometimes not able to install it or lack knowledge/time to search how to do it.

I think it comes down to what you compare it to. Large complicated installations that require a lot of resources will require a VPS or server, and a system administrator or developer to install it. But, if you compare it to scripts that individuals can use, like WordPress, then things like installing and updating are more streamlined.

Most scripts than can be installed on a shared host are updated one of three ways:

FTP the new files to server and run update.php.
Pressing an update button in the administrator interface.
Use a third-party 1-click install script like Softaculous to update the script.

So, basically, Hubzilla is a script that can run on a shared host, but is not designed to update like such a script.

The interesting thing is that Softaculous found a way to give Hubzilla a 1-Click Install. No git or command line required. They just never figured out how to update Hubzilla. So a 1-Click Install and a 1-Click Update is possible.

Tejan Ausland

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:17:45 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz

We can walk you through what you need to do. So have no fear. We'll get you updated. Do the instructions so far help, or do you need additional guidance?

I will try the instructions everyone has given and see if they work. The VPS option is over my head, but the other two options people gave, I might be able to do.

Hans

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 18:22:18 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz

I think it comes down to what you compare it to. Large complicated installations that require a lot of resources will require a VPS or server, and a system administrator or developer to install it.

True, but even the most basic install could confuse people. Solving that might be a good thing but that also brings me to where I have my doubts. I will try to explain.

You, me, developers and a lot of tech enabled people are able to grasp the install guides, work on the cli and do what is needed. When you are a user of a VPS who is not fully understanding what it means to run hubzilla then you might run into trouble. Let's name one thing that will sooner or later will effect their storage.

Debug-mode:

Disabled by default but once enabled it should not be forgotten.

A gui user can disable it again but if you have gigabytes of logs in your root dir then you are paying to much. So I do want to advice people who are not really able to fix things to simply take an account on a public server.

Scott M. Stolz

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:07:34 -0400 last edited: Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:15:42 -0400

@Hans

True, but even the most basic install could confuse people.

Having worked for a large web hosting company in the past and owning a small one, I can attest to that. That being said, giving a user a KB article and a 1-Click Install option significantly reduces support calls and tickets. Filing out a form and pressing submit seems to be easier for most people to understand, even if you have to explain the form to them. Users tend to freak out when you start talking about a command line. That's why all our servers have WHM/cPanel or Plesk. That's also why we pay for a Softaculous Script Installer subscription on our servers. Users want a GUI. And we get less support calls.

Perhaps we need to help Softaculous understand how to update Hubzilla. They already know how to install it. Instead of using git, the Hubzilla files come from their server. And the update files would also come from their server. I think they are expecting an update.php script to be available after they update the files. They already have the capability to update the actual files.

One issue is that Hubzilla can be used in multiple ways. It can be a single-user instance that runs on a shared web host, or it can be a public server with thousands of users, or it can even be a base for other apps.

Making it easy to install and update will mean more individuals can host their own instances, which is the ultimate level of decentralization. If it is not easy for individuals, then that leaves more tech savvy people who run public servers. That is more decentralized than Facebook, but you run into issues such as public servers shutting down. I just got notice this week that one Mastodon server is shutting down and they have a couple months to find a new home. If the goal is to decentralize social media, then decentralizing it down to the individual is the best way to do it. And that means making it easier for individuals to install and update on a shared server.

Scott M. Stolz

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:29:15 -0400

@Mario Vavti

util/udall requires git. If git is not avaiable it will not work. A manual update should work anyway, just make sure that addons and core must be at the same version. Otherwise things can break...

Softaculous Script Installer has already figured out how to install Hubzilla without git. When I contacted them about being able to update Hubzilla, they told me they don't understand how Hubzilla updates work, but are willing to add the ability to update.

They already have the ability to replace the necessary files without git by using their servers. I think they are expecting an update.php script or something like that to run after updating the files. And perhaps instructions on which files they can replace and which ones they should not replace.

Are there any instructions we could give them so they can write an update script?

Witcraft (Hubzilla)

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 01:13:26 -0400

I agree that most users need a GUI and command line is a big threshold. A web-script based installer/updater would be perfect.

However, I'm not a dev, and I don't know how you can compare WP or a bulletin board to the complexity of Hubzilla. And FTP stuff to your server and run an update script may be not so easy either (small and big updates, disable this, deinstall addons or themes, go into maintenance mode, run the script, re-configure your personal theme and addons, go out of maintenance mode). Log into shell and having udall do everything does not seem so much more complicated - if setup is done as in the installation manual. Hubzilla is so highly configurable that it provides CLI tools for a lot of details that can hardly be covered in a GUI. But maybe there is either ... or..., but an if... then ... (both, depending in skill and how deep you want to go in).

I'm no dev, and certainly lowering barriers for people who want to run a webservice but feel uncomfortable with a cursor behind a command prompt is desirable. I used to freak or with 2 page or more shell script manuals involving "just type vi, find and change the following line, save, and restart the server..." Still, a a webuser has only limited permissions.

I think the immediate problem in this case is a third party installer that provides alternative setup without providing for the time after install. However, the problem behind may be that it takes third parties to provide such an installer and a shell based update tool, like Nextcloud has (which imay be of comparable complexity in function). Their dev team is a lot larger, though...

Hans

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:41:04 -0400

@Witcraft

like Nextcloud has

Well, I did not have a look at it very much. Was in the security hall of fame of owncloud and at that point it was just a bunch of scripts that came from everywhere they could find it. It was also very insecure. I do hope Nextcloud is doing a better job.

Developers will simply not think as a user (been there myself) so we can't really expect them to create something they are not familiar with or where they can spend their time better (which is not a bad thing to be honest).

I do hope someone with that knowledge will step up and do something with it.

Oliver

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:18:59 -0400

Thanks @mike

@Witcraft

like Nextcloud has

funfact: I never use it. It has proven to be unreliable and bumpy.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:49:55 -0400

From what I can tell, the util/udall update script is fairly simple. It looks like it just grabs a copy via git and overwrites certain files and leaves certain files alone. Unless I am missing something, the update process is not that complicated. Just in its current form it depends on git to transfer the files.

Grouchy

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:59:56 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz

That's basically it. The script is really simple.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:02:49 -0400

@Grouchy

That's basically it. The script is really simple.

Which means git could easily be substituted for any other file transfer mechanism. I'll contact Softaculous and see if they can reverse engineer the util/udall script so that Hubzilla can be updated using their script installer software.

Grouchy

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:08:36 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz
Git should be a hard requirement, just like PHP, curl, and several other pieces of software. Installing Hubzilla without Git is just asking for trouble later.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:16:31 -0400

@Grouchy

Git should be a hard requirement, just like PHP, curl, and several other pieces of software. Installing Hubzilla without Git is just asking for trouble later.

Why?

Grouchy

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 16:40:37 -0400

@Scott M. Stolz

Why?

1: Multiple different administrative scripts require it. Here's a short list.

add_addon_repo
add_theme_repo
add_widget_repo
update_addon_repo
update_theme_repo
update_widget_repo
udall

2: The install file reccomends it.

If you are able to do so, we recommend using git to clone the source repository rather than to use a packaged tar or zip file. This makes the software much easier to update.

#^https://framagit.org/hubzilla/core/-/blob/master/install/INSTALL.txt

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:12:18 -0400

Just because we have always done something one way does not mean that is the only possible way.

Why is updating via git superior to updating via a web-based utility?

Marshall Sutherland

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:23:55 -0400

Witcraft (Hubzilla)

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:40:14 -0400 last edited: Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:40:42 -0400

I have done several upgrades ftp-ing packages send calling scripts. Sometimes, they were easy, sometimes, some stuff had to be taken care of, and quite a few times I have had to revert mods for the update to work.

udall was never a problem once I had copied and pasted the git clone {repo} {dir} line from the install guide.

I see why CLI is intimidating for some folks. But I also see the advantages why it's done the way it's done (git). Actually, I, personally, prefer it this way, it's much simpler than downloading and ftp-ing the correct upgrade or update package. I do have some CLI experience, but I'm certainly no dev.

Hans

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:01:10 -0400

@Witcraft I am not a dev, not anymore. I do however understand why they do things in the way they do it.

In the last 12 months I did see a lot of questions and most of them are from people running it on a shared hosting platform where some scripts did help out those people. Indeed with the install, not with updates, etc...

I am not sure if a web based solution would be able to do anything those users want. As an example, what if you would change the layout of the current one? That is probably ok since it is stored in the database. But what if you change a php file and you need to update? Should it overrule the changes you made? Should it save them somewhere like git offers? I can think of 10's of issues that might need to be resolved to help out people doing that with a gui.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:14:07 -0400

Here is what the git script update does. From what I can tell, it downloads the files from git and copies it over the top of the existing files. It overwrites any custom code that you wrote that is not in directories designated for custom code.

Compare that with a web-based utility. You click on the update button. It downloads a compressed file from a website via https instead of git. It extracts the files and overwrites the old files... just like the current model.

The only thing you are changing is the file transfer mechanism and replacing a CLI with a button that says "update."

Sure, it gets

Bill Statler

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 23:10:22 -0400

This is a strange discussion. It reads as if not everybody is able to read everybody else's comments.

Git is a lot more than a file transfer mechanism, it's a version control system, and if an update breaks things, it's revertable. Mike already demostrated a one-click Update button that runs util/udall, and the Hubzilla programmers should be able to adapt his Streams code for Hubzilla if they want to.

If Softalicious or some other party wants to invent a different update mechanism, that's cool. But it seems like that means inventing a custom git-replacement from scratch, and I don't see the point when there is already a simple and reliable update tool.

Grouchy

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 23:27:04 -0400

@Bill Statler

This is a strange discussion. It reads as if not everybody is able to read everybody else's comments.

Indeed. I show 58 comments on my Hub. The support forum shows 66 at the time of this writing.

@mike
I have received none of your comments in this thread. They do show up on the support forum though. Strange

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 23:36:55 -0400

@Bill Statler

Git is a lot more than a file transfer mechanism, it's a version control system, and if an update breaks things, it's revertable. Mike already demostrated a one-click Update button that runs util/udall, and the Hubzilla programmers should be able to adapt his Streams code for Hubzilla if they want to.

You would still use git for version control, of course. But you would create a "release" that can be downloaded and installed.

And I think I am missing part of the conversation. I will go to the forum to see what I am missing.

Scott M. Stolz

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 23:51:35 -0400

@mike For some reason none of your posts were distributed to my instance. When I go to zotadel.net Hubzilla Support Forum, I see them, but on my own installation of Hubzilla, I don't. And apparently I am not the only one.

And, thank you for explaining why you choose git as the install mechanism. That's why I asked "why git?" earlier and you answered it so elegantly. Your reasoning makes a lot of sense.

I was more concerned with the User Experience than whether it uses git or not. Adding an update button that uses git seems like the best possible solution. Still uses git, and it doesn't scare those who are less techy. And it saves a lot of extra clicks and keystrokes too. Thank you.

Witcraft (Hubzilla)

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:30:21 -0400 last edited: Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:33:16 -0400

The posts not being delivered is an issue that was reported many times before, mostly regarding the support forum.

I see @mike's comments here and liked his provided solution for streams (not sure if you received this). Some of what you posted sounded a bit frustrated, and I did not know what to respond, so I posted that I share the appreciation for the udall. Not sure if you received this, as other frustrated posts followed. Sorry that the missing posts make this discussion frustrating.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 21:32:57 -0400

I am trying to install it on a new domain name first before I nuke my existing hub, but I am getting an error.

[tejancom@ns546754 ~]$ git clone #^https://codeberg.org/streams/streams.git public_html
fatal: destination path 'public_html' already exists and is not an empty directory.

What do I do? Am I allowed to delete the public_html directory in cPanel? Can I even delete it?

Grouchy

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 21:39:00 -0400

Assuming you don't want, or need anything in public_html, simply clear out the directory. Otherwise, pick a different folder.

Scott M. Stolz

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 21:58:29 -0400 last edited: Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:41:51 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

What do I do? Am I allowed to delete the public_html directory in cPanel? Can I even delete it?

Deleting the public_html folder is not recommended because it already has the correct permissions and you would have to recreate that. Setting the wrong permissions can make your website insecure since you are on a shared server.

Instead of doing that, make sure there are no hidden files in public_html. In File Manager, click on settings and show hidden files. Then delete the hidden files and folders in public_html. After that, you can run the command.

Also, anywhere it tells you to use 777, use 755 instead on a cPanel based server. cPanel actually restricts accessibility on 777 files as it sees it as a security risk. So always use 755 instead of 777 on cPanel.

Also, when you get to the install screen for Hubzilla in your browser, it will ask you where the PHP command line is located. It is located at /usr/bin/php. This will call the default version of PHP on your server. If you need a specific version of PHP (since cPanel allows you to run multiple versions of PHP), you can use the path to a specific version.

Does that help, or do you need step-by-step directions?

Edited to add instructions on deleting hidden files in public_html.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:18:09 -0400

@Grouchy

Assuming you don't want, or need anything in public_html, simply clear out the directory. Otherwise, pick a different folder.

I deleted everything in the folder, even the cgi-bin directory, and it still gave me the error.

Grouchy

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:28:47 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

There's probably a file that starts with a dot in there. Check for those and delete.

Scott M. Stolz

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:30:59 -0400

@Grouchy

Assuming you don't want, or need anything in public_html, simply clear out the directory. Otherwise, pick a different folder.

cPanel works a bit differently than a VPS since cPanel is typically used for shared hosting. Users are restricted in what they can do.

For example, on a cPanel-based server, the root directory for the main domain on a website is always public_html and the user cannot change that.

And, using cPanel myself, I had the same problem. You have to delete the hidden files in public_html first.

Scott M. Stolz

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:36:42 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

I deleted everything in the folder, even the cgi-bin directory, and it still gave me the error.

You have to delete the hidden files too. cPanel does not show those by default.

In File Manager, click on settings and show hidden files. Then delete the hidden files and folders in public_html. After that, you can run the command.

P.S. I edited my previous post to include this information, so there is no confusion to those who come later.

Tejan Ausland

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 22:54:06 -0400 last edited: Sat, 15 Oct 2022 23:19:44 -0400

@Grouchy and @Tejan Ausland Thank you so much.

I think both of you were writing at the same time. I appreciate both of your responses. It helped a lot.

It worked once I turned on "show hidden files" in File Manager. There were a lot of dot files and folders in there. After I deleted those, it worked.

Grouchy

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 23:18:33 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

It worked once I turned on "show hidden files" in File Manager. There were a lot of dot files and folders in there. After I deleted those, it worked.

Awesome. I'm glad you were able to resolve it.

Tejan Ausland

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 00:11:45 -0400

@Grouchy

Awesome. I'm glad you were able to resolve it.

That was just a test installation on another domain to make sure it worked. Now I still have to delete and reinstall my existing website. Wish me luck!

Grouchy

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 01:49:00 -0400

@Tejan Ausland

Wish me luck!

Good luck!