Thread

Hi all. I just bought my first ever EE license (freelancer), and I am trying to install it on my Linux web hosting plan. I am not having any luck. Immediately after I click on the button to begin the install, it goes to a blank white screen (/admin.php?C=wizard&M=do_install&language=english).

I have used the ee_server_wizard tool to verify that my host is compatible, and all the checklist items were good (green “Yes”).

I followed the instructions at http://ellislab.com/expressionengine/user-guide/installation/installation.html. I used CuteFTP to upload the files to the server. I set the file permissions as described in the article. I pointed my browser to /admin.php and followed the on-screen instructions. I chose the “None - Empty Installation” option. I accepted the terms and conditions. Then at the final step, I clicked the button, and the screen went white and the URL had the “?C=wizard&M=do_install&language=english” appended. I have not yet removed the install directory, since it seems that I might still need it.

Can anyone help me figure out what is going on?

My site is located at http://test.wittywebdesign.com/. I just downloaded the files yesterday, so I assume it is the latest build.

Thanks!
Amy

What web browser are you using?  I just checked using the admin.php file from your test site, and got all the way to this page http://test.wittywebdesign.com/admin.php?C=wizard&M=install_form&language=english&ajax_progress=yes which is where you would enter your server configuration information.

So I’m thinking maybe a browser issue. I’m running Safari 6 on Mac OS X Mountain Lion.  It also seems to work in Chrome. I don’t have Firefox installed on this machine.

I did get through the part where I entered the server (I used “localhost”), database name, database username, etc. It is immediately AFTER this screen (when I click “Install ExpressionEngine!”) that everything goes blank.

I am using Chrome on Windows 7 Ultimate. I will try it in FireFox.

Thanks,
Amy

The same thing happens in Firefox. White screen after clicking “Install ExpressionEngine!”.

oops, didn’t see you never got the install started.

Enviromed, I’m not totally sure I understand you. I downloaded the copy of the config.php file (in case it had been modified during the failed installation) and it is completely blank. No lines of code. Is that how it should be?

No.  On a new install it will be complete and only need modification for the system path,msm setup, config bootstrap or robust configuration additions.  On an upgrade ie 2.3.1 to 2.5.2 it will be blank and then you replace the config.php + database.php files with the previous version.  Was this a new install?

A few questions. First,  did you rename your system folder? If you didn’t you should, but you should make sure it’s pointing to the right location.  At the stage you are at the config file should be blank, since you haven’t entered your data yet.  I’d recheck permissions on the config.php file, it needs to writeable.  I’d also check to make sure your database information is correct, though normally, that would generate an actual can’t connect error, not a blank screen.

Based on what you’re saying, and not actually seeing the install itself. It sounds like it’s not writing the config.php or database.php files. Though generally a pure white screen indicates some type of PHP error.

Since, nothing is actually installed, as of yet. I’d recommend, deleting the system folder, and re-uploading. It’s possible a file got corrupted during the transfer process.

Generally, EE installs are quick. Very quick. You’ll spend more time reading the instructions and checking file permissions, than you will with the installer. Updates can be more complicated depending on your set-up. But initial installs are just easy. Which makes me think the files didn’t all transfer properly. I’ve seen corrupt transfers cause all sorts of problems.

You could just trash the installer files located in —>system->installer then re-upload those, but sometimes a clean upload of everything works better. Remember to redo permissions. But hopefully, that would get you through.

If not, I think someone from EllisLab may need to contact you to look at your server directly.

Enviromed, yes, this was a new install.

Allgood2, thank you. I will try removing all files, re-uploading, and resetting permissions.

Same problem. :(

Ughh… sorry this is such a problematic install for you. I’m out of ideas. It sounds like a PHP error, but I’m not certain if you can use EE’s display PHP errors, when its not fully installed. You may need to check with your ISP. But I’d wait until Monday, and see what an EllisLab support person can find. They may need to log into your account.

Is your database being populated with tables? Have you tried setting $debug = 1 in admin.php when you get a blank screen?

Tyssen, no, I do not believe the database is being populated with tables. I logged in to my phpmyadmin and there are no tables in the database. It also says my database collation is “latin1_swedish_ci”. Is that a problem?

Hey there Amy,

I am really sorry to see that you have had such a struggle with this install.

Let’s back up and check a very important item. The config file.

Masking anything you do not want international hackers to know, can you paste in just the top 1/4 or so of your config file? If not in here, you can use pastie and link to the code.

I have a feeling something is not quire right there.

We can proceed from that point. I will keep an eye out for your response Amy.

Cheers,

Hi Shane,

So glad to hear from you.

My config.php file is blank. I’m guessing that’s a bad thing…?

Thanks,
Amy