Can't install any CMS!

[mhm]

Hello,

So far, opening support tickets hasn't gotten me anywhere productive on this (it has been over 2 weeks since they've even responded), so I'm hoping the collective wisdom here can help.

Ideally, I'd like to install Drupal 5.7. I can't seem to be able to do that successfully manually, so I figured I'd try first the old version through Install Central, and then later go back and upgrade manually, once I have the hang of it.

It claims to be installed, but I get a lot of 500 errors, as well as a whole host of others. All around, however, it seems that it's not really installed, or something is badly messed up.

I also tried installing Joomla, figuring that maybe there was just something screwy with Drupal, but that has been unsuccessful too.

What can I be missing? It's been awhile since I've used a CMS, but when I used one several years ago (with a different host), I had no problems. What's the probability that this is a PowWeb problem, and something I can't actually fix?

This is getting very frustrating.

[HalfaBee]

1: Make sure you have enabled CGI in ops.
2: Create a default DB for your account, this creates the username.powwebmysql.com link
3: Check that the correct path is set in php.ini for sessions, click on the link in my sig to edit php.ini

[YvetteKuhns]

You should consider manually installing your CMS. You can update and customize it and keep backups. PowWeb only keeps the last 3 days of daily backups. If something happens to your site on a Friday and you didn't learn about it until Monday, you may have a problem.

I can't seem to be able to do that successfully manually

Visit the website for the CMS and read their instructions and FAQ BEFORE installing it. Ask questions on this forum. You may as well try it now while it is new. Make sure you use the correct database server name.

[mhm]

Okay, I just tried again, after deleting the most recent previous attempt. I still, when doing it manually, can't even get the install script to run. Instead, I get "500 Internal Error: The server encountered an unexpected condition which prevented it from fulfilling the request.
The script had an error or it did not produce any output. If there was an error, you should be able to see it in the error log. "

(And yes, I have read through Drupal's documentation, and that doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere I haven't already been (unsuccessfully).)

Also, my CGI claims to be enabled. When I contacted PowWeb (the time they actually responded), they claimed there was a problem with my InstallCentral, and supposedly fixed it. I still can't get anything to work, through InstallCentral or otherwise, so I'm starting to suspect that perhaps the CGI isn't really enabled. Error logs are empty.

(And thank you all!)

[YvetteKuhns]

I'm starting to suspect that perhaps the CGI isn't really enabled. Error logs are empty.

I am not convinced that your CGI is enabled. Try a simple Hello World script or form processing script. Check the first line of the script and check the permissions to be sure your test is working correctly.

As for the logs, many of us noticed that the CGI error logs have not been reporting anything. I have deliberately caused errors to test this. They haven't been working in a while.

[jem618]

Getting the same errors, too.

"500 Internal Error: The server encountered an unexpected condition which prevented it from fulfilling the request.
The script had an error or it did not produce any output. If there was an error, you should be able to see it in the error log. "

[tpoynton]

when you install in OPS, it should automatically enable CGI - but you need to wait until 9 AM or 6PM for it to be enabled. see http://forum.powweb.com/showthread.php?t=78728

if it shows as being enabled in OPS, and does not work after 6 PM, contact support

[jem618]

It's installed and active.... Been dogged by these errors for a few day now. Each time support fixes it somehow, but they don't say how..... Until just a few dasy ago, smooth sailing. Chatting with support now, when I get it sorted I'll post the results.

[jshireync]

I've just tried to install Drupal to a new subdomain and encountered exactly the same problem. I can't even locate my error logs to see what the problem might be.

What did support have to say?

Thanks!

[Croc Hunter]

Take this test.txt and upload it into your htdocs. Rename it test.php and goto domain.com/test.php in your browser. If you see Hello World - CGI is enabled and working on your account.