MySQL

[cindi]

I just purchased a program and I need to make a MySQL database. The instructions say this:

Create a MySQL database. You can name the database anything you want.
Use C-Panel, Webmin or whatever server management system you have.

Does Ipower already have one or is this something I make? I don't have a clue what this thing is.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cindi

[troyzone]

Hi Cindi,

This is definitely a rather technical website development or hosting related issue, so I moved it to the Designing & Developing Website board.

I have never considered databases to be my strong suit, however I am somewhat familiar with them as I used to be certified in the administration side of Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 and 7.0 close to a decade ago. MySQL is the type of relational database used by many Linux/Unix-based web hosts like iPower's and it follows the same principles.

Basically, a database stores tables of data, and many applications depend on them for storage and retrieval of information for a wide variety of uses. I'm not sure what type of web site application you purchased, but many do require the creation of a MySQL database in order for them to function properly.

I recently took the plunge and made a one-time purchase of a professional autoresponder script to install on my own domain (PM me for more info) so that I would not have to keep paying a recurring renewal fee for Getresponse, and it required the creation of a MySQL database as well.

Creating a MySQL database is not as difficult as it sounds. I'm going to assume your web host is iPower and you are currently using their vDeck 1.0 control panel, otherwise I won't be able to give you specific directions without knowing how your control panel is laid out.


1. Log into your vDeck control panel as usual.

2. Click on Host Manager, then Databases, then Setup.

3. Go to the Add New: box and type in a name for the new database you wish to create, then click the add button to the right of the box. Your web application's documentation may give you a database name to use, or if not, you can call it whatever you wish.

4. You may have to then choose permissions for the listed database user account. If you're not sure what to put and the documentation doesn't specify what is needed, just click the Select All box on the right to cover all the bases.

vDeck may prompt you to create a database user first however if you did not already have one, for which you can enter a user name of your choosing unless your web application's documentation states otherwise.

5. Make note of the database name and user name that you have created, as your web application may require this information placed into a user interface or a configuration script as part of the installation proceess.

Note that your database name and user name typically consists of of your iPower account name, followed by a _ character, followed by the database or user name that you had created. At least, that's how mine needed to be specified.


I have only created a MySQL database once or twice myself, so the above directions may not be exact. However, they should enable you to get through this process. Hope this helps.

Troy

[cindi]

Troy,

Thank you so much. I made it with no problem. My only problem now is I am having trouble getting the files correct in vDeck. I am going to work on it a little bit longer and then I may have to ask for a refund. I have a few other questions if you can help me.

1. I have php redirects on my site, does that mean I already have the .htacess file in my files in iPower?

2. The root directory would be /home, is that correct?

3. The root folder would be where my index.html is correct?

4. Can I upload folders or do I have to create the folder and then upload each file individually?

I don't think the program will be hard to work, I just need my files uploaded in the correct spots.

By the way, the program is called widget ad generator.

Thanks Troy another E from me

Cindi

[Tom "CloudHand"]

Hi Cindy,

I'm not Troy, but I can possibly field some of these questions. ;D

1 - no, I do not think iPower gives you a .htaccess file by default. You will most likely need to upload one or create one in your root directory. PHP redirects have nothing to do with your .htaccess file.

2 - on iPower, your root directory would be /home/public_html/

3 - root folder is another name for root directory... your root directory will need some sort of index file in order to display your site. Your index file is most likely index.html, but can also be index.php, index.htm, index.shtml, etc.

4 - yes you can upload folders, but not through vDeck. The best way to upload folders is by using an FTP program such as SmartFTP or FileZilla.

Tom

[troyzone]

Tom - Thanks for your help, you are more qualified to answer database and hosting-related questions than anyone. I saw Cindi's latest post a while ago while I was dealing with another issue, then happened to refresh this thread and saw you had answered her questions for me. People who save me work get their karma exalted up a notch ;D


Cindi - .htaccess is a system file that is typically in your public_html root directory, and it is often hidden. You may have one present and just can't see it. See the following past thread for info on how to unhide your .htaccess file in case you already have one present that is currently hidden from view:

erichw33.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=web&action=display&thread=1171504119&page=2#1172673629

If you don't have a .htaccess file present then you can easily create a blank page using Notepad, insert any entries that are needed, save it, and then upload it to your web host.

You may have to rename it at this point depending on how you saved it, as the filename has to be exactly .htaccess with a . at the first and no filename extension, plus it has to be all lowercase letters.

I agree with Tom that it is easier to copy entire directories and multiple files, set permissions, etc. using a FTP client program installed on your own computer rather than vDeck, although you can do it via vDeck if you prefer.

If you can't get your web application installed yourself then you may wish to contact whomever you purchased it from before requesting a refund, as they may offer support and be willing to help you get it set up. Assuming of course, that is the only reason you are considering asking for a refund.

Troy

[cindi]

Tom and Troy,

You guys are the best. I never thought of using FTP to upload.

This is the best advice so I will give it another try.

I really do want to use this program because it is a personal version of an Adsense program and I may use it for another non work from home site.

They do give you a site to go to that costs $25 to have this installed, but when they ask for the script I don't know what they are talking about. Besides, I want to be able to do it myself just in case I have to make changes or reinstall.

Thanks again for the help. You guys make my HTML life so much easier

Cindi

[troyzone]

Hi Cindi,

You are most welcome. Just for reference, the program or web application that you purchased is itself a script that is installed on your web hosting account, so when someone asks for your script they are referring to the program that you purchased. I agree though that it is best if you learn how to install and configure it yourself.

Troy