---
title: "How to install Vanilla Forums Community Edition"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/cms/manually-install-vanilla-forums-community-edition/"
description: "How Nexcess clients on SiteWorx servers can manually install Vanilla Forums Community Edition, an open source discussion forum."
vertical: "Sites & Stores"
date: "2019-09-10"
last_modified: "2026-08-17"
---

# How to install Vanilla Forums Community Edition

## 1. Download Vanilla Forums

1. Download the Vanilla Forums package from the [Vanilla Forums website](https://open.vanillaforums.com/).
2. Extract the file and note its location for later use.

## 2. Configure FTP credentials 

1. Log in to your SiteWorx control panel. 
    - If you do not know your password, click **Forgot your password** on the login page.
2. From the SiteWorx main menu, click **Hosting Features > FTP > Accounts**
3. In the **Add an FTP Accoun**t section, fill the **FTP Username**, **Password,** and **Confirm Password** fields, then click **Add**.|  
    ![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1568147852578-1568147852578.png)

## 3. Transfer Vanilla Forums files to your Nexcess server

Your exact method of transferring files will vary according to your choice of application. Whatever the method, you will need the username and password you created in Step 2C. For detailed instructions and an example using Cyberduck, see [How to transfer files to a server with SFTP.](https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/managed-magento/file-management/transfer-files-with-sftp/)

## 4. Configure your database

1. From the SiteWorx main menu, click **Hosting Features > MySQL > Databases**.
2. Fill the **DatabaseName** field, though we recommend “drupal.” Select the **Create User** check box.  
    ![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1568147891501-1568147891501.png)
3. Fill the **Username** field, though we recommend “drupal.” Fill the **Password** and **Confirm Password** fields, or click **Generate**. Note this information for use in Step 5. Verify all **MySQLUserPermissions** are selected, then click **Add** when ready.  
    ![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1568147905739-1568147905739.png)

## 5. Configure Vanilla Forums

1. Using your web browser to navigate to your domain and corresponding Vanilla Forums path. For example, if your domain is example.com and your Vanilla Forums installation is “vanilla,” navigate to example.com/vanilla. If your Vanilla Forums installation is at the top level of your domain, then just navigate to the domain.
2. Retrieve your database credentials and enter them in the corresponding fields.
3. In the next window, enter your forum name, administrator email address, username, and password. Click **Continue** to finish your installation of Vanilla Forums.