Installing WHMCS: The Complete Setup Guide for Resellers

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have:

1. A WHMCS License Key.
2. A server or hosting account that meets the WHMCS system requirements.
3. PHP 8.2+ with IonCube Loader enabled.

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Step 1: Upload the Files

Download the latest version of WHMCS from the members area. Upload the .zip file to your server’s public_html (or a subdirectory like /billing) and extract it.

Step 2: Create a Database

1. Go to MySQL Database Wizard in cPanel.
2. Create a database (e.g., whmcs_db).
3. Create a user (e.g., whmcs_user) and generate a strong password.
4. Grant All Privileges to the user.

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Step 3: Run the Installer

Visit yourdomain.com/install/install.php in your browser.

1. License Agreement: Read and accept.
2. System Requirements: Ensure everything is green.
3. License Key: Enter your key.
4. Database Details: Enter the DB name, user, and password you created in Step 2.

Step 4: Admin Account Setup

Create your administrator account. Pro Tip: Use a unique username and a extremely secure password.

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Step 5: Post-Installation (Critical Security)

Once the installation is complete, you MUST:

1. Delete the /install directory from your server.
2. Move the configuration.php file permissions to 400 or 444.
3. Set up your Cron Job. WHMCS needs this to automate all tasks. php -q /home/username/public_html/whmcs/crons/cron.php

Get a VPS for your WHMCS

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FAQ

Q: Can I install WHMCS on shared hosting?
A: Yes, but for better security and reliability, we recommend a Managed VPS.

Q: What is the Cron Job?
A: It’s a scheduled task that tells WHMCS to check for overdue invoices, renew domains, and suspend overdue accounts every hour.