myBB

This page explains the myBB one-click installer in GoAdmio. It lets you install a complete MyBB forum on a domain in a single step — no manual file upload, no database setup, no configuration.

Location: Admin Panel → Scripts → myBB
Location (User Panel): Scripts → myBB (if enabled for the account)

Overview

MyBB (MyBBulletin) is a free, open-source forum software known for its ease of use, plugin ecosystem, and active community. It is a popular alternative to phpBB — simpler to manage, with a friendly admin interface.

GoAdmio's one-click installer handles the entire setup:

• Downloads the latest MyBB release
• Creates the database and database user
• Configures MyBB's inc/config.php with the correct credentials
• Installs MyBB in the chosen directory
• Runs the installation wizard (forum name, admin user, admin password)

> Note: The one-click installer is for new installations. For migrating an existing MyBB forum, use Backup Wizard or restore from a MyBB backup.

What the Page Shows

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Domain | The domain to install MyBB on (e.g., example.com) |
| Directory | The installation path (e.g., /home/example.com/www) |
| Version | The MyBB version to install (e.g., Latest Version) |
| Database Name | The database to use — prefixed with the account username |
| Database Username | The database user — prefixed with the account username |
| Database Password | The password for the database user — you must enter a new password |
| Install | Run the installation |

> Important: The Database Password field does not auto-generate. You must enter a new password for the new database. Choose a strong password and store it securely.

Prerequisites

Before installing MyBB:

1. A domain is set up on the account — see Create New Account or Addon Domains.
2. DNS points to the server — the domain resolves to the GoAdmio server. See DNS Manager and Track DNS.
3. The document root exists — usually www/<domain> — see Change Document Root.
4. The domain is not suspended — see Suspend Account.
5. The account has disk space and database limits — see Show Accounts Over Quota and Add/Modify Packages.
6. PHP and MySQL are running — see Service Status.
7. PHP version is compatible — MyBB 1.8 requires PHP 7.4+; newer versions require PHP 8.x. See MultiPHP Manager.

How to Install MyBB

Step 1 — Open the installer

1. Log in to the GoAdmio Admin Panel (or User Panel).
2. Navigate to Scripts → myBB.

Step 2 — Select the domain

1. Choose the Domain from the dropdown.
2. The Directory field auto-fills with the account's document root.
3. Adjust the directory if you want MyBB in a subdirectory (e.g., /home/example.com/www/forum).

Step 3 — Choose the version

1. Select the Version — usually Latest Version.
2. If other versions are available, choose the one you need.

Step 4 — Configure the database

1. The Database Name and Database Username are pre-filled with the account's username prefix.
2. Add a suffix if you want a specific name (e.g., mybb), or leave the default.
3. Enter a new password in the Database Password field.

> Warning: The database password is not auto-generated. If you leave it blank or use a weak password, the database is at risk. Use a strong password and save it immediately.

Step 5 — Install

1. Click Install.
2. GoAdmio downloads MyBB, creates the database, configures inc/config.php, and installs the files.
3. The installation may take a minute or two.
4. When complete, GoAdmio shows the MyBB installation wizard or a link to it.

Step 6 — Complete the MyBB setup

1. Open the installation wizard at https://<domain>/install/ (or the URL shown).
2. Click Next through the welcome screen.
3. License Agreement — accept it.
4. Requirements Check — verify all requirements are met.
5. Fill in:

1. Fill in the Database Configuration (usually pre-filled by the installer).
2. Create the Admin Account.
3. Delete the install directory — MyBB requires this for security.
4. Log in at https://<domain>/admin/ with the credentials you set.

What the Installer Creates

| Item | Created? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MyBB files | ✅ Yes | In the chosen directory |
| Database | ✅ Yes | With the account's username prefix |
| Database user | ✅ Yes | With the account's username prefix |
| inc/config.php | ✅ Yes | With the database credentials |
| MyBB admin user | ⚠️ Via the wizard | You set it in step 6 |
| Forum name | ⚠️ Via the wizard | You set it in step 6 |
| SSL certificate | ❌ No | Install separately — see Install Free SSL Certificate |
| Caching | ❌ No | MyBB has built-in caching — enable it in the ACP |
| Security plugin | ❌ No | Recommended: Stop Forum Spam |

> Note: The installer creates a working forum, but a production MyBB site also benefits from:
> - SSL — see Install Free SSL Certificate
> - Caching — MyBB's built-in cache
> - Anti-spam plugins — Stop Forum Spam
> - Backups — see Backup Wizard

After Installing

| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Complete the MyBB wizard | Set forum name, admin user, and admin email |
| Delete the install directory | Critical security step |
| Log in to the ACP | Confirm the forum works — /admin/ |
| Install an SSL certificate | HTTPS is essential — see Install Free SSL Certificate |
| Redirect HTTP to HTTPS | See Redirect HTTP to HTTPS |
| Configure SMTP | Use a real mailbox for reliable email — see Email Accounts |
| Enable MyBB caching | ACP → Configuration → Server Settings |
| Install anti-spam plugins | MyBB forums are spam targets |
| Set up backups | MyBB forums need regular backups — see Backup Wizard |
| Update MyBB and plugins | Security and performance |
| Configure SEO URLs | SEO-friendly URLs — ACP → Configuration |

> Warning: The install directory must be deleted after installation. Leaving it in place is a serious security risk — an attacker can reinstall MyBB and take over the forum.

Common Scenarios

"The installation succeeded but the site does not load"

1. Check DNS — does the domain resolve to the server? See Track DNS.
2. Check the document root — is MyBB in the right directory? See File Manager.
3. Check the web server — is it running? See Service Status.
4. Check the SSL certificate — if HTTPS is enforced but no certificate, the site will not load.

"The installation fails with a database error"

1. Check the database password — it must be filled in.
2. Check the database limit — the account may have reached its database quota. See Add/Modify Packages.
3. Check MySQL — is it running? See Service Status.
4. Check disk space — the account may be over quota. See Show Accounts Over Quota.

"MyBB email is not working"

MyBB uses PHP's mail() function by default, which is often unreliable. Configure SMTP instead:

1. Create a mailbox — see Email Accounts.
2. In the MyBB ACP, go to Configuration → Settings → Mail Settings.
3. Enable SMTP (or PHP mail with the SMTP settings).
4. Enter:

1. Save and test.

"I want MyBB in a subdirectory (e.g., /forum)"

1. In the Directory field, append /forum to the document root.
2. Complete the installation.
3. The forum is now at https://example.com/forum/.

"The customer's MyBB forum was compromised"

1. Reset the MyBB admin password via the ACP or database.
2. Review the MyBB users list for unauthorized admins.
3. Scan for malware — see ClamAV Antivirus.
4. Update MyBB and plugins — the most common compromise vector.
5. Check inc/config.php for injected code.
6. Review logs — see FTP Logs and Apache Status.
7. Consider restoring from a clean backup — see Restore Full Backup.

Security Recommendations

| Practice | Why |
|---|---|
| Delete the install directory | Critical — otherwise the forum can be reinstalled |
| Use a strong admin username | admin is the most targeted username |
| Use a strong admin password | Admin accounts are brute-force targets |
| Enable MyBB's 2FA | MyBB 1.8.30+ includes two-factor authentication |
| Keep MyBB updated | Outdated versions are the top compromise vector |
| Keep plugins and themes updated | Same reason |
| Remove unused plugins and themes | Every plugin is a potential vulnerability |
| Install anti-spam plugins | Stop Forum Spam |
| Use CAPTCHA or Q&A on registration | Reduces spam registrations |
| Install SSL | HTTPS protects login credentials |
| Back up regularly | Forums are frequent targets — see Backup Wizard |
| Limit admin users | Fewer admins means fewer targets |
| Use file permissions | See Fix Permissions |
| Enable MyBB's cache | Performance and reduced load |

> Warning: A newly installed MyBB forum is not automatically secure. The install directory, default admin credentials, and outdated plugins are common compromise vectors. Follow the recommendations above to harden the forum.

Related Commands

| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| /go/conf | Rebuild web server config |
| /go/ssl domain.com | Install SSL for the site |
| /go/repair | Repair the MyBB database if needed |

See Command Reference for the full CLI list.

Related Pages

• Scripts — other one-click installers (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, phpBB)
• MySQL Databases — manage the MyBB database
• Install Free SSL Certificate — HTTPS for the site
• Redirect HTTP to HTTPS — force HTTPS
• Email Accounts — SMTP mailbox for forum email
• SPF / DKIM — email authentication
• File Manager — inspect MyBB files
• Backup Wizard — back up the forum
• ClamAV Antivirus — scan for malware
• Cache Website — full-page caching for performance
• MultiPHP Manager — PHP version for the site
• PHP Disable Functions — restrict dangerous functions
• Fix Permissions — repair file ownership
• Change Document Root — if MyBB is in a subdirectory

Troubleshooting

| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Installation fails with "database error" | Wrong password, database limit reached, or MySQL down | Verify the password; check limits; check Service Status |
| Site does not load after install | DNS not pointing to the server, or wrong document root | Check Track DNS; verify the directory |
| "The install directory still exists" | The installer did not remove it | Delete it manually via File Manager |
| MyBB wizard does not appear | Installation incomplete, or wrong URL | Check the install log; try https://domain/install/ |
| Cannot log in to the ACP | Wrong credentials, or the user was not created | Reset the password via the database; see MySQL Databases |
| Email not working | MyBB uses mail() by default | Configure SMTP in the ACP — see Email Accounts |
| Site shows a blank page | PHP error suppressed | Enable display_errors temporarily in PHP Configuration; check the error log |
| Plugins cannot be installed | File permissions, or PHP limits | Check Fix Permissions and PHP Configuration |
| Forum is slow | No caching, or PHP version too old | Enable MyBB cache; use PHP 8.x — see MultiPHP Manager |
| Spam registrations | No anti-spam protection | Install Stop Forum Spam; enable CAPTCHA or Q&A |
| MyBB is in the wrong directory | Installation path was set incorrectly | Delete and reinstall in the correct directory |

Best Practices

| Practice | Why |
|---|---|
| Use the latest MyBB version | Security and performance |
| Delete the install directory | Critical security step |
| Install SSL immediately | Protect login credentials |
| Use a non-default admin username | admin is the most targeted |
| Use a strong admin password | Brute-force protection |
| Enable MyBB's 2FA | Adds a layer beyond the password |
| Configure SMTP for email | Reliable delivery |
| Install anti-spam plugins | Forums are spam targets |
| Enable MyBB caching | Improve performance |
| Set up regular backups | Forums are frequent targets |
| Keep everything updated | Outdated plugins are the top compromise vector |
| Remove unused plugins and themes | Every plugin is a potential vulnerability |
| Configure SEO URLs early | Changing them later breaks existing links |
| Store the database password securely | You will need it for direct database access |
| Monitor the forum | Use anti-spam plugins and external monitoring |