6 Steps to Install Magento Extensions via FTP

If you want to delve in installing Magento extension without using Magento connect, you will need to follow certain specific steps. You will encounter some problems, but eventually you will be able to successfully install the extension, while keeping a watch out for bugs. Here are the six essential steps you will need to follow to install the extension. You will also get a detailed purview on what all issues you are likely to face when installing the extension.

Disable Compilation
You will need to disable compilation mode for your e-store. If you keep it enabled, you won't be able to access the admin of the store, and make the necessary changes after the extension has been installed. Go to system>tools>compilation to disable compilation

php -f shell/compiler.php – clear

This is the command prompt you could use for the purpose of disabling

Before you begin the process of disabling, you should necessarily backup all the files of Magento that you can refer to in case of bugs or issues. For safety purposes, keep a backup of your database.

Enable Caching
If you wish to prevent early installation of the extension, you should ideally enable caching before you begin installation. Navigate to system>cache management

Install the Extension
Once you have identified the extension you want for your and have performed the first two steps described in here, you will need to read up the installation manual for the same to get started. This way you will be better equipped on how to carry out the installation, without facing errors. Once, you have done that you can begin by extracting the contents of the zip folder. Next, you will need to upload the extension unzipped file to your server using FTP. First connect Magento server. Next, connect to the root directory and finally upload all the relevant files here. You need to provide the uploaded files the same permission as your existing files. For starters, the files uploaded should be readable.

Refresh Cache
Go to System>Cache Management. Now, refresh Magento cache. This way your Magento site will be able to look through the new extension, you have installed.

Re-enter Backend
If you don't perform this step, you will get an error message “access denied”. You can avoid this by logging in again with complete administrator rights, and gain new permissions for this purpose. In case, you have enabled maintenance mode, you may want to switch back your store to live mode.

Enable Compilation
Finally, you need to enable compilation. Go to System>Tools>Compilation to enable it.

The command line prompt which will help you with the process is

php -f shell/compiler.php – compile

To avoid potential conflicts, make sure you install one installation at a time.

Deepa, a technical writer with Semaphore Software, who now devotes her time in advising its clients to hire Certified Magento Developers. She offers information as well as tips and latest trends in this domain.