Difference between revisions of "Getting Started"

From WHMCS Documentation

(Configuring WHMCS)
 
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This guide covers the basics of WHMCS; starting with ordering a licence, downloading the software, installing it and then what to do next. This page aims to provide a brief overview and will signpost you to the relevant sections in our documentation for full details on everything covered.
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This guide covers the basics of WHMCS starting with ordering a licence, downloading the software, installing it, and getting started using it.  
  
==Buying a licence==
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==Buying a Licence==
[[File:Order licence.png|thumb|Order Now Page]]
 
The very first thing to do is buy a licence for the WHMCS software. Simply click the [http://www.whmcs.com/order-now/ Order Now] link on any page of our website. We offer a range of licence options to suit all budgets but they all provide exactly the same software. You can switch between tiers at any time.
 
 
 
We offer a number of great addons to increase the value of WHMCS; from a fully integrated live chat solution, mobile phone apps, to a full project management system. The option to buy some of these addons will be presented during the order process, for more information and to see the full range visit the [http://www.whmcs.com/addons/ Addons Page].
 
  
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First, buy a licence for the WHMCS software. To do this, click [http://www.whmcs.com/order-now/ Order Now]. We offer a range of licence options to suit all budgets. You can switch between tiers at any time.
  
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We offer many great addons to increase the value of WHMCS, from a fully-integrated live chat solution to a mobile phone app to a full project management system. To see all of these options, see our [http://www.whmcs.com/addons/ Addons] list.
  
 
  Buy a license https://www.whmcs.com/pricing
 
  Buy a license https://www.whmcs.com/pricing
  
==Downloading the software==
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==Downloading the Software==
  
 
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxd8VYu8u5s&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=2&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
 
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxd8VYu8u5s&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=2&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
  
Once a licence has been purchased, the software can be downloaded from our [https://www.whmcs.com/members/ Members Area]:[[File:Download.png|thumb|File Download Page]]
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After you purchase a license, download WHMCS from the [https://www.whmcs.com/members/ WHMCS Members Area]:
#Click the ''My Licenses'' link under the '''Services''' menu
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#Select '''My Licenses''' in the '''Services''' menu.
 
#Select one of your active license keys to view the details
 
#Select one of your active license keys to view the details
#Click the blue ''Download Now'' button to download the latest stable release.
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#Click '''Download Now''' to download the latest stable release. If you chose to purchase any addons that require extra files, their downloads will also appear here.
##If you chose to purchase any addons which require extra files, their downloads will also appear here. Note: Not all our addons require extra files.
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#Save the ZIP file to your computer.
#Save the zip file to your computer.
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  Download the software: https://www.whmcs.com/members/
 
  Download the software: https://www.whmcs.com/members/
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<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxd8VYu8u5s&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=2&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
 
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxd8VYu8u5s&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=2&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
  
Next the WHMCS software must be installed on your server. Please check with your server admin/hosting provider that your server meets the [[System Requirements]].
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Next, install WHMCS on your server, making sure that your server meets the [[System Requirements]].
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* You can use several different methods to do this.
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* Depending on your server access level, you may need to consult your system administrator or hosting provider for assistance.
  
Installing WHMCS is as simple as installing many other web-based scripts (Wordpress, Joomla, phpBB etc). This is a very brief overview of the installation process. More [[Installing_WHMCS|detailed installation instructions]] are available.
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Detailed installation instructions: [[Installing WHMCS]] and [[Install On The Command Line]]
[[File:Installing.png|thumb|Installing WHMCS]]
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<html><a href="https://www.whmcs.com/services#installation?utm_medium=docs" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em><small><b>Need help with installation?</b> Check our available services.</small></em><span class="button">Services</span></a></html>
#Upload the WHMCS zip file to your server
 
#Extract the zip file and move the WHMCS files your desired location (popular directory names include members, clients, secure or billing)
 
#Create a new MySQL Database and assign a database user to it.
 
#Visit the installation script at /install/install.php and to run the installer process.
 
#Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
 
#When complete, delete the install folder from your web server and CHMOD the configuration.php file back to 644.
 
<br/>
 
Detailed installation instructions: [[Installing WHMCS]]
 
<html><a href="https://www.whmcs.com/services#installation?utm_medium=docs" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em><small>Have our professional services team install WHMCS for you.</small></em><span class="button">Services</span></a></html>
 
  
 
==Further Security Steps==
 
==Further Security Steps==
The WHMCS software will contain some sensitive data, and whilst security is always our number one priority, it is sensible to take extra precautions to ensure your server and the software installed upon it is as secure as possible. To that end, we have some suggestions for further securing a WHMCS installation at [[Further Security Steps]].
 
  
  Detailed Further Security Steps: [[Further Security Steps]]
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Your WHMCS installation will contain sensitive data. We recommend taking extra precautions to ensure your server and its software are secure.
  
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  Steps to secure your server: [[Installing WHMCS]] and [https://help.whmcs.com/m/installation/l/1075203-securing-your-whmcs-installation Securing Your Installation]
  
 
==First Login==
 
==First Login==
 
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ak62s_L1k&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=3&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
 
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Ak62s_L1k&list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb&index=3&t=0s" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
  
[[File:Admin summary.png|thumb|Admin Summary Page]]
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[[File:82Dashboard.png|thumb|Admin Summary Page]]
Now the software is fully installed and secured you can start getting things configured. All the set up, configuration and day-to-day administration is done through the administration area. To login, visit the URL at which you installed the software, for example https://www.example.com/whmcs/admin using the username and password created during the installation process.
 
  
Upon login you will be see the Admin Summary page; this page provides an overview of all your company operations. At the top of the page are the Income statistics and the Attention Items - these are items requiring your action. The summary page is made up of "Widgets", each staff member can arrange them however they like simply by clicking and dragging. They can be closed by clicking the "-" icon and disabled entirely in the Administrator Role.
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After installation, you can begin configuring WHMCS through the WHMCS Admin Area. To log in and get started, visit the URL at which you installed the software (for example, <tt>https://www.example.com/whmcs/admin</tt>) using the username and password you created during the installation process.
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When you log in, you will immediately see the Admin Area Dashboard, from which you can access all of the needed tools and settings.
  
 
  Administration Area Documentation: [[Admin Area]]
 
  Administration Area Documentation: [[Admin Area]]
 
  
 
==Configuring WHMCS==
 
==Configuring WHMCS==
  
After installation is completed, we recommend that you go through and configure your new WHMCS system in the following order:
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<html><a href="https://www.whmcs.com/services#installation?utm_medium=docs" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em><small><b>Configuration Service:</b> Have our team configure WHMCS for you.</small></em><span class="button">Services</span></a></html>
  
#Login to the Admin Area and configure your General Settings (Setup > [[Configuration|General Settings]])
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After you complete installation, we recommend that you configure WHMCS in the following order:
#Setup your Payment Gateways (Setup  > [[Payment Gateways]])
 
#Add your servers to WHMCS (Setup  > Products/Services  > [[Servers]])
 
#Setup your Products & Services (Setup  > Products/Services  > [[Products and Services]])
 
#Enter your domain registrar account details (Setup  >  Products/Services  > [[Domain Registrars]])
 
#Configure your Domain Pricing (Setup  > [[Domains_Configuration|Domain Pricing]])
 
#Setup your Support Ticket Departments (Setup  > [[Support_Center|Support Departments]])
 
#Setup email piping so you can manage tickets using the WHMCS Support Desk - for full instructions on this please see the [[Email Piping]] article
 
#Ensure the WHMCS Cron Job is setup and configure automated tasks (Setup  > [[Automation Settings]])
 
#Place some test orders on your website to check everything works as expected
 
  
<html><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb" class="docs-video-tutorial"><em>Watch the video tutorial for this feature</em><span>&nbsp;<img src="https://assets.whmcs.com/icons/youtube.png">&nbsp;</span></a></html>
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# Perform the recommended [[Further Security Steps]].
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# Configure your general settings ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings > [[General Settings]]''').
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# Set up your payment gateways ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > [[Apps and Integrations|Apps & Integrations]]''').
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# Set up your products and services ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings > [[Products and Services|Products/Services]]''').
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# Configure your domain pricing ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings > [[Domain Pricing]]''').
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# Set up your support ticket departments ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings > [[Support Departments]]''').
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#Set up [[Email Piping|email piping]] to manage tickets using the WHMCS Support Desk.
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# Create and configure the WHMCS cron job and its automated tasks ('''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings > [[Automation Settings]]''').
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# Place some test orders on your website to check your setup.
  
For further guidance, you can watch video tutorials we have prepared for the above tasks @ [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfpgUwyOgC7C4wwPhB7jEqSp_esXB31Jb youtube.com/whmcs]
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For help, watch [https://youtube.com/whmcs video tutorials].
  
 
  Detailed Configuration Instructions: [[Setup/Configuration]]
 
  Detailed Configuration Instructions: [[Setup/Configuration]]
  
 
==What's Next==
 
==What's Next==
Click the "Setup" tab to view the Setup Tasks Checklist, this itemizes the recommended configuration steps to make the most of WHMCS.
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The '''Setup Tasks''' checklist itemizes the recommended configuration steps to make the most of WHMCS. In WHMCS 8.5 and later, you can see this list at '''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings''' when you click '''Click here to view the setup tasks'''.
You may already have some clients and wish to start managing them through WHMCS, they'll need to be imported. For instructions doing so, refer to the [[Importing Data]] page.
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* In WHMCS 8.0 through 8.4, go to '''Configuration (<i class="fa fa-wrench" aria-hidden="true"></i>) > System Settings'''.
Make sure you are up-to-date with all the latest fixes, updates and features introduced in your version of WHMCS by reading the [[Release Notes]].
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* Prior to WHMCS 8.0, go to '''Setup'''.
 
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You may already have some clients and wish to start managing them through WHMCS. If so, they'll need to be imported. For instructions, see [[Importing Data]].
 +
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Make sure you are up-to-date with all the latest fixes, updates, and features in your version of WHMCS by reading the [[Release Notes]].
 +
 
We use a licensing system to ensure that only those who have paid for the software may use it. Learn more about this works and what you need to do if you wish to move your WHMCS installation on the [[Licensing]] page.
 
We use a licensing system to ensure that only those who have paid for the software may use it. Learn more about this works and what you need to do if you wish to move your WHMCS installation on the [[Licensing]] page.
 
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  Learn to use WHMCS: [[Using WHMCS and Howtos]]
 
  Learn to use WHMCS: [[Using WHMCS and Howtos]]
 
  
 
==Where do I get help?==
 
==Where do I get help?==
 
===Documentation===
 
===Documentation===
 
[[File:Docs.gif|right]]
 
[[File:Docs.gif|right]]
Our '''[https://docs.whmcs.com documentation]''' is comprehensive and covers every aspect of the WHMCS software. If you're unsure about any of the options on a given page simply click the yellow "Help" link in the top-right corner to be taken directly to the relevant section. You can also search the documentation using the Search box in the top-right corner of this page. Some useful sections are:
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Our '''[https://docs.whmcs.com documentation]''' is comprehensive and covers every aspect of the WHMCS software. If you're unsure about any of the options on a given page simply click the yellow '''[[Admin Area|Help]]''' link in the top-right corner to be taken directly to the relevant section. You can also search the documentation using the '''Search''' box in the top-right corner of this page. Some useful sections are:
  
 
*[[Setup/Configuration]]
 
*[[Setup/Configuration]]

Latest revision as of 13:45, 19 April 2023

This guide covers the basics of WHMCS starting with ordering a licence, downloading the software, installing it, and getting started using it.

Buying a Licence

First, buy a licence for the WHMCS software. To do this, click Order Now. We offer a range of licence options to suit all budgets. You can switch between tiers at any time.

We offer many great addons to increase the value of WHMCS, from a fully-integrated live chat solution to a mobile phone app to a full project management system. To see all of these options, see our Addons list.

Buy a license https://www.whmcs.com/pricing

Downloading the Software

Watch the video tutorial for this feature  

After you purchase a license, download WHMCS from the WHMCS Members Area:

  1. Select My Licenses in the Services menu.
  2. Select one of your active license keys to view the details
  3. Click Download Now to download the latest stable release. If you chose to purchase any addons that require extra files, their downloads will also appear here.
  4. Save the ZIP file to your computer.
Download the software: https://www.whmcs.com/members/

Installing the software

Watch the video tutorial for this feature  

Next, install WHMCS on your server, making sure that your server meets the System Requirements.

  • You can use several different methods to do this.
  • Depending on your server access level, you may need to consult your system administrator or hosting provider for assistance.
Detailed installation instructions: Installing WHMCS and Install On The Command Line

Need help with installation? Check our available services.Services

Further Security Steps

Your WHMCS installation will contain sensitive data. We recommend taking extra precautions to ensure your server and its software are secure.

 Steps to secure your server: Installing WHMCS and Securing Your Installation

First Login

Watch the video tutorial for this feature  

Admin Summary Page

After installation, you can begin configuring WHMCS through the WHMCS Admin Area. To log in and get started, visit the URL at which you installed the software (for example, https://www.example.com/whmcs/admin) using the username and password you created during the installation process.

When you log in, you will immediately see the Admin Area Dashboard, from which you can access all of the needed tools and settings.

Administration Area Documentation: Admin Area

Configuring WHMCS

Configuration Service: Have our team configure WHMCS for you.Services

After you complete installation, we recommend that you configure WHMCS in the following order:

  1. Perform the recommended Further Security Steps.
  2. Configure your general settings (Configuration () > System Settings > General Settings).
  3. Set up your payment gateways (Configuration () > Apps & Integrations).
  4. Set up your products and services (Configuration () > System Settings > Products/Services).
  5. Configure your domain pricing (Configuration () > System Settings > Domain Pricing).
  6. Set up your support ticket departments (Configuration () > System Settings > Support Departments).
  7. Set up email piping to manage tickets using the WHMCS Support Desk.
  8. Create and configure the WHMCS cron job and its automated tasks (Configuration () > System Settings > Automation Settings).
  9. Place some test orders on your website to check your setup.

For help, watch video tutorials.

Detailed Configuration Instructions: Setup/Configuration

What's Next

The Setup Tasks checklist itemizes the recommended configuration steps to make the most of WHMCS. In WHMCS 8.5 and later, you can see this list at Configuration () > System Settings when you click Click here to view the setup tasks.

  • In WHMCS 8.0 through 8.4, go to Configuration () > System Settings.
  • Prior to WHMCS 8.0, go to Setup.

You may already have some clients and wish to start managing them through WHMCS. If so, they'll need to be imported. For instructions, see Importing Data.

Make sure you are up-to-date with all the latest fixes, updates, and features in your version of WHMCS by reading the Release Notes.

We use a licensing system to ensure that only those who have paid for the software may use it. Learn more about this works and what you need to do if you wish to move your WHMCS installation on the Licensing page.

Learn to use WHMCS: Using WHMCS and Howtos

Where do I get help?

Documentation

Docs.gif

Our documentation is comprehensive and covers every aspect of the WHMCS software. If you're unsure about any of the options on a given page simply click the yellow Help link in the top-right corner to be taken directly to the relevant section. You can also search the documentation using the Search box in the top-right corner of this page. Some useful sections are:

Help Guides

Guides.png

A range of self-help guides are available at help.whmcs.com assist with many common tasks in the WHMCS software, including Setup and Configuration, guiding you through the System Settings and Payments & Currency.

There is also an extensive troubleshooting section should you encounter any problems.

Video Tutorials

Tutorials.gif

These Youtube video tutorials provide a visual step by step walk-through of all the common setup and configuration tasks you’ll need to perform when getting started with WHMCS. We recommend watching these before configuring the software.

Community

Community.gif

Our Community is home to a very active community of experienced WHMCS users that are always willing to help and discuss new ideas. These forums are primarily a place for discussion between customers and so you should not expect to receive a response from staff here.

Support Ticket

Submitticket.gif

You should submit a support ticket when you are unable to find answers to your questions using any of the above resources. If you have a monthly license you are entitled to support at any time but if on an owned license, you may be required to renew your support and upgrades before help can be provided.

Getting Help: https://www.whmcs.com/support/