PrestaShop is a powerful open-source e-commerce platform that allows you to build a professional webshop. With Installatron in DirectAdmin, you can install PrestaShop with just a few clicks. This guide will walk you through the complete installation process.

What is PrestaShop

PrestaShop is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world:

  • Free and open-source
  • Over 300,000 active webshops
  • Extensive module marketplace
  • Fully customizable
  • Supports multiple languages and currencies
  • Professional functionality out of the box

System Requirements

Before you begin, check if your hosting meets the requirements.

Minimum Requirements

  • PHP 7.4 to 8.1 (8.0 recommended)
  • MySQL 5.6 or higher
  • 128MB PHP memory (256MB recommended)
  • Apache or Nginx web server
  • SSL certificate for secure shopping

For optimal performance:

  • 512MB PHP memory
  • PHP 8.0 or 8.1
  • MySQL 8.0
  • SSD storage
  • At least 1GB storage space

Theory7 Hosting

All Theory7 hosting packages meet the PrestaShop requirements. You can easily adjust the PHP version via DirectAdmin.

Installation via Installatron

Step 1: Open DirectAdmin

  1. Go to your DirectAdmin URL
  2. Log in with your credentials
  3. You will see the DirectAdmin dashboard

Step 2: Start Installatron

  1. Look for Installatron Applications Installer
  2. Click to open the application library
  3. You will see an overview of available applications

Step 3: Find PrestaShop

  1. Use the search bar
  2. Type PrestaShop
  3. Click on the PrestaShop icon
  4. You will see the application details

Step 4: Start Installation

  1. Click on Install or Install this application
  2. The installation form will open

Step 5: Configure Location

  1. Domain: Choose the domain for your webshop
  2. Directory: Leave empty for the main domain, or fill in a subfolder
  3. Version: Select the latest stable version

Step 6: Configure Settings

  1. Administrator username: Choose a secure username (not admin)
  2. Administrator password: Use a strong password
  3. Administrator email: Your business email address
  4. Website title: The name of your webshop
  5. Language: Select Dutch or desired language

Step 7: Advanced Options

Optionally, you can set:

  • Automatic backups: Recommended to enable
  • Automatic updates: Be cautious, test first on staging

Step 8: Install

  1. Check all settings
  2. Click on Install
  3. Wait for the installation to complete (1-3 minutes)
  4. You will receive a confirmation with login details

After Installation

First Time Logging In

  1. Go to yourdomain.nl/admin
  2. Log in with the chosen username and password
  3. You will see the PrestaShop back-office dashboard

Walk Through the Welcome Wizard

PrestaShop shows a configuration wizard:

  1. Fill in store details
  2. Select modules
  3. Add first products
  4. Configure payment methods

Essential First Steps

Immediately perform these actions:

  1. Change the admin URL: Default /admin is insecure
  2. Activate SSL: Go to General settings
  3. Set up backups: Configure regular backups
  4. Enable cache: For better performance

Change Admin URL

The default admin URL is predictable. Change this for extra security.

Via Back-Office

  1. Go to Advanced Parameters
  2. Select Administration
  3. Change the admin folder name
  4. Note the new URL

Manually

  1. Connect via FTP or File Manager
  2. Rename the admin folder
  3. Clear the cache
  4. Log in at the new URL

Common Issues

White Page After Installation

Check:

  • PHP version (must be 7.4-8.1)
  • PHP memory limit
  • Error logs in DirectAdmin

500 Internal Server Error

Possible causes:

  • Incorrect file permissions
  • htaccess conflicts
  • PHP configuration issues

Installation Failed

Try:

  1. Check database details
  2. Create a new empty database
  3. Increase PHP time limit
  4. Try reinstalling

First Configuration

Store Details

  1. Go to Preferences and select Stores
  2. Fill in:
    • Store name
    • Email
    • Address details
    • Upload logo

Language and Currency

  1. Go to International and choose Location
  2. Set your default country
  3. Configure the currency (EUR)
  4. Set the date format

Force SSL

  1. Go to General Settings
  2. Set Enable SSL to Yes
  3. Set Force SSL to Yes
  4. Your shop now runs entirely on HTTPS

Installing Modules

From the Marketplace

  1. Go to Modules and select Module Manager
  2. Click on Add Modules
  3. Search for a module
  4. Click on Install

Manual Upload

  1. Download the module as ZIP
  2. Go to Module Manager
  3. Click on Upload Module
  4. Select the ZIP file
  5. Configure the module

Start with these essential modules:

  • Mollie or PayPal for payments
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Cookie consent for GDPR
  • SEO module for better visibility

Maintenance

Installing Updates

  1. Always make a backup first
  2. Go to Modules and check for updates
  3. Test on a staging environment
  4. Install updates outside peak hours

Creating Backups

Via Installatron:

  1. Go to your PrestaShop installation
  2. Click on Backup
  3. Save and download
  4. Store in a safe location

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or do you have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help.