DNN Installation Guide & Hosting

DNN certified implementation partner walks you through your DNN installation
DNN Certified Partner

The Ways to Install DNN

It is relatively easy to install DNN (DotNetNuke) or DNN Evoq (referring to the paid versions) so long as you meet the necessary requirements prior to installation. This DNN installation guide is going to assume that you have direct access to the computer that meets those requirements. If your website is under a hosting provider, it is advisable to ask them if the necessary requirements have already been set up; otherwise, have their control panel software install DNN for you.

DNN Evoq logo

There are various ways to go about performing a DotNetNuke installation, and which method you choose depends on the software and platform you are using. There are no real hardware requirements, as long as there is adequate RAM for your site traffic. DNN uses a Windows server (IIS) for serving up the pages, and a SQL database for the data storage. Most installs use Microsoft SQL, however, you can use SQL Express, which is free.  For the specific database versions and server recommendations, visit our DNN Website Hosting recommendations page.

The difference lies right after broadening the default website node, where you have to open up the Enterprise Manager or SQL Management Studio. This provides the Admin UI for us to link up to your server’s database and enlarge the server node. In order to specify the name of the database and arrange the SQL User Security Account information, you have to right click on the Database node and then select New Database. Afterwards you can then surf your website.

The difference lies right after broadening the default node.

When you encounter the DNN installation wizard, you can choose either Custom or Typical settings and run the wizard. Finally, test the database connection to determine if it is working properly. One of Clarity's core competencies is custom DNN development and design with more than 1,000 DNN websites built and delivered. You can learn more about us by visiting our portfolio page.

MS-SQL vs. SQL Express

Getting Started

In order to install DNN using SQLExpress, you have to download the most recent version of DNN, using the install DNN package. Once done, extract the contents of the ZIP bundle to your computer’s folder. Next, make a directory on your C drive, naming the folder DNN, where you will copy the contents of the DNN package. Once the software has been replicated, you need to add permissions for the appropriate user by going to the DNN folder and clicking on the Security tab.

The next step involves clicking Start > Run, then typing "INETMGR" to open the web server IIS Console. You need to enlarge the default website node and right click the DNN folder, after which you can now surf your website.

Once the installation is complete, make sure that the default login accounts, Admin and Host, are found on the DNN site’s homepage. Make it a point to have the passwords changed immediately once you login to these two accounts. To install DNN using SQL Server 2005 or newer, the initial steps are exactly the same as those described above.

Windows Hosting vs. DNN Hosting

Selecting a DNN Hosting Provider

Selecting a DNN Hosting Provider

If you find it daunting to install DNN by yourself, then you should look for a hosting provider that can automatically install DNN for you, or a developer with DNN experience. When looking for an appropriate hosting company, you need to consider how much support you expect from them, in terms of installation, upgrade or any other issues while running your DNN site.

DNN hosting providers usually offer support for Windows Operating Systems, Microsoft SQL Server Database, Net Framework, and Remote Desktop Access. An example of a hosting company that features automated DNN installation is Managed.com. This provider has an automated DNN starter kit that makes the website launch process much easier and is the largest DNN hosting provider in the world.

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