Downloading & Installing

This guide covers the initial setup of SuiteCRM 7, from obtaining the source code to completing the web-based installation wizard.

1. Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure your server environment meets the minimum requirements.

For a full list of supported databases and web servers, see the Compatibility Matrix.

2. Downloading SuiteCRM

The preferred way to install SuiteCRM is by downloading the official zip package from the SuiteCRM website.

  1. Navigate to the Official Download Page.

  2. Download the latest stable version of SuiteCRM 7.

  3. Upload the .zip archive to your web server’s root directory (e.g., /var/www/html/).

  4. Unzip the archive:

unzip SuiteCRM-7.x.x.zip -d suitecrm

3. Setting Permissions

SuiteCRM requires specific file permissions to allow the web server to write to the cache, metadata, and upload directories.

Incorrect permissions are the #1 cause of installation failure and "White Screen of Death" errors.

Run the following commands from within your SuiteCRM root directory (replace www-data with your specific web server user, e.g., apache):

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data .
sudo chmod -R 755 .
sudo chmod -R 775 cache custom modules themes data upload config_override.php

4. Running the Web Installer

Once your files and permissions are set, navigate to your SuiteCRM URL in a browser: http://your-domain.com/install.php

  1. License Agreement: Read the GNU Affero General Public License and click I Accept.

  2. System Check: The installer will verify your PHP settings and permissions.

    • If any items are marked in red, you must resolve them before proceeding.

  3. Database Configuration:

    • Host: Usually localhost.

    • Database Name: Provide the name of an empty database you have created.

    • User/Password: Provide credentials with full privileges to that database.

  4. Site Configuration:

    • Create your Admin username and password.

    • Enter your Site URL (ensure this matches how users will access the CRM).

  5. Finish: Click Install.

On the final screen, you will be presented with a Crontab command. Copy this immediately. You will need it for the next step of the setup.

5. Post-Installation Task: Cron

For SuiteCRM to function (Workflows, Emails, Schedulers), you must add the Cron entry to your server.

  1. Open your crontab: crontab -e -u www-data

  2. Add the line copied from the installer (usually):

* * * * * cd /var/www/html; php -f cron.php > /dev/null 2>&1

Content is available under GNU Free Documentation License 1.3 or later unless otherwise noted.