From Mambo version 4.6 and up, components , modules, mambots and templates are installed the same way - through the Installer.  In versions prior to Mambo 4.6, each of these was installed separately and users needed to know whether their chosen extension was a component, or mambot , module , or template in order to select the correct installation method.  The Installer takes away that guess-work and makes installation of extensions and add-ons easy.

Using the Installer

Login to your administrator backend and look at the top navigation bar. I have underlined the Installer button here to make it easy for you to see where it is located.

Mambo extensions and add-ons are packaged in a single .zip file containing everything needed to add the extension to Mambo and get Mambo to recognise it. If you download an extension you wish to use, there is no need to unzip it before installing - Mambo handles it all. For extension packages that you have downloaded or that you wish to install directly from an URL, you use the Universal Installer.

After you select the Universal Installer the following screen appears:

Before installing any extension you must ensure that all directories listed on this page are showing as writeable. Mambo needs to be able to write to these directories so that it can install your extensions and add-ons. If any are showing as unwriteable you must fix the permissions before you proceed.

The quickest and easiest way to install an extension is by using "Install from HTTP URL".  If you are confident that the link to the extension is on a site that is safe to use, then simply enter the URL to the zip package and click on "Upload URL & Install".  This is a good way to install extensions directly from the Mambo Code Forge, for example.

Always keep security in mind when installing any extensions.  You will, of course, have previously checked that the extension you want to use works with the version of Mambo that you are using!

If you have previously downloaded an extension zip package, you can use the "Upload Package File" function.  Simply click "Browse" to browse your local hard drive and locate the zip package. Click on the "Upload File & Install" button. 

In rare cases, for example if you have a local firewall that blocks direct uploading or if you are planning to work on your Mambo site while away from your local computer, you may wish to use the "Install from directory" feature.  In this case, you will have previously uploaded the zip package to your server.  Enter the path to your zip file and click "Install".

Once you have clicked the button to start the install process Mambo uploads the extension package, decompresses it and extracts the files to their correct location.  If there is an error in the file Mambo stops processing the installation and sends back an error message.  If installation is successful you will receive a success message and the newly installed extension will be available for you to configure and use.