Installation

STEP 1. UNZIP

1. The first step after downloading is to Unzip YAF.NET and copy the content of the folder YetAnotherForum.NET to the physical location where the Application (YAF) will be run from.  By default in IIS (Internet Information Server) expects the sites to be located at c:\Inetpub\wwwroot...

STEP 2. Configuring the Appication in IIS (Internet Information Server)

1. In IIS you need to create a new Virtual Directory, if you want to run YAF as application, that points to the physical directory where you extracted YAF in to.

2. How to: Create and Configure Virtual Directories in IIS

3. Make sure that the Application Pool for YAF is set to .NET 4

STEP 3. SETUP DATABASE

1. A valid database needs to exist on your SQL Server with proper permissions set so that YAF can access it. When you run YAF for the first time it will detect that the database is empty (or needs upgrading) and will automatically run you through the process required to create the SQL database structures needed.

STEP 4. COPY WEB.CONFIG FILE

1. You need to copy the file recommended-NET-web.config to your yaf root Folder and rename it to web.config. Warning: DO NOT edit the web.config unless you know what you're doing.

STEP 4a. (OPTIONAL) Generate a Machine Key for your installation.

1. Open the file web.config and visit the a site that allows generation of a unique machine key for your forum. Such as this site: AspNet Resources Machine Key Generator. Copy and paste the generated machine key to your web.config in the <system.web> section.

STEP 4b. (OPTIONAL) MODIFY "app.config" FILE:

1. By default YAF is designed to be installed at the root application on any IIS web server. If you want YAF to be installed off of the main root in a sub folder, you need to modify the root key. Make sure the files in the /bin directory of the YAF zip file are copied to /bin directory on the root of your web server. Then open up "app.config" and un comment the YAF.AppRoot key. Enter the value as the  directory to your forum. Example: If you have install the forum in the directory "/forum/yaf/" you will need to un comment/add key with name YAF.AppRoot and value "/forum/yaf/" to app.config.

2. When you want to use the Daily Digest Feature you  need to enter your Website Url to the YAF.BaseUrlMask key.

<add key="YAF.BaseUrlMask" value="http://yourdomain.com" />

NOTE: In YAF Version (2.0 or higher) this value will be automatically written to the app.config during the installation/upgrade (If your site runs in Full Trust).

STEP 4c.(OPTIONAL) MODIFY "mail.config" FILE:

1. Modify the SMTP settings by entering your mail server information. If you SMTP server requires SSL, you must add:

to your app.config or appSettings.

STEP 6. Run The Install Wizard

1. Open the file install/default.aspx on your web site. If you are testing on your local computer, under a directory called YetAnotherForum.Net, the address should be: http://localhost/yetanotherforum.net/install/

2. The wizard will guide you through the Install Process.