How to install sample data

NorrCompetition has a nice Sample Data allowing you to get 5 contests of different types and test how it works locally. To do that, you need to install a Sample Data plugin.

1. Where to download it?

Please log in to NorrNext site under your user account and go to download area (you need a valid subscription on NorrCompetition product). There you will find plg_sampledata_nc.zip plugin. Just download it.

Note: The minimal system requirements: Joomla 3.9 and NorrCompetition 1.8.1.

2. The Administrator Panel module

Since Joomla 3.8 it is possible to manage sample data inside of the site dashboard and the new feature has 2 parts:

1. You need a plugin that contains the sample data.

2. You need an administrator module to display the sample data installation options.

If your site already has the administrator module published, you will see an option like on the screenshot below:

Core Sample Data

Note: If you do not see the Sample Data module on the dashboard of your Administrator Panel, it means the module was not added or has been removed. Read how to add it.

3. Installing the plugin

Now it's time to install the Sample Data plugin. Just do it via Extensions manager as it comes with the standard Joomla extension. Read the tutorial.

The size of the installation file is 31 MB, so please make sure your hosting params handles such size. Read more about Potential issues.

4. Install the Sample Data via the module

Well, we have installed the plugin and now it is time to install the Sample Data via the module. In the Administrator Panel you will see the following data:

NorrCompetition Sample Data

Now just click on "NorrCompetition Sample data" and Joomla will install the sample data for you:

Installing the NorrCompetition's Sample Data

Note: The Sample Data requires NorrCompetition to have no contests, categories, entries, and fields. If you have already added something - please remove it including clearing the trashing can.

The NorrCompetition Sample Data adds 3 additional menu items to NorrCompetition Menu:

• Entry

• Category

• Contest

Now you can see 5 excellent sample contests: The First Look. Contest type: photo Show Me Your Smile!. Contest type: photo Tune Up!. Contest type: photo Beautiful Earth. Contest type: video Love Poetry. Contest type: simple

Here you go to test how it works. Good luck!

5. Removing the Sample Data plugin

When the Sample Data is installed and you no longer need it, we recommend uninstalling the plugin to optimize the site size. (-31 MB). It can be done via Extensions Manager.

Go to Extensions > Manage > Manage

Enter Sample Data - NorrCompetition in the search filter. Check it and click on "Uninstall".

6. Potential issues

6.1. No data or error during the file uploading

When you install the plugin, there might be the following potential issues:

• The plugin installs too quickly (bear in mind 31mb file needs time for upload and unpacking).

• You get 500 Internal Server Error or something like that.

It means there are limits on your server on file size and execution time and, when they're exceeded, you get the issue described above. To solve it, you need to increase the limits. It can be done via hosting panel, php.ini or .htaccess.

An example of limits change via the .htaccess file:

   php_value post_max_size 128M
   php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
   php_value memory_limit 128M
   php_value max_execution_time 259200

6.2. Unable to install the Sample Data again

You have installed the Sample Data, tested the component and changed the data. Now you want to undo changes and install the Sample Data again. However, the module gives you an error message on one of the installation steps. To solve this problem, you should remove all data associated with NorrCompetition:

• Entries

• Contests

• Categories

• Fields

• 3 menu items in NorrCompetition Menu (Entry, Category, and Contest)

Make sure the trash is empty too. As soon as it's done, you can install the Sample Data without a problem.

6.3. I've removed Sample Data module after Joomla installation

If you have removed that module or uninstalled core sample data after the installation of your Joomla, now you need to add the module again. Just go to Extensions > Modules > select Administrator side.

Add the module in Administrator Panel

Then click on Create, select Sample Data module and set the position to cpanel and access to Special. Now, this module will appear in the Administrator Panel.

The Sample Data module in Administrator Panel

Now it will appear in Administrator Panel and you can proceed to the Sample Data installation.