# 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:

<figure><picture><source srcset="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FNBNnpe6zA9n9cJCStfDF%2Fnc-install-sample-data1-dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4241e566-99f1-4777-bbb2-e56ab19efd83" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FpJqDyR5K5GXNjmTaNSu6%2Fnc-install-sample-data1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4a2c524a-0f75-4fbe-8e5a-2ec08d002e66" alt=""></picture><figcaption><p>Core Sample Data</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**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.](#id-6.3.-ive-removed-sample-data-module-after-joomla-installation)&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### 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](https://docs.norrnext.com/joomla-tutorials/how-to-install-an-extension).

The size of the installation file is 31 MB, so please make sure your hosting params handles such size. Read more about [Potential issues](#id-6.-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:

<figure><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FNSBEvxhs4BIONVEriVm3%2Fnc-install-sample-data2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=98e1cf0b-204e-4efd-ad4f-dc3ef0a3e0e3" alt="NorrCompetition Sample Data"><figcaption><p>NorrCompetition Sample Data</p></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FLZqv0sZbrltAi7jo4Idc%2Fnc-install-sample-data3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5c996f23-847f-462d-ae7e-11a3d8117384" alt="The Sample Data was successully installed"><figcaption><p>Installing the NorrCompetition's Sample Data</p></figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FgmUaVYSzHBBUDwhlDO5k%2Fnc-install-sample-data4.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8bf57c17-7ea4-426e-9b62-e42f0cfb59aa" alt="Add the module in Administrator Panel"><figcaption><p>Add the module in Administrator Panel</p></figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2FEqilk2b6h7OiNHvUh4KT%2Fnc-install-sample-data5.png?alt=media&#x26;token=729788fd-24cd-4486-9193-f434e1785ae1" alt="The Sample Data module in Administrator Panel"><figcaption><p>The Sample Data module in Administrator Panel</p></figcaption></figure>

Now it will appear in Administrator Panel and you can proceed to the [Sample Data installation](#id-4.-install-the-sample-data-via-the-module).