Installation and Updates

Learn how to install and update NorrCompetition.

Preparing

Before installing NorrCompetition, please ensure your hosting environment meets all technical requirements and that your website is properly prepared:

Technical RequirementsHow to enable Search Engine Friendly URLs in JoomlaHow to backup your website

Package Contents

NorrCompetition is distributed as a Joomla package (pkg_norrcompetition). The core installation package contains:

• Component (com_competition): The core extension providing contest and entry management, categories, custom fields, voting mechanics, and administrative interfaces.

• Content Plugin (plg_content_competition): Handles content rendering and triggers within entries and contests.

• Quickicon Plugin (plg_quickicon_competition): Displays NorrCompetition status and shortcut icons in the Joomla Administrator Dashboard.

• System Plugin (plg_system_competition): Handles system-level events, SEF URL routing, and vote verification workflows.

Separately available extensions in the NorrCompetition ecosystem include:

• Modules:

  • NorrCompetition Entries module (mod_competition_entries)

  • NorrCompetition Contests module (mod_competition_contests)

  • NorrCompetition Grid module (mod_competition_grid)

• Plugins:

  • Smart Search (Finder) integration (pkg_ncfinder)

  • Sitemap integration (plg_osmap_osmnc)

  • Email Notifications (plg_competition_notifications)

  • Verification Code via Email (plg_competition_token_email)

  • User Profile Links (plg_profile_link)

  • AI & Manual Image Moderation (plg_image_moderation)

  • AWS S3 Remote Storage (plg_flysystem_ncaws)

  • Sample Data Generator (plg_sampledata_nc)

  • User Points System (plg_system_ncpoints)

Installation

NorrCompetition is installed using Joomla's native Extension Manager:

1. Log in to the Joomla Administrator panel.

2. Navigate to System > Install > Extensions.

3. Under the Upload Package File tab, drag and drop the pkg_norrcompetition_x.x.x.zip file or click Or browse for file to select it.

4. Joomla will install the package, execute database migrations, and automatically enable the bundled plugins.

After successful installation, you will see a confirmation screen:

NorrCompetition installation

The component adds a dedicated menu section under Components > NorrCompetition with quick tasks for Contests, Entries, Categories, Custom Fields, Votes Log, and User Points.

You can install Sample Data for testing and rapid exploration of the component's features. Read more: How to install sample data.

Updates

NorrCompetition supports both automated and manual updates:

Automated Updates (Recommended)

1. Navigate to System > Update > Update Sites.

2. Find NorrNext - NorrCompetition Package in the list and click it.

3. Enter your Download Key (available in your account dashboard at NorrNext.com) into the Download Key field and save.

4. When a new version is available, navigate to System > Update > Extensions, select NorrCompetition Package, and click Update.

Manual Updates

1. Download the latest version of pkg_norrcompetition from NorrNext.com.

2. In Joomla Administrator, go to System > Install > Extensions.

3. Upload the package archive under the Upload Package File tab. The existing files and database schemas will be safely upgraded.

Never modify the component core files directly; any core modifications will be overwritten upon update. Always use template overrides and custom plugins.

Always take a full website backup (files and database) before running extension or Joomla core updates.

Uninstallation

To completely uninstall NorrCompetition:

1. Navigate to System > Manage > Extensions.

2. Search for pkg_norrcompetition in the filter search box.

3. Select the package item NorrCompetition Package (pkg_norrcompetition) and click Uninstall.

4. The package uninstaller will remove the component, bundled plugins, and administrator menus.

Uploaded media files (e.g. contest photos and images stored in media/com_competition or your designated upload directory) are preserved during uninstallation to prevent accidental data loss. If you wish to delete all uploaded files permanently, remove the directory manually via your file manager or FTP.