> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/readme/installation-and-updates.md).

# 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:

{% content-ref url="/pages/GnKRIjmVOdUrlrtntFh6" %}
[Technical Requirements](/norrcompetition/readme/technical-requirements.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/spaces/XpEt4b2JLxW6LhO4OkkD/pages/Uba2DxzURxd9NH8GOhFd" %}
[How to enable Search Engine Friendly URLs in Joomla](https://docs.norrnext.com/joomla-tutorials/how-to-enable-search-engine-friendly-urls-in-joomla)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/spaces/XpEt4b2JLxW6LhO4OkkD/pages/x9lkd0uSqL8UETbxQiRi" %}
[How to backup your website](https://docs.norrnext.com/joomla-tutorials/how-to-backup-your-website)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### 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:

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/qfgnTFQKaoExG6OVmSLc" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://4110454137-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FemWP543OtNCmlHpJBjKV%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ecfa4d013567e24dc4cfcc18a53f10ee39dd8a8d%2Fnc-install.png?alt=media" alt="NorrCompetition installation"></picture><figcaption><p>NorrCompetition installation</p></figcaption></figure>

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

{% hint style="info" %}
You can install Sample Data for testing and rapid exploration of the component's features. Read more: [How to install sample data](/norrcompetition/faq/how-to-install-sample-data.md).
{% endhint %}

### 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](https://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](https://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.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Never modify the component core files directly; any core modifications will be overwritten upon update. Always use template overrides and custom plugins.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Always take a full website backup (files and database) before running extension or Joomla core updates.
{% endhint %}

### 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.

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}