Installing DotNetNuke can be a bit of a challenge, especially for first-time users. Or, if you're like me, you hate to go through the process of setting up a site in IIS, defining a database in SQL Server, download the DotNetNuke ZIP file, unpack it to then finally run the DotNetNuke Install Wizard.

Because I somehow got started Beta testing the latest DotNetNuke version, I found myself installing DotNetNuke over and over again. So, instead of going through the manual process (over and over again), I have created a simple installation helper called MakeDNNSite. It's an application you download from this site.

If you want to run DotNetNuke on your desktop (usually for testing or development purposes), this is the easiest way to install DotNetNuke. If you want to install DotNetNuke with a hosting provider, this application will not work for you.

To install DotNetNuke with MakeDNNSite you will need:

• Either a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows:
  • Windows Vista  or
  • Windows Server 2008  or
  • Windows 7 or
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
• Install IIS 7 or IIS 7.5 (Included in Windows except Home Editions)
• A Database Server (local or remote, not necessarily on the same system):
  • SQL Server 2005
  • SQL Server 2008
  • SQL Server Express 2005 (Free Download from Microsoft)
  • SQL Server Express 2008 (Free Download from Microsoft)

If your system matches these requirements, you're ready to go, download MakeDNNSite below and DotNetNuke should be up and running in a couple of minutes.

Sorry, there is no MakeDNNSite for IIS5 or 6 or Windows XP.

MakeDNNSite will install DotNetNuke on your system, so you don't have to worry about all the little details. Specifically, it does all of the following:

• Defines your new website in IIS (your web server)
  • Creates the necessary folders with appropriate permissions
  • Defines logging options (simple) and places the log file with your website's folder
• Defines a new database in your database server
  • Creates the appropriate database permissions
• Downloads the ZIP file to install DotNetNuke
  • Optionally, uses a ZIP file that is already on your system
• Unpacks the Installation ZIP file
• Updates your system's Hosts file so you can access your website with a real URL (website name)
• Updates your Web.config file so the DotNetNuke Install Wizard doesn't have to do much magic
• When installing a Source Package, the Development.config and Release.config files are updated and copied to Web.config
• When installing a Source Package (DNN 6.x and up only), the Visual Studio 2010 solutions file is updated and Visual Studio 2010 is started

Depending on your Internet connection, most DotNetNuke installations with MakeDNNSite will take less than 2 minutes, start to finish.

MakeDNNSite can install DotNetNuke from an Install Package or Source Package.

Download MakeDNNSite by clicking on the link below. Please run it immediately. There is no benefit in saving it on your system first, because if there is a newer version, you want to use it instead.

MakeDNNSite will access your system, IIS and SQL Server (Express) and will need elevated privileges to do so. This means that you will have to confirm a number of prompts to allow it to proceed.

Download MakeDNNSite (new version 1.1)

New in 1.1:

• Added latest DNN 5.6.x and 6.x.x versions.
• Source Packages for 6.0.0 (and newer) are again installable and the solutions file is customized before invoking Visual Studio 2010 - You still have to manually change the default project and the project's debug settings.
• hosts file now handled correctly even if it doesn't end in a newline.
• Data entered is saved and restored when MakeDNNSite runs again.
• Subdomains can now be used.
• Changed error message handling and Back button handling.

	Would you believe, someone even made a video about the complete install process with MakeDNNSite.
Tweet	Once you've installed DotNetNuke with MakeDNNSite, why not let others know!

MakeDNNSite is a free utility I'm making available. Unfortunately, I can't offer individual help if things go wrong. Sorry. But I do want to hear from you. You can send me an email with problems or comments, but I won't be able to address problems individually or offer support.