Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Choose Dolibarr?

  3. Pre-Installation Requirements

  4. Downloading Dolibarr

  5. Installing Dolibarr on a Local Server (XAMPP/WAMP/LAMP)

  6. Setting Up Dolibarr on Shared Hosting

  7. Quick Setup via Docker

  8. Initial Configuration After Installation

  9. Securing Your Dolibarr Installation

  10. Activating Essential Modules

  11. Creating Your First Users and Roles

  12. Configuring Company Information

  13. Setting Up Payment Methods and Currencies

  14. Backup and Recovery Planning

  15. Common Installation Issues and How to Fix Them

  16. Tips for Beginners to Get Started with Dolibarr

  17. How to Update Dolibarr Safely

  18. Community Resources and Getting Help

  19. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Dolibarr ERP CRM is a free, open-source solution for businesses that need a modular, scalable system to manage their operations. This step-by-step guide is designed for beginners who want to quickly install and start using Dolibarr without getting lost in technical complexities.

2. Why Choose Dolibarr?

Dolibarr offers:

  • Simplicity and ease of use

  • Modular architecture

  • No license fees

  • Rapid deployment

  • Strong community support

It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, associations, and freelancers.

3. Pre-Installation Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have:

  • A web server (Apache or Nginx)

  • PHP (version compatible with the latest Dolibarr release)

  • MySQL or MariaDB database server

  • Administrator rights on your server or hosting environment

For local installation, XAMPP, WAMP, or LAMP stacks are perfect.

4. Downloading Dolibarr

Visit the official Dolibarr website (www.dolibarr.org) or GitHub repository to download the latest stable release.

You can choose between:

  • Standard installation packages

  • Docker images

  • Source code archives (ZIP/TAR.GZ)

Always verify the version compatibility with your server environment.

5. Installing Dolibarr on a Local Server (XAMPP/WAMP/LAMP)

Step 1: Prepare Environment

  • Install XAMPP (Windows/Linux/Mac) or WAMP (Windows).

  • Start Apache and MySQL services.

Step 2: Extract Files

  • Extract Dolibarr files into your server's "htdocs" (XAMPP) or "www" (WAMP) folder.

  • Rename the folder, e.g., "dolibarr".

Step 3: Create a Database

  • Access phpMyAdmin.

  • Create a new database (e.g., dolibarrdb) with UTF-8 collation.

Step 4: Launch Installation Wizard

  • Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost/dolibarr

  • Follow the on-screen instructions:

    • Language selection

    • Environment checks

    • Database configuration

    • Admin account creation

Dolibarr automatically creates necessary tables and configurations.

6. Setting Up Dolibarr on Shared Hosting

Step 1: Upload Files

  • Use FTP or file manager to upload Dolibarr package to your hosting directory.

Step 2: Database Setup

  • Create a MySQL database via your hosting control panel.

Step 3: Run Installer

Ensure your hosting environment meets Dolibarr's PHP and database requirements.

7. Quick Setup via Docker

If you prefer Docker:

docker run -d -p 8080:80 dolibarr/dolibarr

Visit http://localhost:8080 to access the installer.

Docker simplifies deployments and reduces dependency issues.

8. Initial Configuration After Installation

After installation:

  • Login as admin.

  • Check basic configuration settings.

  • Configure your default currency and time zone.

  • Set up a company logo.

This makes the interface personalized and business-ready.

9. Securing Your Dolibarr Installation

Security basics:

  • Delete the "install" directory.

  • Use HTTPS (install an SSL certificate if hosted online).

  • Set strong admin passwords.

  • Restrict file permissions on the server.

A secure installation protects your business data.

10. Activating Essential Modules

Start by activating:

  • Third-Party Management (Clients/Suppliers)

  • Products and Services

  • Invoicing

  • Bank and Cash Management

These modules cover basic CRM and ERP needs.

11. Creating Your First Users and Roles

Go to Setup > Users & Groups:

  • Create new user accounts for employees.

  • Assign roles and permissions based on job responsibilities.

Proper user management maintains system security and efficiency.

12. Configuring Company Information

Under Setup > Company/Organization:

  • Fill in your business name, address, VAT number, and contact details.

  • Upload a logo.

  • Set up tax rates if applicable.

Accurate company information ensures professional documents.

13. Setting Up Payment Methods and Currencies

Configure:

  • Payment types (bank transfer, check, cash, etc.)

  • Accepted currencies if dealing internationally.

  • Default tax rates.

Financial settings streamline transactions and reporting.

14. Backup and Recovery Planning

Always have a backup strategy:

  • Use Dolibarr's built-in backup tools.

  • Schedule regular database backups.

  • Store backups securely off-site.

Disaster recovery plans prevent data loss.

15. Common Installation Issues and How to Fix Them

Issue: Blank Page After Installation

  • Check PHP error logs.

  • Ensure PHP extensions (GD, JSON, XML) are enabled.

Issue: Database Connection Error

  • Verify database name, user, and password.

  • Ensure the database server is running.

Issue: Permission Denied Errors

  • Correct file/folder permissions (typically 755 for folders, 644 for files).

16. Tips for Beginners to Get Started with Dolibarr

  • Start with core modules.

  • Explore the DoliStore marketplace for add-ons.

  • Regularly check system updates.

  • Join community forums for tips and troubleshooting.

A gradual approach makes learning manageable.

17. How to Update Dolibarr Safely

  • Backup your database and files.

  • Download the latest stable release.

  • Replace old files except the "documents" directory and "conf.php".

  • Run the update script via browser.

Stay updated to benefit from new features and security fixes.

18. Community Resources and Getting Help

Useful resources:

  • Official Dolibarr Wiki

  • Dolibarr Forums

  • GitHub Issues

  • DoliStore for modules and extensions

The Dolibarr community is active and supportive.

19. Conclusion

Installing Dolibarr ERP CRM is a straightforward process when following the right steps. Whether you are setting it up locally, on shared hosting, or using Docker, Dolibarr provides the flexibility and scalability SMEs need. With this guide, even beginners can get Dolibarr running quickly, securely, and effectively, setting the foundation for efficient business management.

If you want to grow your business with a powerful, open-source ERP, starting with a proper Dolibarr installation is your first critical step.