# Appendix Frequently asked questions for Chamilo 2.0 administrators. ## Installation and Setup **Q: What PHP version does Chamilo 2.0 require?** A: PHP 8.2 or higher. PHP 8.3 is recommended. See [Server Requirements](/administration-guide/admin-guide/installation/server-requirements.md). **Q: Can I run Chamilo on shared hosting?** A: It is possible but not recommended. Chamilo 2.0 requires Composer, Node.js in development mode, and command -line access for installation and maintenance. A VPS or dedicated server provides a much better experience. **Q: Which database should I use?** A: MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.4+ are the most commonly used and best tested. **Q: Can I install Chamilo without the command line?** A: Yes, if you use the packaged version (.zip or .tar.gz). Otherwise, you will need the command line to install Composer dependencies, build frontend assets, and run database migrations. The web-based wizard handles the database setup and initial configuration, but the surrounding steps require shell access in dev mode. ## Users and Authentication **Q: How do I reset a user's password?** A: Go to **Administration > User list**, find the user, click edit, and set a new password. Alternatively, the user can use the "Forgot password" link on the login page (if email is configured). **Q: Can I import users in bulk?** A: Yes. Go to **Administration > Import users** and upload a CSV or XML file with user data. The import supports creating new users and updating existing ones. **Q: How do I integrate with LDAP or Active Directory?** A: Configure LDAP settings in the authentication configuration. See [LDAP](/administration-guide/admin-guide/authentication/ldap.md). Users are synchronized on login or via scheduled sync. **Q: Can users belong to multiple sessions at the same time?** A: Yes. Users can be enrolled in any number of sessions simultaneously. Each session tracks progress independently. ## Courses and Content **Q: How do I back up a single course?** A: Within the course, go to **Maintenance > Create a backup**. This generates a downloadable archive of course content and settings. You can restore it on the same or a different Chamilo instance. **Q: Can I copy a course?** A: Yes. Use **Administration > Copy course** or the course maintenance tool within the course. You can copy content between courses or create a new course from an existing one. **Q: What SCORM versions are supported?** A: Chamilo supports SCORM 1.2. SCORM packages are imported as learning paths. **Q: How do I limit who can create courses?** A: Go to **Administration > Configuration settings > Course** and disable **Allow non administrators (teachers) to create new courses** (`allow_users_to_create_courses`). When disabled, only administrators can create courses. Alternatively, you can set a limit to the number of courses any teacher can create. ## Performance and Maintenance **Q: The platform is slow. What should I check first?** A: In order of impact: (1) Ensure `APP_ENV=prod` and `APP_DEBUG=0` in `.env`. (2) Verify PHP OPcache is enabled. (3) Check database performance. (4) See [Performance Tuning](https://github.com/chamilo/docs/blob/2.x/admin-guide/platform-settings/performance-tuning.md). **Q: How do I clear the cache?** A: Run `php bin/console cache:clear --env=prod` from the command line. Do not delete the `var/cache/` directory manually while the application is running. **Q: How much disk space does Chamilo need?** A: The application itself needs about 2 GB uncompressed. Total space depends on uploaded content (documents, videos, SCORM packages). Monitor disk usage and plan accordingly. **Q: How do I set up automated backups?** A: See [Backups](/administration-guide/admin-guide/maintenance/backups.md). At minimum, schedule a daily database dump and regular file-level backups of the upload directory. ## Email **Q: Users are not receiving emails. What should I check?** A: (1) Verify `MAILER_DSN` in `.env`. (2) Run `php bin/console mailer:test someone@example.com` to test. (3) Check spam folders. (4) Verify SPF/DKIM DNS records. See [Email Configuration](/administration-guide/admin-guide/installation/email-configuration.md). **Q: Can I use Gmail to send emails?** A: Yes, for small platforms or development. Use an App Password and be aware of Gmail's daily sending limits (500 emails/day for regular accounts). ## Security **Q: How do I force HTTPS?** A: Configure your web server to redirect HTTP to HTTPS. Additionally, enable the "Force HTTPS" setting in **Administration > Configuration settings > Security**. See [Security Settings](/administration-guide/admin-guide/platform-settings/security-settings.md). **Q: How do I block brute-force login attacks?** A: Configure max login attempts and CAPTCHA in security settings. Consider also using fail2ban at the server level for additional protection. **Q: A user forgot their password and email is not working. How do I help them?** A: As an administrator, edit the user account directly and set a new password. Go to **Administration > User list**, find the account, and update the password field. ## Upgrades **Q: Can I upgrade directly from Chamilo 1.11.x to 2.0?** A: Yes, but it is a major migration, not a simple update. See [Upgrading](/administration-guide/admin-guide/installation/upgrading.md). Always test on a staging server first. **Q: Will my plugins work after upgrading to 2.0?** A: No. Plugins from 1.11.x are not compatible with 2.0 and must be rewritten or replaced with equivalent 2.0 functionality. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.chamilo.org/administration-guide/admin-guide/faq.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.