> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chamilo.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chamilo.org/administration-guide/admin-guide/faq.md).

# 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.