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Version: 1.28 (Current)

Using the Installer Module

Audience: System / Security Administrators
Skill Prerequisites: DNN administration, IIS and SQL Server fundamentals

Plant an App Installation Guide (DNN Installer Module)

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough for installing Plant an App on an existing DNN Platform site using the Plant an App Installer module.

This process applies to self-hosted / on-prem DNN environments.
If you are using a hosted or SaaS environment, installation is handled for you and this guide is not required.

Before You Begin​

Important Considerations​

Before installing Plant an App, review the following recommendations carefully:

  • Install on Non-Production First
    If you are evaluating Plant an App, install it on a non-production DNN site to avoid impacting live users.

  • Back Up Your Site
    Always take a full backup of both the database and site files before starting the installation.

  • Consider Hosted Trials
    If you only want to evaluate functionality, a hosted free trial is available and does not require local installation.

Download the Installer Module​

  1. Navigate to:
    https://console.plantanapp.com

  2. Use the Downloads section to obtain the Plant an App Installer module.

  3. Download the most recent available version (typically the latest two versions are shown).

The installer module is responsible for:

  • Running prerequisite checks
  • Updating existing DNN Sharp components (if any)
  • Installing all Plant an App modules
  • Creating the initial configuration page

Prerequisites​

  • A working DNN site must already be installed and accessible.
  • You must be logged in as a Host / SuperUser.
  • DNN version 9.6.1 or later is required.
    • If your DNN version is below the required minimum, the installer will automatically upgrade DNN as part of the process.

Installation Procedure​

Step 1: Install the Installer Module​

  1. Log in to DNN as Host / SuperUser.
  2. Navigate to:
    Persona Bar → Settings → Extensions
  3. Click Install Extension.
  4. Upload the Plant an App Installer .zip file.
  5. Click Next through:
    • Package information
    • Release notes
  6. Accept the license and complete the installation.
  7. Confirm the installation finishes without errors, then click Done.

Step 2: Create an Installer Page​

  1. Navigate to Content → Pages.
  2. Add a new page.
  3. Name the page something like Installer.
  4. Set page permissions so it is accessible only to Administrators.
  5. Save the page.

Step 3: Add the Installer Module to the Page​

  1. Navigate to the newly created Installer page.
  2. Enter Edit mode.
  3. Click Add Module.
  4. Search for Plant an App Installer for DNN.
  5. Drag the module onto the page.
  6. Exit Edit mode.

Once added, the installer will begin running automatically.

Prerequisite Checks​

The installer first runs a system validation check and displays results as:

  • Green – Passed
  • Orange – Warning
  • Red – Failed

What to Do​

  • Red items must be resolved before continuing (for example, uninstalling deprecated components).
  • Warnings may be acceptable, depending on context.
  • Re-run checks until no red items remain.

Start the Installation​

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the installer page.
  2. Click Start Installation.

During Installation​

  • The installer may prompt for Host / SuperUser credentials.
  • If your DNN version is below the required version, it will be automatically upgraded.
  • Required Plant an App components and dependencies will be installed.
  • The page may refresh once installation completes.

Post-Installation Steps​

Create the App Builder Configuration Page​

  1. Return to the Installer page.
  2. Click Create App Builder Configuration Page.
  3. Confirm the action completes successfully.

This page is where all Plant an App configuration and management will take place.

Finalize the Installation​

You can finalize in one of two ways:

  • Uninstall the installer module manually
  • Recommended: Use the built-in finalize action

To finalize:

  1. Click Finalize by deleting current page and uninstalling the installer module.
  2. Confirm completion.

This removes the temporary installer page and cleans up the installer module automatically.

Activate Plant an App​

  1. Navigate to the Configuration page created by the installer.
  2. The platform will initially show as Not Licensed.
  3. Click Activate.
  4. Choose the environment type:
    • Start Trial
    • Production
    • Dev / UAT Environment
  5. Select the subscription associated with your account.
  6. Click Activate to complete licensing.

Verify Installation​

After activation:

  • Confirm the configuration page loads correctly.
  • Verify any previously existing DNN forms or modules render as expected.
  • Confirm Plant an App version information is visible.

Once verified, installation is complete.

Audience: System / Security Administrators
Skill Prerequisites: DNN administration, IIS and SQL Server fundamentals

Plant an App Installation Guide (DNN Installer Module)

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough for installing Plant an App on an existing DNN Platform site using the Plant an App Installer module.

This process applies to self-hosted / on-prem DNN environments.
If you are using a hosted or SaaS environment, installation is handled for you and this guide is not required.

Before You Begin​

Important Considerations​

Before installing Plant an App, review the following recommendations carefully:

  • Install on Non-Production First
    If you are evaluating Plant an App, install it on a non-production DNN site to avoid impacting live users.

  • Back Up Your Site
    Always take a full backup of both the database and site files before starting the installation.

  • Consider Hosted Trials
    If you only want to evaluate functionality, a hosted free trial is available and does not require local installation.

Download the Installer Module​

  1. Navigate to:
    https://console.plantanapp.com

  2. Use the Downloads section to obtain the Plant an App Installer module.

  3. Download the most recent available version (typically the latest two versions are shown).

The installer module is responsible for:

  • Running prerequisite checks
  • Updating required DNN Sharp components
  • Installing all Plant an App modules
  • Creating the initial configuration page

Prerequisites​

  • A working DNN site must already be installed and accessible.
  • You must be logged in as a Host / SuperUser.
  • DNN version 9.6.1 or later is required.
    • If your DNN version is below the required minimum, the installer will automatically upgrade DNN as part of the process.

Installation Procedure​

Step 1: Install the Installer Module​

  1. Log in to DNN as Host / SuperUser.
  2. Navigate to:
    Persona Bar → Settings → Extensions
  3. Click Install Extension.
  4. Upload the Plant an App Installer .zip file.
  5. Click Next through:
    • Package information
    • Release notes
  6. Accept the license and complete the installation.
  7. Confirm the installation finishes without errors, then click Done.

Step 2: Create an Installer Page​

  1. Navigate to Content → Pages.
  2. Add a new page.
  3. Name the page something like Installer.
  4. Set page permissions so it is accessible only to Administrators.
  5. Save the page.

Step 3: Add the Installer Module to the Page​

  1. Navigate to the newly created Installer page.
  2. Enter Edit mode.
  3. Click Add Module.
  4. Search for Plant an App Installer for DNN.
  5. Drag the module onto the page.
  6. Exit Edit mode.

Once added, the installer will begin running automatically.

Prerequisite Checks​

The installer first runs a system validation check and displays results as:

  • Green – Passed
  • Orange – Warning
  • Red – Failed

What to Do​

  • Red items must be resolved before continuing (for example, uninstalling deprecated components).
  • Warnings may be acceptable, depending on context.
  • Re-run checks until no red items remain.

Start the Installation​

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the installer page.
  2. Click Start Installation.

During Installation​

  • The installer may prompt for Host / SuperUser credentials.
  • If your DNN version is below the required version, it will be automatically upgraded.
  • Required Plant an App components and dependencies will be installed.
  • The page may refresh once installation completes.

Post-Installation Steps​

Create the App Builder Configuration Page​

  1. Return to the Installer page.
  2. Click Create App Builder Configuration Page.
  3. Confirm the action completes successfully.

This page is where all Plant an App configuration and management will take place.

Finalize the Installation​

You can finalize in one of two ways:

  • Uninstall the installer module manually
  • Recommended: Use the built-in finalize action

To finalize:

  1. Click Finalize by deleting current page and uninstalling the installer module.
  2. Confirm completion.

This removes the temporary installer page and cleans up the installer module automatically.

Activate Plant an App​

  1. Navigate to the Configuration page created by the installer.
  2. The platform will initially show as Not Licensed.
  3. Click Activate.
  4. Choose the environment type:
    • Production
    • Development
    • Test
  5. Select the subscription associated with your account.
  6. Click Activate to complete licensing.

Verify Installation​

After activation:

  • Confirm the configuration page loads correctly.
  • Verify any previously existing DNN forms or modules render as expected.
  • Confirm Plant an App version information is visible.

Once verified, installation is complete.

Installation Complete​

Plant an App is now installed, configured, and ready for use.

If you encounter issues during installation, ensure:

  • Your DNN version is supported
  • All prerequisite checks are passing
  • You are logged in as Host / SuperUser

For additional guidance, refer to the official documentation or contact support.

Revised 01/13/2026.