If you have a vps with Linux, go to http://docs.elgg.org/wiki/Install_Ubuntu

A dummy here. I just discovered elgg two days ago... but soon realized it was not that easy for a non-tech person. I have used wordpress (don't laugh) with yahoo webhosting, and well, it's easy. So I thought I would just put the elgg files in a folder in my site ( I did read instructions). Well, it's been 48 hours now, and every minute I find something new. I am starting to get frustrated, so many words "apache", "bug", "myphpadmin"...

Well, too start off I found out I needed to have php 5.2 or higher, but my yahoo server shows it has either 4 or 5, so I guess it might not work. I gues it can be upgraded, also Mysql something 5 or higher but I couldn't find what version yahoo has.

I guess I will need serious help as I do want a stunning site, not public, for my students. Well I had to start somewhere.

Just to release the slight frustration. Good luck everyone. 

Sprach,

Sorry you're having so much trouble.  If you spend more than 30 minutes fighting with the same problem and aren't able to figure it out -- best to ask in the community about it (after searching to see if it's already been addressed of course!).  Best to you in your endeavors!

Double check on the mysql you have to make sure it is 5+, otherwise, any version below will give you that error message.

double checked, I have 5+ .

He should be fine soon.. I looked at his CPanel; but then we got His Host Arvixe's Tech Support to do the Elgg Install for him. They do that as a service for free ;-)

Everything is is Fixed now, arvixe tech support installed it for me and now it works great

thanks to them(:

thanks for everyones help!!!

I messed my URL up as well, I feel stupid. im downloading all my plugins from the server, and im going to install it fresh. Errg, lol.