403 Forbidden Error PLUS my solution
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2025 4:19 am
Script URL: www.craftyoopers.com/helpdesk
Version of script: 3.5.2
Web Hosting Environment: Shared webhosting and not a dedicated web server
What terms did you try when SEARCHING for a solution:
I did a search on google for 403 forbidden error php.
Write your message below:
To start things off....I think the Hesk Helpdesk Software is AWESOME. Very well thought out and put together. The interface is very user friendly and looks professional....With that said, here's the problem I had...
After downloading and extracting into a subdirectory called helpdesk, I tried to run the installer and was presented with a 403 Forbidden error message. After doing a little research on Google, I discovered that I didn't the proper permissions (for some reason) to have web access to the directory I was trying to run the installer script from. After searching this support forum, I came across and used a php test script that's suggested to use which helped me narrow down my issue. The test script worked just fine when it was in my main public_html web folder, but when it was put into the helpdesk subdirectory I created it failed, but the test script worked fine in a different subdirectory where I run my e-commerce marketplace from (which is also written in php).
The problem I discovered: The HESK software doesn't include an .htaccess file. I also discovered this was the same issue I was having with another piece of software I recently installed in a different subdirectory (MySQL Reports - Smart Form Maker). I did some google researching on .htaccess file generators and found this website to be extremely helpful:
https://www.convertertool.net/htaccess-generator
*Note, the online tool saves your created file as htaccess.txt You'll need to rename it on your webserver so that it is .htaccess (must begin with a period and without any file extensions such as .txt .doc or anything else) and place it into the subdirectory that you extracted the HESK software into for it to work properly. For example, I had the HESK software extracted into a subdirectory called helpdesk. That's the same directory I put the .htaccess file into.
Using the .htaccess file generator and searching google about .htaccess file settings, as soon as I had my .htaccess file created/tweaked and put into the subdirectory where I extracted the HESK software, I was able to run the installer without any problems. So far the HESK software has operated flawlessly.
~ Jason Gray
Version of script: 3.5.2
Web Hosting Environment: Shared webhosting and not a dedicated web server
What terms did you try when SEARCHING for a solution:
I did a search on google for 403 forbidden error php.
Write your message below:
To start things off....I think the Hesk Helpdesk Software is AWESOME. Very well thought out and put together. The interface is very user friendly and looks professional....With that said, here's the problem I had...
After downloading and extracting into a subdirectory called helpdesk, I tried to run the installer and was presented with a 403 Forbidden error message. After doing a little research on Google, I discovered that I didn't the proper permissions (for some reason) to have web access to the directory I was trying to run the installer script from. After searching this support forum, I came across and used a php test script that's suggested to use which helped me narrow down my issue. The test script worked just fine when it was in my main public_html web folder, but when it was put into the helpdesk subdirectory I created it failed, but the test script worked fine in a different subdirectory where I run my e-commerce marketplace from (which is also written in php).
The problem I discovered: The HESK software doesn't include an .htaccess file. I also discovered this was the same issue I was having with another piece of software I recently installed in a different subdirectory (MySQL Reports - Smart Form Maker). I did some google researching on .htaccess file generators and found this website to be extremely helpful:
https://www.convertertool.net/htaccess-generator
*Note, the online tool saves your created file as htaccess.txt You'll need to rename it on your webserver so that it is .htaccess (must begin with a period and without any file extensions such as .txt .doc or anything else) and place it into the subdirectory that you extracted the HESK software into for it to work properly. For example, I had the HESK software extracted into a subdirectory called helpdesk. That's the same directory I put the .htaccess file into.
Using the .htaccess file generator and searching google about .htaccess file settings, as soon as I had my .htaccess file created/tweaked and put into the subdirectory where I extracted the HESK software, I was able to run the installer without any problems. So far the HESK software has operated flawlessly.
~ Jason Gray