Fatal error:Call to undefined function simplexml_load_file()

[krum_boy]

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to install joomla 3.x on a server and every time I run the installation, I get this message on the browser:

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Fatal error: Call to undefined function simplexml_load_file() in /usr/local/www/compstar/installation/application/web.php on line 284

What I get on line 284 is:

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$xml = simplexml_load_file(JPATH_INSTALLATION . '/localise.xml');

-The PHP version running on the server is 5.4.23 so I exclude the problem with outdated PHP
-I've looked on the internet for similar problems and solution and the only thing I find is information from 4 years ago so not sure where that would help as versin 3 of Joomla isn't that old.
-Not sure if that helps but I read something about php.ili files and making sure that simplexml is activated. I am installing on a guest server with an FTP access only!

I want to apologize is my question is dumb, but I am not much into coding and I would appreciate any type of help.

Thank you!

[ionut]

You can check if Simplexml support is enabled in the administration area - System - System Information - PHP Information tab and search for "Simplexml support".

[krum_boy]

Thank you ionut,

I do not have access to admin panel of the hosting server. The only access I have is FTP.
I will try to request this from the server team.

I tried to run the same installation with the same files on a different sever and it runs without any problems.

P.S. I just read your comment again and would like to note that I am trying to run a fresh installation of Joomla. There is nothing installed yet and admin panel to go through

EDIT: They have another web site (Joomla 2.5) installed on the same server and its supported by the same PHP version. I logged into the admin panel of the site and found the section Simplexml which states its enabled. The PHP version from what I can see is 5.4.15

[ionut]

Ohh sorry, I've missed this important fact that you don't have it installed.
You could check if this extension is loaded by creating a php file with the following code inside:

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<?php
if (!extension_loaded('SimpleXML')) {
	echo 'not loaded';
} else {
	echo 'SimpleXML is loaded';
}
?>

Upload this php file, run it and see what it appears.

[krum_boy]

I get the message "not loaded".
I am guessing the extension is not loaded. Would you help me to sort this out?

Thank you

[ionut]

This extension according to php.net is enabled by default, it might be that the hosting company disabled it. You should contact the hosting company for proper support.

[krum_boy]

Ok, thank you ionut. Does Joomla 2.5 need this extension?
The reason I am asking is as there is Joomla 2.5 already running and if SimpleXML is not required then I might simply proceed with Joomla 2.5 rather than version 3.x?

EDIT: I have managed to enable the SimpleXML. It all works now!

Thank you!!!