I have tried to install XOOPS on three occasions but have never got past a blank page until now.

This time I am getting this error:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_IF in /www/xxxxxxxx/x/o/o/xoops2/htdocs/mainfile.php on line 1

This was installed using a fantastico type installer.

I chose this method this time as my previous two attempts using the downloaded package have never worked.

All the requirements are met relating to sql, php versions etc.

I am not a novice to CMS I have successfully installed and migrated all below:

* Joomla
* Drupal
* postNuke
* Nucleus
* phpNuke
* phpWebsite
* Zikula
* Wordpress
* Zen Cart
* osCommerce
* Open Realty
* phpTicket
* phpWiki
* MediaWiki
* smfForum
* phpBB
* Crafty Syntax
* FaqMaster Flex
* HelpCentreLive
* Support Centre
* Advanced Guestbook
* 4images
* Coppermine
* Web Calender

I could go on but this is just a copy and paste.

Does anyone know what the error is and why it would be there?

Usually those autoinstallers use very old versions of xoops. Stick with the version downloaded here.

What errors do you have when installing the archive from this site?

You were right tcnet about the version, it was a 2.2.2a version with the installatron.
I have, however, installed the latest version on one Server and tried to migrate it onto three different Servers.
It is a NO GO.
Basically whenever I try to migrate a XOOPS installation it always fails with all sorts of errors.
I check the mainfile.php paths, db prefixes, double, triple check everything but it will not connect to database or has lines of errors relating to includes.
I just could not recommend it as a CMS because it just will not migrate. It would be OK for someone who will stay with one host or on one Server and is prepared to re-install and hope they can import the old database without a hitch if they decide to move the installation.

did you remove the "Your IP address" value from admin/settings ?

This is a default ip adress but not all servers use this value.

I appreciate the responses I get here.
But there is no root/admin folder.
There is a root/modules/profile/admin folder but no settings.php.
I am still a little confused as to why a php based cms should require more than 1 file to connect to a database, (security comes to mind here) and why the database would be storing information contained within the script.
For example if the absolute and root paths are defined within the script there is no need to add anything to the database. Sure menu items and external url's will enter a database, but the base configuration has no need to be anywhere but the config file, in this case mainfile.php.
There are rare times when there may be two config files.
Normally one in root and one in admin, if there is to be two, (often found in e-commerce cms).
As far as this post goes though 'tcnet' pointed out my original error. Do not install an old version.
The new version I installed was a breeze.
Went well this time although previous versions did not for me.
My issue now is solely with migration, so rather than duplicate postings, I posted here:
https://xoops.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=69112&post_id=314761#forumpost314761

This posting was done originally attempting to migrate a 2.2.2a version.

I thank you 'culex' for taking the time to post though.

on 2009/8/9 21:30:48 culex wrote Quote:

He means 'admin > settings' (as in to go to 'settings' under the 'admin' menu). Not directories.

Thanks sailjapan, I figured that in the end. Been working with files so had a one track mind on the culex Post.
Anyway all is sorted now see:
https://xoops.org/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=69112&post_id=314761#forumpost314761

Thanks for all the posts here.