Not all CGI Scripts were created equal...

We make every effort to allow most CGI Scripts to operate within our hosting system. However, there may be certain commands or parameters that are specific to a certain programming setup that is not "universal". In some rare cases, a CGI Script may not work on our system if the programming is incorrect, or if some parameters are not set correctly within the script itself. We are not responsible for scripts that are not programmed correctly to run on our servers. If the Script fails, be sure to carefully go over all the parameter settings within the script - use the tips below as a guideline. If all is correct, then most likely the script has a programming flaw or uniqueness that will not allow it to work on our system.

Here's a few tips to get your script up and running correctly:

  • All scripts must begin with the parameter to point to where the Perl library files are stored. The PATH in the very first line of the script should be: /usr/bin/perl - be sure to leave any other characters in front of that path, such as #!/usr/bin/perl
  • Mail and Form programs must contain the path to the "sendmail" features: /usr/sbin/sendmail
  • Scripts that require you to list your domain URL (as a security feature) should contain variants both with and without the "www" designations. This makes sure that no matter how a visitor has entered your site, the script will respond correctly. Ex: 'www.mysite.com, mysite.com'
  • Most script parameters require the info you enter or change to be listed with 'semi-quotes' around the actual parameters. (See the example above.) Be sure to check this if your script is not working correctly.
  • Scripts MUST be edited using a good text editor, and saved as plain text! Word processors such as MS-Word or Wordpad etc. may save the script with additional machine language characters that will prevent the script from running. (Notepad may work, but there are many others that are better and can be downloaded from various file sites.)
  • Scripts must be uploaded using an FTP program, and they must be sent in ASCII mode. (Text mode) They must be placed in the CGI-BIN folder.
  • Once a script is placed online, you must run CHMOD to modify it correctly to operate. This is vital, and is done using your FTP program. In most FTP Programs, this is done as follows: Right click the file on the server side and choose CHMOD. Change the settings to a numeric value of 755, or if that is not available, set it as follows to achieve this value:
  • OWNER: Read, Write, Execute
  • GROUP: Read, Execute
  • OTHER:  Read, Execute

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