Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
You can run PrestaShop on a Google Cloud Compute Engine virtual machine, but Compute Engine is only the server layer. A working shop also needs a supported Linux web stack, PHP extensions, a MySQL-compatible database, correct filesystem permissions, DNS, and HTTPS.
The reliable sequence is: create a billed Google Cloud project and VM, install Apache or Nginx with the PHP version required by your exact PrestaShop release, install and secure MySQL, create a dedicated database and user, upload the PrestaShop archive, complete the browser installer, remove /install, and then harden and test the store.
What do I need before installing PrestaShop on Google Cloud?
Prepare the cloud project, operating system, network access, domain plan, and software versions before uploading any files. Skipping these checks is the most common reason the installer later reports incompatible PHP or unwritable directories.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- A Google Cloud project with billing enabled.
- The Compute Engine API enabled in that project.
- A current Ubuntu LTS image on a Compute Engine VM.
- A reserved external IP if the shop will use a domain name.
- Administrator-only SSH access and only the web ports required by your chosen server.
- A supported Apache 2.4+ or Nginx release.
- MySQL 5.7 or newer, or MariaDB 10.2 or newer.
- The PHP release and extensions required by the exact PrestaShop version you downloaded.
- A domain or temporary public IP for the installation wizard.
- A secure password plan for the database and back-office account.
Google Cloud’s Compute Engine PHP deployment tutorial treats the project, billing, and Compute Engine API as prerequisites and demonstrates a single-instance deployment. It does not prescribe one machine type or a universal price: choose CPU, memory, and storage according to traffic, catalog size, installed modules, and expected concurrent shoppers.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which PHP version does PrestaShop 9 require?
Use the compatibility matrix for the release you are actually installing; do not copy PHP packages from an old generic cloud tutorial. The 2026 PrestaShop documentation lists these ranges:
| PrestaShop release | Supported PHP versions | Recommended PHP version | Versions not supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.5 and later |
| 9.1 | 8.1 through 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.6 and later |
PrestaShop 9 also requires MySQL 5.7 minimum or MariaDB 10.2 minimum. Set PHP memory_limit to at least 512M, the documented recommendation for PrestaShop 9. The exact extension package names vary with the PHP version and Ubuntu release, so install the packages matching the selected interpreter.
Google’s sample startup script for a simple Hello World application demonstrates PHP 7.2 packages. That example is a deployment pattern, not a PrestaShop requirement; PHP 7.2 is outside the supported range for PrestaShop 9.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How do I create the Google Cloud VM?
- In Google Cloud Console, create or select the project that will own the shop.
- Enable billing for that project and enable the Compute Engine API.
- Open Compute Engine and create a VM using a current Ubuntu LTS image.
- Select a machine type with enough memory for PHP workers, the database, the operating system, and expected traffic. There is no single correct size for every catalog.
- Assign a reserved external IP if DNS should continue pointing to the same address after a restart or VM change.
- Allow SSH only from administrator networks or through your normal secure access method. Expose HTTP and HTTPS only when the web server is ready to receive them.
- Connect over SSH and update the operating system:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -y upgradeBefore production, verify the VPC firewall rules, SSH source ranges, disk size, automatic restart policy, and whether a separate data disk is appropriate. Compute Engine is billable; the cited Google Cloud material does not provide a universal price because cost depends on region, machine type, storage, IP usage, and uptime.
How do I install Apache or Nginx and the required PHP extensions?
Choose one web server. Apache is often simpler for a first self-managed PrestaShop deployment, while Nginx commonly uses PHP-FPM and requires more explicit rewrite and virtual-host configuration. Both are compatible when configured correctly.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Apache option
- Install Apache, PHP, and the PHP modules for your selected supported version. On Ubuntu, package names may be versioned, so replace the generic names with the matching packages when necessary:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y apache2 php php-cli php-fpm php-curl php-dom php-fileinfo php-gd php-iconv php-intl php-json php-mbstring php-mysql php-opcache php-xml unzip- Enable the modules your configuration uses, then restart Apache:
sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo systemctl enable --now apache2
sudo systemctl restart apache2Nginx option
Install Nginx and PHP-FPM for the same interpreter version, then configure a server block that passes *.php requests to that FPM socket. Set the document root to the directory containing the PrestaShop files and include the rewrite rules required by your PrestaShop release. Do not run Apache and Nginx on the same HTTP port unless you deliberately configure a reverse-proxy arrangement.
Required PHP capabilities
The PrestaShop documentation lists cURL, DOM, Fileinfo, GD, Iconv, Intl, JSON, Mbstring, OpenSSL, and PDO. Confirm that each extension is loaded by the web-serving PHP interpreter, not merely by a different command-line PHP binary:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
php -m
php --ini
php -r 'echo PHP_VERSION, PHP_EOL;'Set the memory limit in the active PHP configuration (often the FPM or Apache php.ini, not only the CLI file):
memory_limit = 512MRestart Apache or PHP-FPM after changing PHP configuration. A browser request can use a different SAPI configuration than an SSH command, so confirm the value from the installer and from the service configuration.
How do I install MySQL and create the PrestaShop database?
Google’s Ubuntu instructions use the following commands. The guide states that Ubuntu 20.04 and later use MySQL 8 with this installation path:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get -y install mysql-server
sudo systemctl enable --now mysqlRun the server’s hardening routine and set an administrative authentication method appropriate for your Ubuntu release. Then open the MySQL client as an administrator:
sudo mysqlCreate a database and a dedicated account rather than giving PrestaShop the server administrator credentials. Replace the example names and password with unique values:
CREATE DATABASE prestashop CHARACTER SET utf8mb4 COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;
CREATE USER 'prestashop_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'use-a-long-unique-password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON prestashop.* TO 'prestashop_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;Record the database host, database name, user, and password. For a database on the same VM, the host is normally localhost. If you later move the database to another server, use its private address or approved hostname and restrict network access; never expose MySQL publicly just to make the installer connect.
The account should have access to the shop database but should not be used for unrelated applications. Test the credentials before starting the web installer:
mysql -u prestashop_user -p -h localhost prestashopHow do I upload PrestaShop and start the installer?
The official installation sequence is download and unzip the package, create a database, upload all files, run the installation script, follow the wizard, delete /install, and retain the generated administrator-folder name.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Download the current PrestaShop archive from the official PrestaShop release page using a workstation or a controlled download method.
- Copy the archive and any bootstrap files to the directory mapped by your Apache virtual host or Nginx server block. A typical document root is under
/var/www/. - Extract the archive so that the application’s entry files, including
index.php, are directly inside the document root rather than one directory deeper than the configured root. - Assign ownership to the web-server account used by your service. On Ubuntu Apache this is commonly
www-data; verify the account on your VM:
ps -o user,group,comm -C apache2
ps -o user,group,comm -C nginx- Use ownership and group permissions that permit writing only where PrestaShop requires it. Avoid making the entire tree world-writable.
- Open the VM’s public IP or domain in a browser. The archive’s auto-installer should unpack or launch the installation wizard, depending on the package format.
- Choose the language and accept the license terms, enter the shop name and account details, and provide the database host, database name, database user, and password created earlier.
- Create the back-office administrator account with a unique password. Do not reuse the Google Cloud, SSH, or database password.
- Wait for the installer to finish and note the randomly generated administrator-folder name.
If the browser shows the default Apache page, a directory listing, or a download prompt instead of the wizard, check the virtual-host document root, PHP handler, DNS record, and whether the archive was extracted into the correct directory.
Why does the PrestaShop compatibility check fail?
The installer checks PHP settings, required tools, and file and folder permissions. Correct the specific failed item, then refresh the check; changing unrelated settings makes diagnosis harder.
| Installer symptom | Likely cause | Targeted fix |
|---|---|---|
| Unsupported PHP version | The VM is running a version outside the release matrix. | Install a supported version for that exact PrestaShop release, configure the web SAPI to use it, and restart the service. |
| Missing extension | An extension such as Intl, GD, Mbstring, cURL, DOM, or PDO is absent from the active SAPI. | Install the matching PHP module, verify with the web-server PHP configuration, and restart Apache or PHP-FPM. |
| Memory limit warning | memory_limit is below the recommended 512M. |
Raise the limit in the active php.ini, restart the service, and refresh. |
| Files or folders not writable | The web-server account cannot modify paths needed during installation. | Correct ownership and group permissions for only the named paths; refresh the check. |
| Database connection failure | Wrong host, database name, user, password, service state, or local socket choice. | Test the credentials from the VM and confirm that MySQL is running and the account has privileges on the selected database. |
| Required tool unavailable | A server utility or PHP capability expected by the installer is missing. | Install the named dependency rather than applying broad permission changes. |
PrestaShop’s installation guidance explains that the installer must change uploaded files and cannot complete when filesystem permissions block those changes. Some hosting environments temporarily require CHMOD 777, but that is not a safe permanent setting on a self-managed VM. Prefer the correct web-server ownership and narrowly scoped write permissions, then reduce temporary permissions after installation.
What should I do immediately after installation?
- Delete the
/installdirectory from the PrestaShop document root:
sudo rm -rf /var/www/your-site/installUse your actual document-root path. Do not leave the installer available on a public site.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Keep the generated administrator-folder name private and use it when opening the back office. Treat it as a path component, not as a replacement for a strong password.
- Point the domain’s DNS record at the VM’s reserved external IP. Allow DNS propagation time before troubleshooting an apparently missing site.
- Configure HTTPS with a certificate and redirect plain HTTP to HTTPS once the certificate is working.
- Set up VM disk backups or snapshots and test that a restore is possible. A snapshot is not a substitute for a tested application and database backup.
- Send test messages from the store and verify that mail delivery works; many cloud deployments require an external SMTP service or additional relay configuration.
- Run a test order through each payment method, confirm stock and order emails, and verify tax and currency settings for the store’s market.
- Install a module in a staging or maintenance window first, check its PHP compatibility, and monitor logs after activation.
- Configure scheduled tasks required by installed modules and confirm that they run under the intended account.
- Review firewall rules, SSH keys, unattended security updates, database exposure, and application logs before announcing the store.
Should I choose Apache or Nginx for PrestaShop on Google Cloud?
Neither server is universally better. Apache usually reduces initial configuration work because directory-level rewrite behavior is familiar, while Nginx can provide a lean PHP-FPM architecture but demands careful server-block and rewrite configuration.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Decision factor | Apache | Nginx |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Supported with Apache 2.4 or newer. | Supported with a current supported Nginx release. |
| Initial configuration | Often simpler for administrators accustomed to .htaccess and module-based settings. |
More explicit configuration; rewrite rules belong in the server block. |
| PHP integration | Can use mod_php or PHP-FPM; choose one deliberately. | Normally uses PHP-FPM through a Unix socket or private TCP endpoint. |
| Caching and tuning | Broad module ecosystem and familiar per-directory controls. | Clear separation of static-file handling and FPM workers, with explicit tuning. |
| Operational familiarity | Best when your team already administers Apache. | Best when your team already operates Nginx and understands FPM. |
Use the server your team can secure, monitor, and recover confidently. A correctly configured Apache installation is preferable to an unfamiliar Nginx deployment, and the reverse is also true.
Should the database run on the same VM?
A same-VM MySQL deployment is straightforward and keeps latency low, but it combines web and database failure domains. A managed database can reduce database administration and improve recovery options, yet it introduces network configuration, recurring service cost, and possible latency.
| Consideration | MySQL on the Compute Engine VM | Managed database service |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | You handle updates, users, tuning, backups, and recovery. | The provider handles more infrastructure operations, while you still manage schema and application credentials. |
| Failure isolation | Web and database can fail together if the VM or disk fails. | Database infrastructure can be separated from the web VM. |
| Network path | Local connection is simple and usually low latency. | Requires private networking, firewall rules, and connection testing. |
| Scaling | Scaling usually means resizing or moving components yourself. | Service-specific scaling and replicas may be available. |
| Cost | Included in the VM’s resource usage but consumes its CPU, memory, and storage. | Separate billing; exact cost depends on service, region, storage, and backup settings. |
For a small store, one VM can be a sensible starting architecture if you maintain tested backups and understand the recovery risk. Separate the database when uptime, growth, or operational policy justifies the added complexity.
What are the most common installation mistakes?
- Installing the PHP version from an old tutorial: check the PrestaShop release matrix first.
- Using the root MySQL account: create a dedicated database user with privileges limited to the shop database.
- Putting files one directory too deep: ensure the configured document root contains the PrestaShop entry files.
- Changing permissions to 777 and leaving them: fix ownership and narrow write access after the installer succeeds.
- Opening MySQL to the internet: keep a same-VM database on localhost or use private networking for a remote database.
- Forgetting the generated back-office path: record it securely immediately after installation.
- Skipping HTTPS and backups: configure both before taking real orders.
- Testing only the home page: test login, checkout, email, payment, scheduled tasks, and module installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install PrestaShop on a Google Cloud free-tier VM?
Eligibility and limits depend on the current Google Cloud offer, region, account, and machine type. The installation process itself does not guarantee free usage; billing remains enabled and storage, external IP, traffic, and other resources may incur charges.
Can I use MariaDB instead of MySQL for PrestaShop 9?
Yes. PrestaShop 9 lists MariaDB 10.2 as the minimum supported MariaDB version. Use the same database-creation approach, then enter the MariaDB host, database, user, and password in the installer.
How do I change PHP versions without breaking the store?
Install the target supported interpreter and its extensions, switch Apache or PHP-FPM to that interpreter, and test in a staging copy first. Take a database and file backup before changing the production service, then rerun the PrestaShop compatibility checks.
Why does my domain still show the old site after DNS changes?
DNS resolvers cache records for their time-to-live, so different networks can show different destinations temporarily. Check that the record points to the VM’s reserved IP, confirm the virtual-host hostname matches the domain, and test directly against the IP while propagation completes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
