[Tutorial] Warning: Failed to move file! - solve the www-run problem by fastCGI - advantages and disadvantages

On some servers the installation of templates or extensions doesn't work in Joomla 2.5, although you have set all directory- and file permissions in the right way. You realize that, if Joomla reports following message during the installation.

Warning: Failed to move file!

Reason for that, can be wrong directory- and file permissions or the classical www-run problem, if your hoster runs Apache as module. In this tutorial we show you, how you can solve this problem by the run of PHP as fastCGI, its advantages and disadvantages.

Run PHP as fastCGI - its advantages and disadvantages:

The easiest solution of this problem is to run PHP as fastCGI during the installation of a new Joomla template or Joomla extension, which makes the installation instantly possible.

The disadvantage of this method is, that fastCGI will be set all directories and files on CHMOD 0777. That means your Joomla directories and files will be writeable for all users. You should only use this method during the installation of a new Joomla template or Joomla extension, if the change of the directory- and file permissions represent a major effort. You should adjust all carried settings on default after the installation.

But this method has also a advantage. All directorys and files can be remain set on CHMOD 0644 and CHMOD 0755, as it is recommended by the Joomla developers. You don't need extra set them on CHMOD 0777 for the installation per FTP, which is sometimes tedious. You have only to reset the carried settings after installation. Read more about the right directory- and file permissions in Joomla 2.5

So you run PHP as fastCGI:

Most servers perform PHP as fastCGI by the integration of following lines in the .htaccess, which you will find in the root-directory of your Joomla 2.5.

# Run PHP as fastCGI
AddHandler php5-cgi .php

Permission for this is, that your hoster supports the integration of PHP as fastCGI. Some hoster use other commands to handle fastCGI. Please ask always first your hoster, what is the right command for the implementation of fastCGI on your server and follow the instruction of your hoster. All settings should be reset after the installation.

Summary: This method is a fast solution to install new templates or extensions in Joomla 2.5, but its not suitable for daily operations, because it offers security gaps.