====== DokuWiki Installer "Illegal or Empty Value" Error ======

**Status:** Resolved\\
**Date:** 2026-05-27\\
**Affected service:** [[folkzone:services:dokuwiki|DokuWiki]]

===== Symptom =====

The ''install.php'' setup wizard returned "illegal or empty value" when submitting the form, even when all fields appeared to be filled in.

===== Root Cause =====

Special characters in the password (e.g. ''!'' or ''@'') were being rejected by DokuWiki's PHP form validation.

===== Fix =====

Use a simple alphanumeric password during initial setup (e.g. ''Admin1234''). Change the password to a stronger one via the admin panel immediately after.

===== See Also =====
  * [[folkzone:troubleshooting:start|Homelab Troubleshooting Index]]

  * [[folkzone:services:dokuwiki|DokuWiki]]
  * [[start|Return to wiki home]]