On some servers you need to turn off magic quotes before you can install Joomla 3.0

When trying to install Joomla 3.2.3 add this line to the htaccess.txt file

php_flag magic_quotes_gpc off

and then rename it to .htaccess

This php.ini file needs to be uploaded to the installation directory of the Joomla3 files

magic_quotes_gpc = Off

session.save_path = "/tmp"

IF this does not work create a htaccess file and put in the root of the site

php_flag magic_quotes_gpc off
php_flag magic_quotes_runtime off
php_flag magic_quotes_sybase off

After the installation of Joomla 3 has been successful you need to turn magic quotes back on.

Put this php ini file in the root of the site:

magic_quotes_gpc = Off
extension=pdo.so
extension=pdo_mysql.so

If you are using Admintools htaccess file creator then you need to add this code to Custom dot htaccess rules at the top of the file:

<IfModule mod_suphp.c>
suPHP_ConfigPath /home/YourUserName/public_html/
<Files php.ini>
order allow,deny
deny from all
</Files>
</IfModule>

You may also need to add this to the bottom of the htaccess file if you still receive the error message:

php_flag magic_quotes_gpc off 

You may also need to add the name of the Default Template if it is not as supplied or the layout is distorted

templates/the-template-name

NB

Make sure if using Admintools that the:

Base directory of your site (/ for domain's root) ...   is set to the root rather than a subdomain if you have been working on a trial site!!!

Then create your new htaccess file