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+# Deploy checklist (Hostinger)
+
+## A. Before you start
+- [ ] Plan is Business Web Hosting or a Cloud plan (Node.js Web App supported)
+- [ ] Gmail app password created (myaccount.google.com > Security > 2-Step Verification > App passwords)
+
+## B. In hPanel: Websites > Add website > Node.js Web App > Import Git repository
+- [ ] Repo: keithrana/cycle-atlas
+- [ ] Branch: claude/sleepy-goodall-rykli1  (NOT main)
+- [ ] Root/app directory: it-support  (if no such box, ask Claude to split into its own repo)
+- [ ] Node version: 22.x or 24.x
+- [ ] Build command: npm run build
+- [ ] Start command: npm start   (entry file, if asked: server/index.js)
+
+## C. Environment variables (type them only into Hostinger, never into chat or Git)
+ADMIN_EMAIL, ADMIN_PASSWORD (10+ chars), SMTP_HOST=smtp.gmail.com, SMTP_PORT=465,
+SMTP_USER, SMTP_PASS (Gmail app password), TRUST_PROXY=1, DATA_DIR=/home/<your-username>/helpdesk-data
+
+## D. Deploy, then test in order
+1. [ ] Page loads over https:// and the video plays
+2. [ ] Search "wifi" shows answers; send a test ticket
+3. [ ] Email arrives at rana.krunal7558@gmail.com (check Spam)
+4. [ ] /#/staff login works and the ticket is listed
+5. [ ] Add a test FAQ, redeploy, confirm it is still there (proves data is kept)
+6. [ ] Log out; /#/staff asks for login again