Sitecore Commerce Connect package installation hangs

When setting up Sitecore Commerce 8.2.1, after installing Commerce Server I reached the step to install Sitecore modules.

The Problem

I started installing the first package 'Sitecore Commerce Connect 10.x.xxx.zip'. However, I noticed that the package was taking very long to install. After giving it 10-15 mins, I thought it might be blocked by something in the background. So I recycled the app pool, and made another attempt. But to no avail. The installation just kept on going without any indication or anything in the error logs.

The Fix

After digging around, it turns out you need to have MongoDB installed and running since the package installation relies on xDB. Sure enough- after starting my MongoDB service, the package installed without a hitch.

Alternatively, you can temporarily disable xDB by setting the following values to "false" in Sitecore.Xdb.config:

<setting name="Xdb.Enabled" value="false" />
<setting name="Xdb.Tracking.Enabled" value="false" />

If you are not planning to use xDB and don't require MongoDB, patch the above settings in your own config file instead.