Step-by-Step Guide: How to Manually Install WordPress

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Manual Installation of WordPress
3. Creating MySQL Database and User
4. Installing WordPress via cPanel
5. Installing WordPress via Plesk Parallels Panel
6. Downloading WordPress Software
7. Renaming and Configuring WP-config.php
8. Uploading WordPress Files to the Server
9. Accessing WordPress Installation Page
10. Finalizing WordPress Installation

📝 Manual Installation of WordPress

So, you want to install WordPress on your website manually? Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it may seem. In this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing WordPress on your site without using an auto-installer script.

1. Creating a MySQL Database and User

Before we begin, there are a few things you need to do. Firstly, you'll need to create a MySQL database for your WordPress blog. If your web hosting package comes with cPanel, this process is quite simple. Just log into your control panel, scroll down to the "Databases" section, and click on "MySQL Database Wizard."

In the wizard, give a name to your database, such as "Sam's Blog." Click on the "Next Step" button. Next, create a username and password for your database. The username will have a prefix set by your hosting company, so let's call it "Sam001." You can generate a secure password using the password generator or enter your own. Make sure to note down the database name, username, and password, as you will need them later.

2. Downloading WordPress Software

Now that your database is set up, it's time to download the WordPress software. Visit the official WordPress website and navigate to the "Download" page. Click on the button to download the latest version of WordPress.

3. Renaming and Configuring WP-config.php

Once the WordPress software is downloaded, locate the file named "wp-config-sample.php" and rename it to "wp-config.php." Open the file using a text editor like Notepad. In this file, you'll need to make a few changes.

Update the database name, username, password, and database host information with the details you noted down earlier. Most hosting providers use "localhost" as the database host unless specified otherwise. Save the changes to the file.

4. Uploading WordPress Files to the Server

To upload the WordPress files to your web server, you can use an FTP software like FileZilla. Connect to your server using the FTP software and navigate to the directory where you want to install WordPress. If it's the main focus of your site, upload it to the root directory. Create a new directory called "wordpress" if necessary.

Highlight all the files you extracted from the WordPress download and upload them to the desired directory on your server. This might take some time depending on your internet connection speed.

5. Accessing WordPress Installation Page

Once all the files are uploaded, you need to access the WordPress installation page to complete the setup. The URL for the installation page will depend on whether you installed WordPress in the root directory or a subdirectory. If it's the root directory, simply go to your site's URL. For a subdirectory installation like "wordpress," visit your site's URL followed by "/wordpress/wp-admin/install.php."

On the installation page, fill in the required information such as your site title, username (default is "admin"), password, and email address. It's advisable to allow your site to appear in search engines. Click on the "Install WordPress" button to initiate the installation process.

6. Finalizing WordPress Installation

Congratulations! WordPress has been successfully installed on your website. You can now log in using the username and password you specified during the installation process. Once logged in, you'll have access to the WordPress dashboard, where you can customize your site, install themes and plugins, and start creating content.

Installing WordPress manually gives you more control over the setup process and allows for greater customization options. Though it may take a bit more time and effort than using an auto-installer script, it's a straightforward process that anyone can accomplish.

Take your time to familiarize yourself with the various features and settings available in WordPress to make the most out of your website-building experience. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities that WordPress offers for creating a unique and dynamic online presence.

Highlights:

• Learn how to manually install WordPress on your web hosting account
• Create a MySQL database and user for your WordPress blog
• Step-by-step instructions for installing WordPress through cPanel and Plesk Parallels Panel
• Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website
• Rename and configure the WP-config.php file
• Upload the WordPress files to your server using FTP software
• Access the WordPress installation page and fill in the necessary information
• Finalize the WordPress installation and start building your website

FAQs:

Q: Is it necessary to create a MySQL database for WordPress? A: Yes, a MySQL database is required for WordPress to store all your website data, including posts, pages, and settings.

Q: Can I install WordPress without using an auto-installer script? A: Absolutely! Installing WordPress manually gives you more control over the setup process and allows for greater customization options.

Q: How long does it take to upload the WordPress files to the server? A: The time required to upload the files depends on your internet connection speed. With a fast broadband connection, it usually takes a few minutes.

Q: What are the advantages of manual installation over an auto-installer script? A: Manual installation gives you a deeper understanding of the WordPress setup process and allows for more flexibility in customization. You can also troubleshoot any issues more effectively.

Resources:

• WordPress.org - Official website for downloading WordPress
• FileZilla - Free FTP software for uploading files to your server