How to Install WordPress Manually (No One-Click Install)

How to Install WordPress Manually (No One-Click Install)

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) out there, powering over a third of all websites on the internet. While many hosting providers offer one-click installations that simplify the setup process, manually installing WordPress can provide you with greater control and a deeper understanding of how your site operates. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of manually installing WordPress. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some technical knowledge, by the end of this article, you will feel confident in setting up your own WordPress site from scratch.

Why Manually Install WordPress?

Before diving into the installation process, let's explore why you might want to install WordPress manually:

• Full Control: You'll understand every aspect of your site's setup.
• Customization: Manual installation allows you to choose specific versions and configurations.
• Learning Experience: It helps you learn about web hosting, databases, and file management.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before you get started, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:

• Web Hosting: A reliable hosting provider that supports PHP and MySQL (like Bluehost, SiteGround, etc.).
• Domain Name: A unique web address for your site.
• FTP Client: Software like FileZilla for transferring files to your server.
• Text Editor: To edit configuration files (Notepad++, Sublime Text, etc.).
• Browser: To access the WordPress installation process.

Step 1: Download WordPress

Your first step is to download the latest version of WordPress. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the WordPress.org download page.
2. Click on the Download WordPress button.
3. The file will be in a .zip format. Save it to your computer.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

Now that you have WordPress files on your local machine, it’s time to upload them to your server:

1. Extract the downloaded .zip file using extraction software.
2. Open your FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) and connect to your web server using the FTP credentials provided by your hosting service.
3. Navigate to the root directory (usually called public_html or www) where you want to install WordPress.
4. Drag and drop the extracted WordPress folder contents into this root directory.

Step 3: Create a MySQL Database and User

WordPress requires a database to store your content and settings. Here’s how to create one:

1. Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (often cPanel).
2. Find and click on the MySQL Databases option.
3. Under the Create New Database section, enter a name for your database and click Create Database.
4. Scroll down to the Add New User section. Enter a username and strong password, and click Create User.
5. Next, assign the user to the database by selecting them from the dropdown menu under Add User to Database. Give the user All Privileges.
6. Save the database name, username, and password, as you will need these later.

Step 4: Configure the WordPress wp-config.php File

WordPress requires access to the database to function correctly. You need to configure the wp-config.php file:

1. In your FTP client, locate the file wp-config-sample.php in your WordPress files.
2. Rename this file to wp-config.php.
3. Edit the wp-config.php file with your text editor:
• Locate these lines and update them with your database credentials:

define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');define('DB_USER', 'username_here');define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');

4. Save the changes and re-upload the file to your server if prompted.

Step 5: Run the WordPress Installation Script

Now it’s time to run the WordPress installation script:

1. Open your web browser and go to your website URL (e.g., http://yourdomain.com).
2. You should see the WordPress installation page. Select your preferred language and click Continue.
3. On the next screen, fill out the site title, username, password, and email address. Choose whether to allow search engines to index your site if desired.
4. Click on Install WordPress to complete the setup.

Step 6: Login to Your New WordPress Site

Once you've successfully installed WordPress, you’ll see a success message. You can now log in to your site:

1. Visit http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
2. Enter the username and password you created earlier.
3. Congratulations! You’re now inside your WordPress dashboard, ready to build your website.

Common Issues During Installation

Sometimes, issues may arise during a manual installation. Here are common problems and their solutions:

• White Screen of Death: Check your PHP version; WordPress requires PHP 7.4 or higher.
• Connection Errors: Verify your database credentials in the wp-config.php file.
• Missing Files: Ensure all WordPress files are properly uploaded to your server.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress manually may seem daunting at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you should now have a fully functioning WordPress site. Manually installing gives you a robust understanding of WordPress and enhances your ability to troubleshoot issues in the future. Remember to keep your WordPress version, themes, and plugins updated for security and performance. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it or leaving a comment below! Happy blogging!