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Why?

When there is no option to use the automatic installer or you want to have full control of the installation yourself, installing WordPress manually via FTP is the most suitable method. This method is very convenient for website owners and developers, as it ensures a clean and controlled installation.

Advantages of manually installing WordPress via FTP:

• Full Control: You can have full control over the installation process, which gives more flexibility than the automatic installer.
• Customization: You can customize the WordPress installation according to your needs.
• Troubleshooting: This will help to get easy solutions to any problems that arise.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to easily install WordPress manually using FTP. If you want to create a new website or migrate an old site, this guide will be useful for you.

Requirements Before You Begin

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:

1. FTP client: Use a client like FileZilla or Cyberduck to manage your file transfers.
2. WordPress installation files: Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.
3. Web hosting credentials: You will need FTP login details, which are usually provided by your hosting provider.
4. MySQL database details: You’ll need a MySQL database, along with the database name, username, and password.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install WordPress via FTP

1. Download WordPress

Start by downloading the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org. Extract the downloaded file to your computer, as you’ll need to upload its contents later via FTP.

2. Set Up FTP Client

To install WordPress via FTP, you need to connect your FTP client to your hosting server. Here’s how to do it:

• Open your FTP client (e.g., FileZilla).
• Enter your FTP credentials (Host, Username, Password, and Port).
• Once connected, you should see the local files on your computer on the left side and the files on your web hosting server on the right side.

3. Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

Once connected to your server, navigate to the directory where you want to install WordPress (usually the root directory, often named “public_html” or “www”). On the left side, locate the extracted WordPress files and drag them to the corresponding directory on your server.

4. Create a MySQL Database

To link WordPress to a database, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel or similar).
2. Under the Databases section, click MySQL Databases.
3. Create a new database by entering a name.
4. Create a user and assign a password to that user.
5. Add the user to the database and grant all privileges.

Make sure to note down the database name, username, and password, as you’ll need these during installation.

5. Configure wp-config.php

Before you can proceed with the installation, you need to configure the wp-config.php file:

1. In the WordPress folder on your computer, find the wp-config-sample.php file.
2. Rename it to wp-config.php.
3. Open the file in a text editor.
4. Fill in the database details (database name, username, password) in the respective fields:phpCopy codedefine('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name'); define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user'); define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
5. Save the file and upload it to the same directory where you uploaded the other WordPress files.

6. Complete the WordPress Installation

Now that you’ve uploaded the files and configured the database, it’s time to complete the installation:

1. In your web browser, navigate to your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com).
2. The WordPress installation wizard will appear.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your website title, admin username, password, and email.
4. Once the setup is complete, you’ll be redirected to the WordPress dashboard.

Troubleshooting Common FTP Installation Issues

During the installation process, you may encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Permission Errors: Ensure that the file permissions on your server are set correctly. Directories should have permissions of 755, and files should be set to 644.
• Connection Timeouts: This can happen if your FTP connection is unstable. Try reconnecting or using a different FTP client.
• Database Connection Issues: Double-check your database details in the wp-config.php file to ensure they are correct.

FAQ: How to Install WordPress Manually via FTP

Q1: Why should I manually install WordPress via FTP instead of using one-click installers?

Manual installation provides more control, especially for custom setups and troubleshooting.

Q2: What are the advantages of using FTP to install WordPress?

FTP gives you direct access to your files, making it easy to customize and troubleshoot installations.

Q3: Do I need coding skills to install WordPress via FTP?

Basic knowledge of file management and databases is sufficient; coding skills are not required.

Q4: Can I install WordPress via FTP on any hosting provider?

Yes, as long as your hosting provider supports FTP and MySQL databases, you can manually install WordPress.

Q5: How do I keep my WordPress installation secure after manual setup?

Ensure you regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes, and consider using a security plugin for additional protection.

For a secure website, check out our guide on How to Set Up SSL on Your WordPress Site.