Manual WordPress Installation: A Detailed Walkthrough

WordPress is a popular and user-friendly content management system (CMS) used for creating and managing websites. It powers over 40% of websites on the internet, making it the most widely-used CMS.

While many hosting providers offer one-click installation for WordPress, there may be instances where you need to install it manually. This article will provide a detailed walkthrough of manual WordPress installation and its benefits.

Manual WordPress installation gives you more control over the process and allows you to customize your website based on your specific needs. Additionally, it also allows for a more secure installation, as you can change the database table prefix and other security settings during the installation process.

Before starting the installation process, there are a few prerequisites that you need to have in place:

1. A domain name: This is the address of your website.
2. A hosting provider: This is where your website’s files will be stored and served to visitors.
3. FTP client: This is a software used to transfer files from your computer to your web hosting server.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for manual WordPress installation:

1. Downloading WordPress: The first step is to download the latest version of WordPress from their official website.
2. Creating a database: You will need to create a database for WordPress to store your website’s data. This can be done through your hosting provider’s control panel.
3. Uploading WordPress files: Next, you need to upload the downloaded WordPress files to your web server using an FTP client.
4. Configuring WordPress: After the files have been uploaded, you need to configure the WordPress settings by entering the database details and website information.
5. Completing the installation: Once the configuration is complete, you will receive a success message, and you can then log in to your WordPress dashboard and start building your website.

During the installation process, you may encounter some common errors, such as:

1. Error Establishing a Database Connection: This error occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to the database. It can be resolved by checking the database details and ensuring they are correct.
2. White Screen of Death: This error occurs when there is a fatal error in the WordPress code. It can be resolved by disabling plugins or themes that may be causing the error.
3. Missing Stylesheet Error: This error occurs when the stylesheet is missing or incorrectly linked. It can be resolved by verifying the stylesheet link or re-uploading the WordPress files.

In conclusion, manual WordPress installation may seem daunting at first, but it gives you more control and flexibility over your website. By following this detailed guide and troubleshooting common errors, you can successfully install WordPress and start creating your website.

Key Takeaways:

Manual WordPress installation requires a domain name, hosting provider, and FTP client as prerequisites.

Following a step-by-step guide is essential for a successful manual WordPress installation.

Common errors during manual WordPress installation include database connection, white screen of death, and missing stylesheet error.

What Is WordPress?

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WordPress is a widely-used and popular content management system (CMS) that enables users to effortlessly create and manage websites. It is a free, open-source software that offers a variety of customizable themes and plugins. Powered by PHP and MySQL, WordPress is a highly adaptable and robust platform for building websites of any size or complexity. Its user-friendly interface allows individuals and businesses to publish content without any technical knowledge. With a strong community support, WordPress provides regular updates and security patches to ensure the safety and stability of websites.

Whether you have a simple blog or a fully-functional e-commerce site in mind, WordPress offers the necessary tools and features to bring your vision to life. So, if you’re curious about “what is WordPress?”, it is a versatile CMS that empowers users to easily build and manage their websites.

Why Should You Choose Manual WordPress Installation?

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When it comes to installing WordPress, you have the option of using an automated installation or doing it manually. While automated installations are convenient, there are several reasons why manual WordPress installation should be your preferred choice.

1. Control and customization: Manual installation gives you complete control over the installation process, allowing you to customize database settings, file structure, and configurations according to your specific needs.
2. Security: Manual installation allows you to take extra security measures to protect your WordPress site. By setting up a unique database prefix, securing the wp-config.php file, and installing security plugins, you can enhance the overall security of your website.
3. Performance optimization: Manual installation allows you to optimize your website for better performance. You can choose specific plugins, themes, and settings that are lightweight and efficient, resulting in faster loading times and improved user experience.
4. Learning experience: Manual installation provides an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of WordPress. It helps you understand the different components of a WordPress site and equips you with valuable knowledge for troubleshooting and maintaining your website.
5. Flexibility: Manual installation gives you the flexibility to choose your web hosting provider, server environment, and other resources. This allows you to find the best combination that suits your website’s requirements.

By choosing manual WordPress installation, you can have more control, better security, improved performance, and a valuable learning experience for a successful and customized website.

What Are The Prerequisites For Manual WordPress Installation?

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Before we delve into the detailed walkthrough of manually installing WordPress, it is important to understand the prerequisites for this process. There are three essential components that you will need in order to successfully install WordPress on your website. We will discuss each of these components, including a domain name, a hosting provider, and an FTP client, and why they are necessary for a smooth installation process. So, let’s make sure you have everything you need before we dive into the steps of manual WordPress installation.

1. A Domain Name

When creating a website using WordPress, one of the initial tasks is registering a domain name. A domain name acts as the web address for your site. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a domain name:

1. Brainstorm and select a unique and relevant domain name that reflects your website’s purpose.
2. Check the availability of your desired domain name using a domain registrar or hosting provider.
3. If your chosen domain name is available, proceed to register it with the domain registrar or hosting provider. Provide the necessary information and complete the registration process.
4. Consider the length and clarity of your domain name, as shorter and more concise names are typically easier for visitors to remember and type.
5. Ensure that the domain name is easy to spell and pronounce, avoiding any confusing or ambiguous words.
6. Consider incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name to enhance search engine optimization (SEO).
7. Remember that the domain name should align with your brand and the content of your website.
8. Regularly renew the domain name registration to maintain ownership and prevent it from expiring.

By following these steps, you can acquire a suitable domain name that effectively represents your website and helps establish your online presence.

2. A Hosting Provider

Choosing a reliable hosting provider is crucial for a successful manual WordPress installation. Here are the steps to consider:

1. Research: Explore different hosting providers and compare their features, pricing, customer support, and user reviews.
2. Compatibility: Ensure that the hosting provider meets the minimum requirements for running WordPress, such as PHP version and database compatibility.
3. Server Performance: Look for a hosting provider that offers fast and stable servers, as this will directly impact the speed and performance of your WordPress website.
4. Scalability: Consider the scalability options offered by the hosting provider, especially if you anticipate significant growth in website traffic and resources in the future.
5. Security: Check for security measures provided by the hosting provider, such as SSL certificates, server firewalls, regular backups, and malware scanning.
6. Control Panel: Evaluate the ease of use of the hosting provider’s control panel, as it will be the interface through which you manage your website, databases, and email accounts.
7. Support: Ensure that the hosting provider offers reliable customer support, preferably 24/7, to assist with any technical issues or queries.

3. FTP Client

To manually install WordPress, you will need to use an FTP client to transfer files between your computer and the web server. Follow these steps using an FTP client:

1. Select an FTP client software, such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP.
2. Download and install the FTP client on your computer.
3. Launch the FTP client and enter your FTP credentials (host, username, password, and port) provided by your web hosting provider.
4. Connect to your web server using the FTP client.
5. Navigate to the root directory of your website on the remote server.
6. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
7. Extract the downloaded WordPress files on your computer.
8. Select all the extracted files and folders, then drag and drop them into the root directory on the remote server.
9. Wait for the FTP client to finish transferring the files.

By following these steps, you can successfully transfer the WordPress files to your web server using an FTP client.

Step-by-Step Guide To Manual WordPress Installation

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For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to setting up a WordPress website, a manual installation may be the way to go. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to manually install WordPress on a web server. From downloading the necessary files to configuring the installation, we will walk you through each step to ensure a successful set up. So, let’s get started with the first step: downloading WordPress.

1. Downloading WordPress

To begin the manual installation process of WordPress, you must first download it. This crucial step involves visiting the official WordPress website at wordpress.org and clicking on the “Get WordPress” button on the homepage. From there, you will be directed to a page where you can download the latest version of WordPress by clicking on the “Download WordPress” button. Once the ZIP file containing the installation files has finished downloading, extract its contents to a folder of your choice on your computer. This will provide you with the necessary WordPress files to continue with the installation process.

2. Creating a Database

Creating a database is a crucial step in manually installing WordPress. Follow these steps to successfully create a database for your WordPress site:

1. Login to your hosting account and access the control panel.
2. Find the section for databases, typically labeled as “MySQL Databases” or something similar.
3. Create a new database by entering a name for it, such as “mywordpressdb”.
4. Click on the “Create Database” button to generate the database.
5. Create a new user for the database by entering a username and password.
6. Assign the newly created user to the database by choosing the user and database from dropdown menus.
7. Click on the “Add User to Database” button to assign the user to the database.
8. Take note of the database name, username, and password as you will need them during the WordPress installation process.

By following these steps, you will have successfully created a database for your WordPress site, allowing you to proceed with the installation process.

3. Uploading WordPress Files

To manually upload WordPress files, simply follow these steps:

1. Firstly, visit the official website and download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Unzip the downloaded file to access the WordPress folder.
3. Using an FTP client, connect to your hosting account.
4. Navigate to the root directory of your website on the FTP client.
5. Upload the entire WordPress folder to the root directory of your website.
6. After the upload is complete, go to your hosting account’s control panel.
7. Create a new database for your WordPress installation.
8. Open a web browser and enter your website’s URL.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure WordPress.
10. Provide the database details you created earlier.
11. Complete the installation process by filling in the necessary information.
12. Once the installation is complete, you can log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly upload WordPress files to your website.

4. Configuring WordPress

Configuring WordPress is a crucial step in the manual installation process. Follow these steps to properly configure WordPress:

1. Access the WordPress admin panel by entering your website URL followed by “/wp-admin” in the address bar.
2. Enter the admin username and password you created during the installation process.
3. Once logged in, you will be directed to the WordPress dashboard.
4. Customize your website’s appearance by selecting a theme. Go to “Appearance” in the sidebar and choose a theme or install a new one.
5. Configure the general settings of your website. Under “Settings,” you can set the site title, tagline, and other basic information.
6. Set the permalink structure for your website’s URLs. Go to “Settings” and click on “Permalinks” to choose a structure that suits your needs.
7. Create and publish your website’s pages. Click on “Pages” in the sidebar and then select “Add New.” Enter the content for your page and click “Publish.”
8. Customize your website further by installing and activating plugins. Go to “Plugins” and click on “Add New” to search for and install plugins that enhance your site’s functionality.

5. Completing the Installation

To complete the manual installation of WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Download WordPress: Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Create a Database: Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and create a new database for your WordPress installation. Take note of the database name, username, and password.
3. Upload WordPress Files: Use an FTP client to connect to your hosting server and upload the WordPress files to your website’s root directory.
4. Configure WordPress: Open a web browser and visit your website’s URL to start the WordPress configuration process. Enter your database information and set up an admin username and password.
5. Complete the Installation: After configuring WordPress, you will receive a success message. Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard using the admin credentials you set up and start customizing your website.

By following these steps, you can successfully complete the installation of WordPress and have full control over your website’s setup and customization.

What Are The Common Errors During Manual WordPress Installation?

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While setting up a WordPress website manually can be a rewarding experience, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. In this section, we will discuss the common errors that may occur during the manual installation process and how to troubleshoot them. From the dreaded “Error Establishing a Database Connection” to the mysterious “White Screen of Death”, we’ll cover the most common errors and how to overcome them. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of manual WordPress installation errors.

1. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Encountering an error establishing a database connection when setting up a WordPress website manually can be frustrating. However, following the right steps can help resolve the issue:

1. Check database credentials: Ensure that the correct database name, username, password, and host are entered in the wp-config.php file.
2. Verify database server: Confirm that the database server is running and accessible. If necessary, contact your hosting provider.
3. Check database privileges: Make sure that the database user has the necessary privileges to access and modify the database. Grant appropriate permissions if needed.
4. Repair database: Utilize the WordPress database repair tool to fix any corrupted tables. You can access this tool by adding the following line to the wp-config.php file: define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true );
5. Test connection: Use a database management tool or PHP script to test the connection to the database. This can help identify any server or configuration issues.

2. White Screen of Death

The “White Screen of Death” is a common error that can occur during manual WordPress installation. It refers to a blank white screen that appears when accessing your website, making it inaccessible to visitors. This issue is usually caused by PHP errors or conflicts between themes or plugins.

To troubleshoot the White Screen of Death, follow these steps:

1. Disable plugins: Access your website’s files via FTP and rename the “plugins” folder to “plugins_old”. This will deactivate all plugins and allow you to identify the problematic one.
2. Switch to a default theme: Rename your current theme’s folder to disable it and activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
3. Increase PHP memory limit: Edit your website’s wp-config.php file and add the following line of code: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M');
4. Debug mode: Enable WordPress debug mode by editing the wp-config.php file and adding the following line: define('WP_DEBUG', true);
5. Contact support: If the issue persists, reach out to your hosting provider or a WordPress developer for assistance.

By following these steps, you can resolve the “White Screen of Death” and ensure a successful manual WordPress installation.

3. Missing Stylesheet Error

When performing a manual WordPress installation, encountering a “missing stylesheet error” can be frustrating. This error typically occurs when the required stylesheet file is not present or incorrectly referenced. Fortunately, it can be resolved by following these steps:

1. Double-check that you have downloaded the complete WordPress installation package from the official website.
2. Ensure that you have not mistakenly deleted or moved the stylesheet file named “style.css” located in the theme folder.
3. Verify that the stylesheet file is properly linked in the header section of the theme’s main PHP file. The link should be written as follows: <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="path-to-style.css"/>
4. Clear your browser cache and reload the website to see if the error is resolved.
5. If the error persists, consider switching to a different theme to determine if the problem lies within the theme files themselves.

By following these steps, you can address the “missing stylesheet error” and successfully complete your manual WordPress installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between manual and software installation of WordPress?

The main difference between manual and software installation of WordPress is the level of technical knowledge required. Software installation, also known as 1-click installation, is recommended for beginners as it requires no technical knowledge. On the other hand, manual installation is recommended for intermediate and advanced users who have basic web hosting knowledge.

What are the steps for manual WordPress installation?

Step 1: Download the latest version of WordPress from their website and save the .zip file to your local computer.
Step 2: Upload the files to the public_html folder on your hosting account using an FTP program or cPanel’s File Manager.
Step 3: Create a database for your WordPress site using your hosting platform’s tools.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Why is FTP recommended for manual WordPress installation?

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, allows for a more organized and efficient way of uploading files to your hosting account. It also has the advantage of creating local backups of your website, making it a useful tool for website development.

How does GreenGeeks’ Onboarding Wizard simplify the installation process for WordPress?

GreenGeeks’ Onboarding Wizard is a guided WordPress installation wizard that is officially recommended for beginners. It simplifies the installation process by providing quick links, video walkthroughs, and easy-to-follow instructions for setting up your WordPress site.

Is it necessary to upload the files to the correct directory on my hosting account?

Yes, it is crucial to upload the files to the correct directory, especially if you have multiple domains linked to your hosting account. This ensures that your site is correctly set up and functioning properly.

Can I use the manual installation process to create a multisite network?

Yes, the manual installation process allows for creating a multisite network. This is a useful feature for advanced users who want to manage multiple WordPress sites under one hosting account.