Installing WordPress (1-Click Install + Manual Install)

Before You Begin

Ensure the following are ready before installing WordPress:

• Your domain is connected to your hosting (DNS updated).
• SSL is enabled (HTTPS active).
• You have cPanel or hosting dashboard access.
• You have a database (only needed for manual install).

Method 1: 1-Click WordPress Installation (Recommended for Beginners)

Most hosting providers include a 1-click installer such as Softaculous, Installatron, or a custom tool.

Steps

1. Log in to your hosting dashboard or cPanel.
2. Go to Software → Softaculous App Installer (or similar).
3. Select WordPress.
4. Click Install.
5. Choose:
   • Domain: The domain where WordPress will be installed.
   • Directory: Leave blank to install on the main domain.
6. Set Admin Username, Password, and Email.
7. Choose the site name & description (can be changed later).
8. Select a starter theme (optional).
9. Click Install.

When finished: You can access your dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Method 2: Manual WordPress Installation

Use this method when your hosting doesn’t provide a 1-click installer or when you want full control.

Overview of Manual Steps

1. Download WordPress files.
2. Upload files to your hosting via File Manager or FTP.
3. Create a database & database user.
4. Edit wp-config.php with database details.
5. Run the installer in your browser.

Creating a Database (Required for Manual Install)

1. In cPanel, go to MySQL Databases.
2. Under “Create New Database,” enter a name and click Create Database.
3. Scroll to “MySQL Users” → Add a new user with a strong password.
4. Scroll to “Add User to Database” → select the new user + database.
5. Choose All Privileges.

Record these values:

• Database name
• Database username
• Database password
• Database host (usually localhost)

Editing wp-config.php (Manual Method)

Inside your WordPress folder:

1. Locate wp-config-sample.php.
2. Rename it to wp-config.php.
3. Open it in the File Manager editor.

Fill in your database information:

define( 'DB_NAME', 'yourdbname' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'yourdbuser' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'yourdbpassword' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );

Save the file.

Running the WordPress Installer

To complete installation:

1. Visit your site: yourdomain.com
2. You should see the WordPress installation screen.
3. Select your language.
4. Enter:
   • Site Title
   • Admin Username
   • Password
   • Email
5. Click Install WordPress.

After installation, log in at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Post-Installation Steps

Once WordPress is installed, complete these initial tasks:

• Enable SSL/HTTPS (if not already active).
• Update permalinks (Settings → Permalinks → “Post name”).
• Delete default posts/pages (“Hello World,” sample page).
• Remove unused themes and plugins.
• Update WordPress to the latest version.
• Install basic security and backup plugins.

Activity: Install WordPress on Your Test Hosting

Complete one of the two installation methods:

1. Use 1-click installation OR manually install via cPanel.
2. Log in to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
3. Take a screenshot of your WordPress dashboard.
4. Upload your screenshot to the assignment area.

Common Installation Issues & How to Fix Them

• White screen or errors after install: PHP version too low—set PHP 8.0+ in cPanel.
• Cannot connect to database: Incorrect DB name, user, or password.
• Installer not loading: Files uploaded to the wrong folder (ensure you’re in public_html).
• SSL showing as “Not Secure”: SSL not yet installed or domain DNS not fully propagated.
• 404 errors after install: Update permalinks under Settings → Permalinks.