Introduction

Manually installing WordPress on your web hosting account using cPanel is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring that you have a fully functioning WordPress site at the end.

Prerequisites

• Access to your cPanel account

• A domain name pointed to your hosting account

• An FTP client (like FileZilla) or cPanel File Manager

• A text editor (like Notepad++ or Sublime Text)

• Latest WordPress package from WordPress.org

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download WordPress

1. Go to the WordPress download page and download the latest version of WordPress by clicking on the Download button as shown above.

2. Extract the downloaded .zip file to your computer.

Step 2: Upload WordPress Files to Your Server

1. Using cPanel File Manager:

• Log in to your cPanel account.

• Navigate to File Manager.

• Go to the root directory of your domain (usually `public_html`).

• Click Upload and select the WordPress .zip file.

• Once uploaded, extract the .zip file in the root directory.

2. Using FTP Client:

• Connect to your server using an FTP client.

• Navigate to the root directory of your domain (usually `public_html`).

• Upload all the extracted WordPress files from your computer to the server.

Step 3: Create a MySQL Database and User

1. In your cPanel dashboard, navigate to Manage My Databases.

2. Under Create New Database, enter a name for your database and click Create Database.

3. Scroll down to Database Users and create a new user. Enter a username and password, then click Create User.

4. Add the user to the database:

• Under Add User To Database, select the user and the database you just created.

• Click Add and on the next screen, check All Privileges, then click Make Changes.

Step 4: Configure WordPress

1. Navigate to your domain in a web browser (e.g., `http://yourdomain.com`).

2. You should see the WordPress setup page. Select your language and click Continue.

3. On the next screen, you will need to enter your database details:

   - Database Name: The name of the database you created.

   - Username: The database user you created.

   - Password: The password you set for the database user.

   - Database Host: Usually `localhost`.

   - Table Prefix: You can leave this as `wp_` or change it if you prefer.

4. Click Submit and then Run the installation.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

1. Fill in the required information on the Welcome page:

• Site Title: Your site's name.

• Username: The admin username you want to use.

• Password: A strong password for your admin account.

• Your Email: Your email address.

• Search Engine Visibility: Check this box if you want to discourage search engines from indexing your site.

2. Click Install WordPress.

Step 6: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

1. Once the installation is complete, you will see a success message with a Log In button.

2. Click Log In and enter the admin credentials you created.

3. You are now logged in to your WordPress dashboard and can start customizing your site.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress manually using cPanel. You can now start adding content, installing themes and plugins, and customizing your site to suit your needs. If you encounter any issues, refer back to this guide or seek assistance from your hosting provider's support team.

FAQs

Q: What if I encounter a "500 Internal Server Error"?

A: This error could be due to incorrect file permissions or an issue with your `.htaccess` file. Check your file permissions and ensure they are set correctly (directories to 755 and files to 644). You can also try renaming your `.htaccess` file to see if that resolves the issue.

Q: How do I access my database if I forget my database details?

A: You can find your database details in the `wp-config.php` file located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.

Q: Can I install WordPress in a subdirectory?

A: Yes, you can install WordPress in a subdirectory by uploading the WordPress files to a subdirectory within your root directory and following the same steps.

By following this guide, you should have a functional WordPress installation. Enjoy building your website!