Detailed WordPress Installation
If you’re looking for more detailed installation instructions for WordPress, you have come to right spot! This may look wordy, but don’t worry. If you take it one step at a time, your WordPress blog will be up and running in no time.
Step 1
Download the most recent version of WordPress to your computer. It can be found on the WordPress download page. Unzip the folder.
Step 2
Once you’ve downloaded the install files, you will need to connect to your hosting through FTP in order to upload the software to your domain. You may need an FTP client in order to do this, in which case we recommend using FileZilla which is both free and easy to use - download filezilla.
At the top of FileZilla, you will need to fill in your FTP logon information. Basically, the Host should be “ftp.yourdomainname.com”. The Username will most likely be your FTP logon @ your domainname.com (username@yourdomainname.com). And, finally, the Password is of course the password for your hosting account.
Step 3
Once connected through FileZilla, navigate to the location of your WordPress install on your computer in the Local Site section.
In the Remote Site section on the right, make sure you select the appropriate directory to upload to. This is where things might get a bit tricky. Selecting the proper directory in the Remote Site will dictate where the WordPress will be located on your domain. There are two ways to do this:
a) Root Directory: If you want your blog to show up when people type in the basic domain (ie. http://www.yourdomainname.com), then upload all the contentsof the wordpress folder (not the folder itself) to the root directory of the Remote Site.
b) Subdirectory: If you want your blog to show up in a subdirectory (i.e. http://www.yourdomainname.com/blog), then upload all the contents of the wordpress folder (not the folder itself) to the directory called “blog” on the Remote Site. You might have to create the directory called “blog” first. This option is great for people who already have a website, but want to incorporate a blog into the design.
After uploading the WordPress install package, take a look at the bottom-left of FileZilla. Make sure the “Failed transfers” tab reads as zero like in the picture to the right. Otherwise, requeue any failed uploads.
Step 4
Configure an SQL database for your information to write to. This can usually be done on the dashboard for your hosting account. The SQL database creation section may look something like the following. If having issues with this step, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Step 5
Pull up a web browser and run the install script. Depending on the location of your WordPress install, you will have to put in one of the following paths:
a) Root Directory: If you installed WordPress in the root directory, then type in http://www.yourdomainname.com/wp-admin/install.php .
b) Subdirectory:If you installed WordPress in a subdirectory, then type in http://www.yourdomainname.com/blog/wp-admin/install.php . You will, of course, change the /blog/ in the address to the name of your subdirectory name.
During this step, you will need to set up the configuration file (wp-config.php). A screen should appear telling you that it cannot find a wp-config.php file and ask to create one now. Accept this offer.
A screen will appear asking for your SQL database information like the following. Fill in the information as necessary and WordPress will create a wp-config.php file for you. If for some reason, there are problems with this step, you can manually create a wp-config.php file by following these instructions.
Step 6
Finish installation by filling in your Blog Title and email address. You will immediately receive a logon username and temporary password. Just to note - the password is very random, so take it down immediately so as not to forget it. This password can be changed in the dashboard after first login.
WordPress Template Packs
WordPress Template Packs include the following types of files:
- The individual .php page files that compose what is displayed on posts, pages, and archives, to name a few.
- The image files that are used to make the design come to life, such as for headers, backgrounds, and buttons.
- A stylesheet that works as a control center for all the items above. It tells the .php page file contents and image files where to be located and how to be displayed.
Luckily, if you don’t plan on doing much modification to your template, this information is not necessary. For such users, just refer to the basic install and activation instructions for WordPress templates.
For others looking to customize templates, please refer to the WordPress template modification tutorials section.