How to Install WordPress Manually Using cPanel

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how to install wordpress manually without softaculous app in cpanel

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, and for good reason. It's user-friendly, highly customizable, and has a massive community of users who contribute to its growth and development. While many web hosts offer one-click installation of WordPress through Softaculous app in cPanel, some users prefer to install WordPress manually for greater control over the installation and setup process. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of installing WordPress manually without using Softaculous app in cPanel.


Introduction to Manual WordPress Installation

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in use today, and many web hosts offer a one-click installation using tools like Softaculous. However, in some cases, you may need to install WordPress manually, without using an app like Softaculous. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of a manual WordPress installation.

Why Install WordPress Manually?

Installing WordPress manually may be necessary when you are not able to use an installer like Softaculous or when you want more control over the installation process. Manual installation gives you more flexibility to customize your website, and it can help you gain a deeper understanding of how WordPress works.

Preparing for the Installation Process

Before you start the installation process, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare.

Downloading the Latest Version of WordPress

The first step is to download the latest version of WordPress from the official website. Once you have downloaded the file, extract it to a folder on your computer. You should now have a folder named "wordpress" with all the necessary files.

Creating a Backup of Your Website

It's always a good idea to create a backup of your website before doing any major changes. This way, if anything goes wrong during the installation process, you can easily restore your website to its previous state. You can create a backup using your web host's backup feature or a WordPress backup plugin.

Uploading WordPress Files to cPanel

Once you have prepared for the installation process, you can now upload the WordPress files to your cPanel account.

Accessing cPanel File Manager

The first step is to log in to your cPanel account and navigate to the File Manager. You can access the File Manager by clicking on the icon in the Files section. Once you are in the File Manager, navigate to the public_html folder.

Uploading WordPress Files to cPanel

Next, you need to upload the WordPress files to your cPanel account. You can do this by dragging and dropping the "wordpress" folder from your computer into the public_html folder in cPanel. Alternatively, you can use the upload function in the File Manager to upload the files.

Creating a MySQL Database for WordPress

Now that you have uploaded the WordPress files, you need to create a MySQL database for WordPress.

Creating a MySQL Database

To create a MySQL database, navigate to the MySQL Databases section in cPanel. Enter a name for your database and click Create. Note down the name of the database, as you will need it later.

Creating a MySQL User for WordPress

Next, you need to create a MySQL user for WordPress. Navigate to the MySQL Users section in cPanel and enter a username and password. Click Create User. Once you have created the user, add it to the database you created earlier.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed WordPress manually! You can now navigate to your website and complete the installation process.
Configuring WordPress Settings


Once you have successfully downloaded WordPress files and created a database for your website, it's time to configure the WordPress settings. Here are the two main steps involved:

Editing the WordPress Configuration File


First, locate the "wp-config.php" file in the root directory of the WordPress installation. Open this file using a text editor such as Notepad++. In this file, modify the following fields:

- Database Name: replace "database_name_here" with the name of the database you created in the previous step.
- Database Username: replace "username_here" with the username you created for your MySQL database
- Database Password: replace "password_here" with the password you chose for your MySQL database

Save the file once you have made these changes.

Configuring WordPress Database Settings


Next, navigate to the "wp-admin" folder and open the "setup-config.php" file. Scroll down to the "Database Configuration" section and enter the same database name, username, and password that you entered in the wp-config.php file. Save the file once you have made these changes.

Installing WordPress


After configuring the WordPress settings, it's time to install WordPress on your server.

Running the WordPress Installation Script


To begin, navigate to your website's URL and add "/wp-admin/setup-config.php" at the end of the URL. For example, if your website is www.mywebsite.com, the URL would be "www.mywebsite.com/wp-admin/setup-config.php". This will launch the WordPress installation script.

Follow the instructions on the screen and enter the required details such as website name, admin username, and password. Once you have entered these details, click "Install WordPress" to complete the installation process.

Creating a WordPress Admin Account


After installation is complete, you will be prompted to log in to your WordPress dashboard. Use the admin username and password you created during the installation process to log in. You can now customize your website's appearance and add content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues


Even if you follow the above steps carefully, sometimes things may go wrong. Here are some common issues you may encounter during the WordPress installation process:

Common Installation Errors and How to Fix Them


If you encounter a "Database Connection Error" while trying to install WordPress, make sure you entered the correct database name, username, and password. Also, ensure that the database server is running.

If you encounter a "404 Page Not Found" error when trying to install WordPress, check that the website's URL is correct.

How to Reinstall WordPress Manually


If you need to reinstall WordPress, simply delete all the WordPress files from your server. Then, start again from the beginning of the installation process to reinstall WordPress.

Conclusion and Next Steps


Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress manually without Softaculous app in cPanel. Now, finalize your WordPress installation by customizing website themes and adding content.

Finalizing Your WordPress Installation


Customize the website's appearance by selecting a theme and creating pages. You can find free and paid themes for WordPress on the official WordPress website.

What to Do After Installing WordPress Manually


After installing WordPress, you can start adding content to your website. Create pages and posts, and add images and videos to make your website more engaging. You can also install plugins for extra functionality and to enhance your website's SEO.Installing WordPress manually can seem daunting at first, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully complete the process. With greater control over the installation and setup process, you can customize your WordPress site to your liking and create a unique online presence. Remember to always keep your WordPress installation up to date and to take precautions such as making regular backups to protect your website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. Is it necessary to install WordPress manually?

Not necessarily. Many web hosts offer one-click installation of WordPress through Softaculous app in cPanel, which can save you time and effort. However, some users prefer to install WordPress manually for greater control over the installation and setup process.

2. What are the benefits of installing WordPress manually?

By installing WordPress manually, you have greater control over the installation and setup process. This can be particularly helpful if you have specific customization needs or want to ensure that your website is set up exactly how you want it. Additionally, installing WordPress manually can help you learn more about how WordPress works and improve your technical skills.

3. What if I encounter an error during the manual WordPress installation process?

Don't panic! Errors can happen during any installation process. Check the error message carefully and try to troubleshoot the issue. You can also try reviewing the troubleshooting section in this article, or reach out to your web host's customer support team for assistance.

4. Can I switch from a Softaculous app in cPanel to manual WordPress installation?

Yes, you can switch to manual WordPress installation at any time. However, it's important to note that if you do switch from a Softaculous app in cPanel installation, you may need to manually transfer your existing WordPress site to the new installation. Additionally, if you're not experienced with manual WordPress installation, you may want to consider hiring a developer or seeking assistance from your web host's customer support team.