Member Avatar for kw42chan

Hi,

I have a wordpress blog already. I want to become a more advanced user so I install wordpress. However, what setting should I change in the file?
Mainly wp-config-sample.php? Any other things I could do?

Thanks.

  • 3 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 218 Views
  • 1 Hour Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by kw42chan

Dani AI

Generated

A compact, practical checklist to move from a minimal blog to a full self-hosted WordPress setup (and what to change in wp-config).

As asked, treat this like a migration: back up everything first (wp-content plus a full DB dump). If you followed and are off wordpress.com you can install plugins, themes, phpMyAdmin and edit server files. The immediate file to edit is wp-config.php (make a copy of wp-config-sample.php and edit the copy). Fill the DB constants, set a safe table prefix, and add generated authentication keys.

Example edits to wp-config (replace placeholders):

cp wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php

// inside wp-config.php, edit these:
define('DB_NAME', 'your_database');
define('DB_USER', 'your_db_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_db_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

$table_prefix = 'wpabc_';   // change only if you rename tables

define('WP_DEBUG', false);

Other useful wp-config additions and notes:

  • Generate fresh AUTH_KEY/AUTH_SALT/SECURE_AUTH_KEY etc. and paste them in.
  • Temporarily enable debugging when troubleshooting: define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); then turn off on production.
  • Increase memory if needed: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '128M');
  • If migrating domains, you can set WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL here or run a search-replace on the DB (WP-CLI or a trusted plugin). Remove any migration helpers after use.

Practical follow-ups and troubleshooting:

  • After migration, resave Permalinks to rebuild rewrite rules.
  • If you hit a white screen or 500 error: check server error logs, verify DB credentials, and temporarily disable plugins by renaming the wp-content/plugins folder.
  • File permissions: directories 755, files 644, and tighten wp-config.php (600/440) and correct file ownership for your webserver user.
  • Use a migration plugin or WP-CLI for safer moves and a staging site for changes.

This covers the core wp-config edits and practical next steps so you can install plugins, use phpMyAdmin/FTP, and safely customize the new install.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for pzuurveen

are you moving your old blog to the new installed?

Member Avatar for kw42chan

to further explain, i have a blog set up without phpadmin, just use simple web for login.
now i want to use plugin, phpadmin, theme, etc
So, can i say i am moving the old to a new and customize the new one?

Member Avatar for ndeniche

Do you have it hosted on wordpress.com? If so, you should consider moving it to another server, since it will allow more flexibility

Member Avatar for kw42chan

no, i have not hosted it on wordpress.com.
Does that mean i have to host it on any web hosting before using these advanced techniques?

Member Avatar for ndeniche

other than wordpress.com, yes. This allows you to change several features that you will not be able to change there.

If you have an old version of wordpress, I recommend updating it. If you're migrating your blog from one host to another, wordpress has the functionality for that.

Here's a good place to start with advanced wordpress, and the internet is full with ideas for your blog.

Member Avatar for kw42chan

thank you

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.