Updating WordPress database configuration settings

If your WordPress site shows the error “Error establishing a database connection”, it usually means the database configuration in wp-config.php does not match your actual database settings. On ruachost.com, you can fix this by updating the configuration file with the correct credentials.

Why Update Database Settings?

• Resolve connection errors after migrations or imports.
• Ensure WordPress can communicate with the correct database.
• Restore site functionality when credentials change.

Steps to Update Database Configuration

Step 1: Determine Correct Database Settings

1. Log in to cPanel from your ruachost.com hosting account.

2. Go to Databases → phpMyAdmin.

3. In the left panel, locate your WordPress database name.

   • Typically formatted as username_wpXXX.

4. Click the database → Note the table prefix (usually wp_).

5. Return to Databases → MySQL Databases.

6. Note the database username associated with your WordPress database.

7. Reset the database user’s password if you don’t know it.

Step 2: Update wp-config.php

1. In cPanel, go to Files → File Manager.

2. Navigate to your WordPress installation directory (usually public_html).

3. Locate and edit the wp-config.php file.

4. Update the following lines with your correct database details:

   define('DB_NAME', 'username_wp123');      // Database name
   define('DB_USER', 'username_wpuser');     // Database username
   define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');   // Database password
   define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');           // Database host
   $table_prefix = 'wp_';                    // Table prefix

5. Save changes.

6. Visit your WordPress site → It should now load correctly.

Important Notes

• Always back up your site before editing configuration files.
• Do not use weak passwords for database users.
• If your hosting environment uses a remote database server, replace localhost with the correct hostname.
• Ensure the $table_prefix matches the prefix used in your database tables.