WordPress requires access to a MySQL database database to store information. So you need a database.

You can create a new database if:

1. You have not already created one on the server
2. Your generous host offers you more than one database, and you wish to have a separate database for the blog you are setting up.

It is not essential to create a new database for each WordPress installation.

• If you are using the same database for multiple WordPress installations, take care to edit the wp-config.php file ensuring that each installation has a unique database prefix.
• If you are setting up a new database for a new blog, edit wp-config.php, and be sure to get the database name, and other details correct.

See also:

• Installation, Detailed Instructions

What is the 403 error I get when trying to see my site?

Symptoms: You cannot seem to login after using the right username and password, into your admin account. You get an error message like:

 You are not authorized to view this page
 You might not have permission to view this
 directory or page using the credentials you 
 supplied. If you believe you should be able 
 to view this directory or page, please try 
 to contact the Web site by using any e-mail 
 address or phone number that may be listed 
 on the personal.fredsmith.com home page. 
 You can click Search to look for information
 on the Internet. HTTP Error 403 - Forbidden''

Solution: If your account is hosted on a Windows server, it could be a problem with the Directory Indexes. The default configuration of the server is to load index.htm, index.html, default.htm, default.html, default.asp files.

Wordpress is done in PHP so the default page is index.php. Now, this is not part of the default configuration so we need to add it. To do this, you need to click on Web Options in the Control Panel. Then scroll down to the Directory Indexes section to add index.php to the Directory Indexes.

If necessary, contact your web host for support in this matter.