Fixing WordPress Xampp Installation Error: Error Establishing Database Connection

It appears you are encountering the common issue of “Error establishing a database connection” during your WordPress installation on Xampp. Let’s troubleshoot this step by step.

1. Check wp-config.php:

The absence or incorrect configuration of the wp-config.php file can lead to this problem. If the file is missing, create a new one in the root folder of your WordPress installation. Ensure the database details are correctly entered:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Make sure to replace ‘your_database_name’, ‘your_database_user’, and ‘your_database_password’ with your actual database details. Save the file.

2. Database Existence:

Ensure that the database you created in phpMyAdmin exists and the credentials match what you provided in wp-config.php. Double-check for typos in the database name, username, and password.

3. Database Server and Port:

If you are running Xampp locally, use ‘localhost’ as the database host. Trying to use an IP instead might cause issues. Additionally, the default MySQL port is 3306. Confirm that the port in your wp-config.php is set to 3306:

define('DB_PORT', '3306');

4. File Permissions:

Check the file permissions of your WordPress directory. Incorrect permissions might prevent WordPress from accessing the database. Set the correct permissions using the following commands:

chmod -R 755 your_wordpress_directory

5. Database User Privileges:

Make sure the database user has the necessary privileges to access and modify the database. You can grant privileges through phpMyAdmin or the command line:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON your_database_name.* TO 'your_database_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_database_password';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

6. Troubleshoot with wp-cli:

If you have WP-CLI installed, run the following command in your WordPress directory:

wp core check-update

This will provide insights into potential issues.

Following these steps should help resolve the “Error establishing a database connection” problem. If the issue persists, consider rechecking your Xampp setup and consulting the official WordPress troubleshooting guide.

Best of luck with your WordPress installation! If you have further questions, feel free to ask.