Knowledge Base

Resolving Database Issues

"Error establishing a database connection" means WordPress can't connect to MySQL.

Common Causes

• Wrong database credentials in wp-config.php
• Corrupted database
• Database server down
• Database user permissions

Step 1: Verify Database Credentials

Check wp-config.php for:

define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Step 2: Test Database Connection

1. Log into DirectAdmin
2. Go to MySQL Management
3. Try accessing phpMyAdmin
4. If it works, credentials are the issue

Step 3: Check Database User

1. Go to MySQL Management
2. Verify the database user exists
3. Check user permissions
4. Reset password if needed

Step 4: Repair Database

Add to wp-config.php:

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

Then visit: yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php

Remove the line after repair!

Step 5: Check Database Server

If none of the above works, the database server may be down. Contact support.

Prevention

• Don't edit wp-config.php unless necessary
• Regular backups
• Monitor database size