Do I need to create a database first?

Why

The Joomla installer needs an existing database and a user that can use it. It creates the tables inside, but on most hosts it can't create the database or the user itself.

Create them in your hosting panel

1. In cPanel, open MySQL Databases (Plesk: Databases).
2. Create a new database.
3. Create a database user with a strong password.
4. Add the user to the database with All Privileges.
5. Write down the database name, username, password and host (usually localhost): the installer asks for them.

Good to know

• Hosts often add a prefix to names, such as account_joomla. Enter the full name in the installer.
• If the installer says it can't connect, one of these four details is wrong.