Hello Kurt,

Not every WebSite X5 project requires a database.  What are you hoping to store in the database?  In other words, which feature(s) of WebSite X5 would you like to link to a database?

Kind regards,

Paul

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Hi Paul, 

I assume my website does have a database, because I have a shopping cart with merchandise that is posted online and the website has a blog.  Wouldn't that information be stored in the database?

Best regards, 

Kurt

Database use isn't mandatory, but it is an option which you can employ at your discretion for certain features...  for example, storing blog comments, order details...

How to set up the WebSite X5 internal comment management system

How to set and define the contents of your notification e-mails

Those guides explain how there are other options available to you.

WebSite X5 will usually prompt you if you are attempting to use a feature where database use is obligatory.

In these instances it's best to first create your MySQL database on the server, but then allow WebSite X5 to create the tables for that database itself.  It will use whatever table name you specify in each relevant section...  for example, Step 1 Settings > Advanced > Shopping Cart > Sending order > Tables Prefix Name

The most common cause of errors when WebSite X5 fails to connect to the database on the server is incorrect Database Settings in Step 1 Settings > Advanced > Data Management.  These must match exactly with those specified for database access on the server.

You can check that you are using the correct login credentials, etc. by trying to connect to your database using phpMyAdmin -  this is a free tool which is usually available in most webhosting control panels.  If you can't connect using phpMyAdmin, then WebSite X5 won't be able to connect either.

Another common cause of problems is incorrect privileges for the database user.  When you first set up your database on the server you should ensure that the user which you create to administer the database has full rights and permissions to access and edit the data in the database.

If the database resides on a different server to that which is hosting your WebSite X5 project, then things can become more complicated still.  Is this the case in this instance?

Double-check that the Database Settings are as they should be in Step 1 Settings > Advanced > Data Management (if you're unsure then your hosting provider will be able to confirm one way or the other), then try to connect using phpMyAdmin...  failure to connect in phpMyAdmin will usually give a more detailed error message, which could help greatly in solving your issue.