How to change the Joomla! Database Password

Changing the password in a Joomla! database involves 2 steps and it is normally the second step that causes problems.

Step 1

Change the password for the MySql database in your host package. This will vary from system to system but can normally be achieved via phpmyadmin.

Step 2

After chainging the password on the database itself you will no longer be able to access the 'back end' of your Joomla! Content Management System! This is because you need to edit the configuration file to have the new password.

This file is in the root directory of your site and is called configuration.php. Download this file and edit in notepad (I prefer notepad++) and search for " var $password". This will show the existing password. Now replace the password, save the file and upload. You may need to clear your browser's cache to remove the error from your previous failed attempt.

The PC Resolver Blog