M3Server Technical Blog WordPress Setting up MutiSite (MS) WordPress.org

Setting up MutiSite (MS) WordPress.org



We highly recommend performing a back up of your site and ALL files PRIOR to creating your network of MultiSite’s. A “better safe than sorry” approach.

Deactivate all active plugins. You can reactivate them again after the network is created.

 Allow Multisite

To enable the Network Setup menu item, you must first define multisite in the wp-config.php file.

Open up wp-config.php and add this line above where it says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */.

/* Multisite */

define(‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true);

You will need to refresh your browser to continue.

Installing a Network

The previous step enables the Network Setup item in your Tools menu. Use that menu item to go to the Create a Network of WordPress Sites screen.

Tools Network Screen

To see an example of the Create a Network of WordPress Sites screen, look at Administration > Tools > Network Setup. The screen does not look exactly the same in all circumstances i.e., depends what OS you are using.

Addresses of Sites in your Network

You are given the choice between sub-domains and sub-directories.

You must choose one or the other. You can reconfigure your network to use the other choice after installation, despite the advice on the screen, but reconfiguring it may not be easy.

You only need wildcard DNS for on-demand domain-based sites, despite the advice that may be on the screen.

  • Sub-domains — a domain-based network in which on-demand sites use subdomains
  • Sub-directories — a path-based network in which on-demand sites use paths

Network Details

These are filled in automatically, but you can make changes.

Server Address

The domain of the URL you are using to access your WordPress installation. e.g.:

https://your_domain.com/wordpress

Network Title

The title of your network .

Admin E-mail Address

Your email address.

Double-check the details and press the Install button.

 

Tools Network Created

To enable your network, follow the instructions on the Create a Network of WordPress Sites screen. The instructions that you see are customized for your installation.

Back up your existing wp-config.php and .htaccess files.

Two steps:

1. Add the specified lines to your wp-config.php file.

The extra lines go just after where you added the line in Step 1: (Prepare Your WordPress).

2. Add the specified lines to your .htaccess file

If you do not have a .htaccess file, then create it in the same directory as your wp-config.php file.

COPY AFTER THE START AND BEFORE THE FINISH. Copy and paste the following:

#START
Options +FollowSymlinks
RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} !^www.your_domain.com$
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.your_domain.com/$1 [R=301,L]
#FINISH

After completing these steps, log in again using the link provided. NOTE:  Clear your browser’s cache and cookies in order to log in.

Once logged in after these changes under Dashboard you will see your MultiSite’s you have created!

Even if you’re familiar with WordPress, the location and behavior of Multisite Network Administration can be confusing. Please check back often for updated support blogs!!

As always, thank you for choosing M3Server.com!