Php: Addressing "MySQL Extension Missing" Error for WordPress Installation

Users may encounter an error message indicating that the MySQL extension required by WordPress is missing during the installation process. Understanding this issue and resolving it effectively is crucial for successful WordPress integration.

Understanding the Error

The error arises because the PHP installation on the system does not include the MySQL extension. This extension enables communication between PHP and MySQL, a relational database management system. Without this extension, WordPress cannot connect to the MySQL database and complete the installation process.

Resolving the Issue on NAS Systems with Telnet

To resolve this issue on NAS systems using a telnet connection, the following steps can be followed:

1. Confirm MySQL Server Status: Verify that the MySQL server is running using the command /etc/init.d/mysql status. If it's not running, start it using /etc/init.d/mysql start.
2. Install the MySQL Module for PHP: Ensure that the MySQL module for PHP5 is installed by typing dpkg --list | grep php5-mysql. If it's not installed, use the command apt-get install php5-mysql.
3. Edit the php.ini File: Locate the php.ini file (ffp/etc/php.ini) and add or uncomment the following line to enable the MySQL extension:

extension=php_mysql.dll

4. Restart Apache2: Restart the Apache2 web server using the command /etc/init.d/apache2 restart.

Addressing the MySQL Shortcut Deletion

Additionally, some users may encounter an issue where a shortcut from the root directory to ffp/opt/mysql is deleted after restarting the NAS. To address this, create a symbolic link using the following command:

ln -s /ffp/opt/mysql /root/mysql

This will ensure that the shortcut is recreated upon each NAS restart.

By following these steps, users can resolve the "MySQL Extension Missing" error and establish a successful connection between PHP and MySQL, enabling them to complete the WordPress installation process without further issues.