Set up sub-domain with database

[Rik]

Hi folks,

I am hoping you can help me solve a couple of issues I am having with setting up a new sub-domain. Hopefully this will make sense!

Issue 1: Setting up the sub-domain and URL
On the server, I have 1 site folder in the root (/public_html/mySite). I created a new folder in the root (/public_html/mySite2) which will eventually become a test site for the current live one and I set up a CNAME in the Host records for a sub-domain URL - test.mySite.com (Under the Record column it is currently set to the main site name, not an IP).

After speaking with Sonic's support team, they mention I need to add something into my .htaccess to direct test.mySite.com to the correct folder on the server but I am at a loss for how to do this. After some searching I find things like mod_rewrite but not entirely sure if that's the correct way to do it. Any advice on how to get test.mySite.com to go to the correct folder would be greatly appreciated.

Issue 2: Attaching a database to this sub-domain
I have added a new database with the intention of using it for the test site (these are Wordpress sites). However, I can't figure out how to link/connect the 2 together. There is currently a DB linked with the main site. How do I attach/link/connect this new database to the test site?

Many thanks,
Rik

[cdkeen]

1) A user (markf) posted detailed instructions for setting up a sub domain with basic hosting on this thread: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=141&start=10&hilit=sub+domain
It can be complicated to set up, some people opt for 2 value hosting accounts instead, but it can be done.

2) The DB configuration information is stored in your wordpress root directory in the file wp-config.php:
Set the values for your new DB and save the configuration file:
define('DB_NAME', 'dbname'); // The name of the database
define('DB_USER', 'dbuser'); // Your MySQL username
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'pwdhashhere'); // ...and password
define('DB_HOST', 'b.custsql.sonic.net'); // 99% chance you won't need to change this value

[Rik]

Thanks cdkeen. It doesn't seem so straight-forward and I had come across that post before in my searches. I wasn't sure if it was the same procedure as it focuses on redirecting a folder within the main URL whereas I am trying to assign a sub-domain URL to one that lives OUTSIDE of the main website folder.

I'll give it all a shot anyway and see what happens. Value hosting may be the way forward if I get stuck.