How to change Database Settings within Joomla 3.0

Joomla 3.0 requires a database in order to run. If you Joomla website is running right now without any issues, then it is safe to assume that your database is setup correctly. If you move your Joomla 3.0 website to a different server, you may need to update your database username / password / etc. Your Joomla 3.0 Database Settings can be found within the Global Configuration / Server settings, and in this tutorial we'll show you how to adjust those settings.

To update your database settings in Joomla 3.0:

1. Log into your Joomla 3.0 admin dashboard
2. In the left menu, click the Global Configuration link
3. There are a few tabs listed towards the top of the page. Click the tab labeled Server
4. Find the heading labeled Database Settings, and under that you will see the information used when Joomla 3.0 connects to your database. Make the appropriate changes, and then click the Save button in the top left of the page.
   
   Joomla 3.0 gives the following description for each setting:
   
   

   Database Type	The type of database in use entered during the installation process. Do not edit this field unless you are having to migrate to a different type of database, perhaps due to changing your hosting provider.
   Host	The hostname for your database entered during the installation process. Do not edit this field unless absolutely necessary (e.g. the transfer of the database to a new hosting provider).
   Database Username	The username for access to your database entered during the installation process. Do not edit this field unless absolutely necessary (e.g. the transfer of the database to a new hosting provider).
   Database Name	The name for your database entered during the installation process. Do not edit this field unless absolutely necessary (e.g. the transfer of the database to a new hosting provider).
   Database Tables Prefix	The prefix used for your database tables entered during the installation process. Do not edit field unless absolutely necessary (e.g. the transfer of the database to a new hosting provider).

   Please note!
   If you save your database settings using this tool, but the new settings are invalid, you may get a Could not connect to MySQL error. You won't be able to log into your Joomla dashboard to change the settings again, so you will need to edit your Joomla 3.0 configuration.php file and put in the appropriate database credentials.