I am new to WordPress. I just installed on my Ubuntu with XAMPP on localhost not live server.
My WordPress version is 3.5.1.
Now when I try to install new theme it shows the below message
To perform the requested action, WordPress needs to access your web
server. Please enter your FTP credentials to proceed. If you do not
remember your credentials, you should contact your web host.
And prompts for hostname, ftp username and ftp password.
Are you trying to install the theme over the web or you have a local copy of it?
You can check this link that describes your issue to some extent:
http://www.jasong-designs.com/2012/01/14/ubuntu-linux-permissions-and-a-local-wordpress-install/
and this too:
http://www.chrisabernethy.com/why-wordpress-asks-connection-info/
Add this to your wp-config.php
Due to linux having such a more restrictive file system, this will enable to you write directly to the folder.
This will solve that ftp problem while installing new plugin or theme.
try using the username: nobody and the password: xampp or root or toor or**
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