Big rewrite problem…

You need to use /%postname%/ as your structure. Both percentage symbols and slashes are required.

Thanks, but all that does is add the ending slash that I would rather do without.
It still does not work.
I appreciate the attempt though.

The ending slash is required. Try adding some date structure to your permalink rules.

https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Using_Permalinks

/%postname% should work (I used it once upon a time) but causes issues with accessing other, non-WordPress directories, as well as paged posts, etc. If you’re willing to live with it…

Have you tried temporarily setting your permalink structure to the standard:

/archives/%year%/%monthnum%/%day%/%postname%/

In other words, does mod_rewrite work on your site?

Kafkaesqui,
I just did that and when I click on the post title it again sends me to the WP 404. Does that mean mod_rewrite is off? Everything else works fine, and it used to work…
Let me ask my host.
Thanks.

Yes, mod_rewrite is ON.

Perhaps WordPress is not generating the .htaccess file. See: https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Using_Permalinks#Fixing_.28.htaccess.29_Generation_Issues

Then I’d suggest (conditional to macmanx’s point) removing the contents of .htaccess (save them to a text file, just in case), and update your permalink structure again. It ‘s possible the current rewrite rules are conflicting…somehow.

I just did that. Still no go.
Thanks though.

Contact your host. There is obviously a problem with how your server recognizes .htaccess or the implementation of mod_rewrite.