Help with editing index.php

This might help: https://www.mfr.f2s.com/ftp/
Also, chmod wp-comments.php / wp-layout.css when you get there ??

Thank you. I’ll start reading…

I now know what CHMOD means. Like when I learned how to say “bonjour” the first day of junior high French. Kind of exhiliarating.
What I cannot seem to find, is how I actually get that changed in WP so I can edit index.php. Is there a secret button somewhere?

WP cannot do it.
You’ll need to chmod using either an ftp client, or your cpanel.

OK–I actually know what you’re talking about. I went into the panel, opened index.php, clicked on Change Permissions, and gave myself god-like powers to do anything I want. It seemed to make no difference.

Try a hard-refresh inside wp admin ?
CTRL-F5 (if using windows)

Aha! I see where it says “permissions set to 744.” I assume this is bad, like having only a learner’s permit. Like having to wear a life jacket and a bike helmet.
When I change things on this panel (the little check marky things) it just goes back to what it was. Where do I actually change the CHMOD number?

I’m using Mac.

Ah … that depends on your cpanel unfortunately.
If it has checkboxes, then some of the ftp guides above have screenshots that show the correct combination of ticks.
It’s tricky because of the wide variations in cpanels …

(If someone would kindly send me a Mac, I’ll reproduce my guides for that machine ?? )

In addition to making the file writtable, I think you also have to make sure the directory is writtable as well. Doesn’t do any good to write to the file if you can’t even write to the directory.
TG

do you have something else to write the files in?
have them on your system maybe? Like an FTP (whatever kind) or Dreamweaver.. some kind of writing/ftp program.
There are other ways to chmod…. just have to find the right one for whatever you are using from your system..doesn’t have to be through your panel.
Im with Podz – I’ll learn anything for Mac – if someone can send me one.. they’re Beautiful ??

OS X ideally. ??

um, yeah, I scanned my mac. I can send a copy to everyone who wants one.

LOL ??