how can i install plugins into my wp/content/plugins directory

If the plugins are in the plugin database you can download them through the dashboard

If they are on your computer already, just drag and drop into the plugin directory

Hope this helps! Please be more specific with your problem if it doesn’t ??

my dashboard does not allow me to search plugins like the older version did and therefore i have to reinstall all plugins that i had before i updated to the newer version any assistance you can give me will be greatly appreciated – regards, TERRY TOBIN

So what you are saying is that if you go to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New
It doesn’t bring up a search area? Odd. Are you logged in using an admin account?

Have you tried installing them through FTP? Are you able to see the Plugin menu at all?

no, my host company, hostgator fixed it a couple of times but i had to have my account reactivated and they had to deactivate all of my plug ins in order for me to access my dashboard when i go to plugin it says you have no plugins, naturally, however i am having a real problem activating the downloaded files into my wp/content/plugins area i know how to get ther but it is not working for me i have a number of , i have a number of publisher accounts including amazon that i used to have on my widgets but now everything is gone i am using version 3.1.2 wordpress and unlike the older version i could search plug ins and set them up right away the new wordpress makes it very difficult – i try to upload the files from my downloads but it is not working – any advice you have for me would be greatly appreciated – regards, Terry Tobin

Hello terry1959, could you please check permission for your web site folders and files on your hosting account? Your problem seems to be related with server.
Good Luck.