Just in case other people have the same questions, here’s a similar thread that I found useful:
http://ww.wp.xz.cn/support/topic/installing-wordpress-in-root-with-existing-html-site?replies=12
Thanks Cyril, I will install in a separate directory as suggested. I just tried the method on my personal website (which had wordpress in a separate directory) and it is indeed quite simple.
And Peninah, I guess you’re right.. I’ll go with the maintenance mode plugins. Thanks!
Hey pingnroute, you should probably check with your hosting service just to be sure. I had a similar issue when I was setting up my website a couple months ago. It turned out that the hosting service had temporarily made changes to WP logins due to security reasons.. and I had to modify the htaccess file to regain access.
