Trying to get started.

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  ihatepracticing · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 5:59 pm

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  I chose my template, but when I try to customize, the whole page goes white with a blue side bar. There are no instructions, and when I click on the sidebar links, not much happens. How do I set up the page?!?

  The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

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  timethief · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:00 pm

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  There have been issues with the theme customizer. However, you do not need to load the design tools unless you have the Custom Design upgrade, which it appears that you have not purchased. All of the very same functions can be accessed from your dashboard.
  Appearance > Header
  Appearance > Background
  Appearance > Theme Options (applicable only to some themes)
  Settings > Reading (set a static front page)
  Site Title and Tagline > Settings > General

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  ihatepracticing · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:05 pm

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  I can’t get to a dashboard. When I chose my template, I was sent to a blank screen. . . I’ve tried several times and can’t get anywhere. So frustrating!

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  ihatepracticing · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:07 pm

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  Are there always this many technical problems? I’m wondering if I should give up and switch to a different host. . .

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  timethief · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:11 pm

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  This is your Admin link http://ihatepracticing.wordpress.com/wp-admin

  Go to Dashboard > Appearance > Themes
  browse themes until you find one you like and click “activate“
  or type in the name of the theme you want to use and
  click the “activate” link when it appears

  If you simply click the “activate” link on the theme and do not click the “customize” link and your issue will be resolved.

  Go to:
  Appearance > Header
  Appearance > Background
  Appearance > Theme Options (applicable only to some themes)
  Settings > Reading (set a static front page)
  Site Title and Tagline > Settings > General

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  ihatepracticing · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:51 pm

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  Thanks so much for helping me find the dashboard. I really wish they made it easier – or, at least gave instructions! Even from the dashboard, I can’t make anything look different (actually, it takes forever to load, but I got the header and background color to change).

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  timethief · Member · Jun 20, 2013 at 6:55 pm

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  I’m using FF21, Chrome 27 and IE8. I log in in seconds flat there is no page loading delay for me. I’m on a a dedicated high speed DSL line.

  It sounds like you could have either a connectivity issue or a browser related issue to me.

  If you are not running one of the browsers and versions listed at http://browsehappy.com/ please try upgrading or switching first.

  Note: If you are using an IE9 browser in compatibility mode that makes it render as IE7 and IE7 is not supported. To disable see > http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1196-internet-explorer-compatibility-view-turn-off.html

  If you are running one of the browsers and versions listed at http://browsehappy.com please do these four things:

  1. Try clearing your browser’s cache: http://www.google.com/support/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=32050

  2. Make sure that you have third-party cookies and JavaScript enabled: http://en.support.wordpress.com/third-party-cookies/

  http://www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/answer.py?answer=12654

  3. Try with all browser extensions or add-ons temporarily disabled.

  4. Try enabling HTTPS: http://en.support.wordpress.com/https/

  If it’s still happening, let us know exactly which browser (and version of it) you’re using by checking here if necessary http://www.whatbrowser.org/ and also post any error reports you get.