Reinstalling WordPress may be a necessary step when your WordPress website has an unsolvable problem. However, one thing to keep in mind when reinstalling WordPress is how to avoid losing data, such as your blog posts, pages, and custom styles, among other things. This article will detail how to safely reinstall WordPress while protecting your data.
When to Reinstall WordPress
Before reinstalling WordPress, you need to make sure that it is indeed necessary to do so. Here are a few scenarios that suggest a fresh install may be the best option:
- Core file corruption: Incomplete updates or failed installations may result in corrupted core files, and a reinstallation can help fix this.
- Ongoing technical issues: Reinstallation clears conflicts and corruption when you encounter errors that cannot be resolved.
- Security issues or malware: If a website is infected with malware, reinstallation is an effective way to remove the malicious code.
- migration fault: When migrating to a new server or domain, you may encounter problems that can be quickly recovered by reinstalling.
- Optimization and cleanup: Over time, the accumulation of old data can affect performance, and reinstallation can help clean up and optimize.
Whatever the reason, before reinstalling WordPress, make sure you haveBackup DataAnd make the necessary preparations.
Preparation steps before reinstallation
- Backup Sites: Backups are an important safeguard against data loss. It is possible to use plug-ins (e.g. UpdraftPlus) to create a full backup. Make sure the backup includes the database, uploaded files, themes, plugins and everything else.
- Deactivating plug-ins: To prevent plugin conflicts, it is recommended to temporarily deactivate all plugins before reinstalling.
- Switch to default theme: If you encounter problems, consider switching to a default theme such as Twenty Twenty-Three. remember to back up the original theme so you don't lose your customization styles.
- Record important settings: Make note of non-default settings and custom codes for quick recovery when reconfiguring.
Method 1: Use WordPress Built-in Reinstaller
This is the easiest way to reinstall. WordPress has a built-in reinstallation feature for situations where you don't need to delete data.
- Navigate to Dashboard → UpdateThe
- click (using a mouse or other pointing device) Reinstall the current version Button.
This method will not delete your data, it will only replace the core files.
Method 2: Reinstall WordPress via FTP
If the built-in reinstallation program does not solve the problem, there is an option to reinstall manually via FTP. This method requires FTP client access.
- Getting FTP Credentials: Get the FTP username, server address, and port through the hosting service's control panel (e.g. cPanel).
- Connecting to a Web site using an FTP client: Use an FTP client such as FileZilla and enter your credentials to connect.
- backing up wp-content file (paper): This folder contains themes, plugins and uploaded files. After backing up this folder, download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org and delete the downloaded files from the wp-content Folder.
- Uploading WordPress files: Upload new WordPress files to the server, overwriting the existing ones but keeping the wp-content folder.
- Retain important configuration files: Include the wp-config.php and .htaccess files, making sure to keep copies of these customized files.
Method 3: Reinstall WordPress using WP-CLI
If you're familiar with the command line, you can quickly reinstall WordPress via WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface).
- Installation of WP-CLI: Install WP-CLI on the server to ensure that the server supports CLI.
- Reinstalling the kernel using WP-CLI: Open a terminal and type the followingcommand::
wp core download --skip-content --force
This command will re-download the core files without overwriting the wp-content folder.
Method 4: Reinstall WordPress using the WP Reset plugin
WP Reset The plugin resets WordPress settings for users who wish to complete a reinstallation through the plugin. Please note that the free version of the plugin deletes all data, including posts, comments and media.
- Install the WP Reset plugin: Navigate to Plugins → Add New PluginIf you want to install WP Reset, search for and install the WP Reset plugin.
- Creating a Snapshot: in Tools → WP Reset page to create a snapshot of the database to be restored at any time.
- Reset Options: Make sure to back up the site by selecting the appropriate data cleanup method in the reset option.
- Restore settings: Use the plug-in's specialized features to retain important data and clear other settings.
summarize
Before doing a reinstall, be sure to back up your site data, deactivate plugins, switch to the default theme, and record important settings. Reinstallation methods include using the WordPress built-in reinstaller, manually reinstalling via FTP, using the WP-CLI command line tool, or with the help of the WP Reset plugin. Choose the appropriate reinstallation method that protects your data and ensures that the reinstallation process is safe and error-free.