BugWP logo BugWP
Back to Community
Home / Community / Core → Installing wordpress

How to Fix Common WordPress Installation and Reinstallation Errors

30 threads Sep 7, 2025 Core → Installing wordpress

Content

Installing or reinstalling WordPress should be a straightforward process, but it can sometimes lead to confusing errors and unexpected data loss. Based on common community support threads, this guide explains the most frequent installation pitfalls and how to resolve them.

Common Installation Problems and Their Causes

Users often encounter a few specific issues during WordPress installation:

  • "Installation Already Exists" Error: This occurs when an installer tool (e.g., Softaculous) has a record of a previous WordPress installation, even if the files have been deleted. The tool prevents a new install to avoid conflicts.
  • Blank or Unstyled Admin Dashboard: A clean install that results in a broken-looking dashboard is often caused by a server-side issue, such as incorrect file permissions or a problem with how PHP is serving CSS and JavaScript files.
  • Loss of Content After Reinstall: This critical error happens when users misunderstand what constitutes a complete WordPress site. The posts, pages, and settings are stored in a database, not just the files. Replacing files without connecting to the original database will result in a fresh, empty site.
  • Overlapping Installations: Trying to install WordPress in a subdirectory of an existing installation will trigger an error, as WordPress is designed to prevent this structure.

How to Solve These Installation Issues

1. Fixing an "Installation Already Exists" Error

If your hosting panel's installer (like Softaculous in cPanel) claims an installation already exists, you have a few options:

  • Use the installer's built-in "Scan" feature to detect any existing installations. If it finds one, you can often choose to remove it from the installer's records.
  • If the scan finds nothing, you may need to manually clear the installer's records. This process is specific to the tool (e.g., Softaculous) and your host. Contacting your hosting provider's support is often the fastest way to resolve this.
  • As a last resort, perform a manual installation. Download WordPress from WordPress.org, upload the files via FTP/SFTP, and create a new database manually in your hosting control panel.

2. Fixing a Broken or Unstyled Dashboard

If your new install has a dashboard without any styling:

  • First, check that you are using a default theme (Twenty Twenty-Four) and have no plugins active.
  • The issue is likely a server configuration problem. Contact your hosting provider and ask them to check the server's PHP configuration and file permissions for your WordPress directory.

3. Reinstalling Without Losing Your Content

This is the most critical procedure. To reinstall WordPress core files while keeping your posts, pages, and settings, follow these steps:

  1. BACK UP EVERYTHING: Before you do anything, use a plugin or your hosting control panel to create a full backup of your database and your wp-content folder.
  2. Delete all WordPress core files from your server (via FTP or file manager). This includes everything EXCEPT the wp-content directory and the wp-config.php file.
  3. Upload a fresh set of WordPress files from a download from WordPress.org.
  4. Ensure your wp-config.php file is correctly pointing to your original database. Do not overwrite it with a new one during the upload.

Once you reload your site, it should connect to your existing database and all your content will be intact. You may need to resave your permalinks (Go to Settings > Permalinks and click "Save Changes") to resolve any "page not found" errors.

4. Completely Removing WordPress

To delete WordPress entirely from your server and database:

  1. Delete all files and folders related to WordPress via FTP or your hosting file manager.
  2. Use a database management tool like phpMyAdmin (found in your hosting control panel) to delete the WordPress database.

Critical Advice to Prevent Catastrophic Data Loss

  • Your Database is Your Content: Remember, your posts, pages, comments, and users are stored in the database. The files contain the core software, themes, and plugins. You need both for a functioning site.
  • Always Create Backups: Before making any significant changes—especially reinstalling or deleting—create a complete backup of your files and database. Many hosting providers offer this tool in their control panel.
  • Contact Your Host: Your hosting provider manages the server where your files and database live. If you suspect an installation error is due to the server (e.g., corrupt installers, full disks, permission errors), their support team is the first place to contact, as they have direct access to the environment.

By understanding what WordPress is made of and following these careful steps, you can avoid the most common and devastating installation mistakes.

Related Support Threads Support