All Wp files vanished…!?

  • I came to do some minor changes on my sites under a multi-site install today and all the wp files and folders have vanished from the server – The database is still in place but the wp files and almost all other files -gone.
    There was a big traffic spike yesterday meaning that the analytics code must have still been in place then.
    Could this be a malicious attack ? What else could cause this?

    More constructively – I’m reinstalling WP. Question is:

    Can I get the new install to use the existing database ( from the vanished in stall) and if so what are the steps to doing this?
    Thanks

    Matt

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    and all the wp files and folders have vanished from the server – The database is still in place but the wp files and almost all other files -gone.

    That’s not good. Do you have phpMyAdmin access or even mysql command line access? Just as a safety net can you please backup your database right now?

    Something Not Good™ happened and I would get that backup first as a just in case. All your posts, comments, pages, etc. are in the database.

    https://codex.www.ads-software.com/WordPress_Backups
    https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Backing_Up_Your_Database
    https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Restoring_Your_Database_From_Backup

    If your new wp-config.php file has the same database credentials and specifics then yes, the new software install should just work with your database. But before you go that route, speak with your host.

    Malicious attacks usually compromise your files, they don’t delete them. You may just be the victim of a hosting snafu. If they can restore your files then that’s really the way to go.

    Still do that backup anyway. Safety nets are your friend and should be respected. ??

    Thread Starter monroe_

    (@monroe_)

    Thanks Jan – Backing up the Db was the first thing I did.

    So – if I reinstall wordpress with the existing db credentials then the new install won’t overwrite the existing data?
    If so that could make my work much easier…

    Thanks again

    Matt

    Moderator Jan Dembowski

    (@jdembowski)

    Forum Moderator and Brute Squad

    So – if I reinstall wordpress with the existing db credentials then the new install won’t overwrite the existing data?

    Yep, that is correct. Keep in mind that any references to missing attachments will give you a 404 file not found. The files were deleted after all.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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