Deleted WordPress files and put fresh copy but now I get database error

  • I exported my blog for safe keeping to a development copy on localhost on my desktop computer. Then I deleted all the wordpress files from the root of my remote web server. I unpacked new wordpress files using subversion and after the files were placed in the root of the folder, uploaded my old config file from the previous wordpress installation. Instead of the installation running as expected, I got a database error and couldn’t complete the installation. What did I miss? Do I need to start with a fresh database or is there a way for me to use the old database with a fresh installation of wordpress? I am using the latest version of wordpress through subversion. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

  • Was your old config file from the same version of WordPress?

    Thread Starter shumdesign

    (@shumdesign)

    Yes it was the same version of WordPress…does the database hold on to something so if you just simply delete the files and try to reinstall using the same config file ..is there something in the database that remembers that a wordpress site was installed? That seems to be the problem. Do I need to start with a fresh database for a new installation? or is it something with the secret keys or something? I am not sure how that works with wordpress.

    Make sure your config file has no spaces at the end…open it with a text editor and put your cursor at the end and press the delete key several times. If that doesn’t work, try opening the wp-config-sample.php file that is in your new install, fill in all the db information, and save it as wp-config.php (of course, remove the old one).

    Thread Starter shumdesign

    (@shumdesign)

    Thank you Figaro, I will try this. I tried to use the web browser to do the config file as well but it didn’t work either. Thinking maybe WordPress puts something in the database that I need to delete or refresh? Or maybe I should just start a new database? I tried using a different prefix to see if I could get it to set up new tables in the same database as before. Will let you know what I discover. This is the second time I have had this problem when I just delete the wordpress installation manually. Is there a way to uninstall?

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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