Deleting WordPress while leaving the other data alone?

  • Due to a rather nasty malware attack — where the cyber criminal for some reason wants my site(s) to be dead and stay dead.

    QUESTION: Is there a way to completely remove and clean the server of all the WordPress files?

    They’re telling me the WordPress “malware” has changed the httaccess file, which will re-infect WordPress each time you install it.

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

  • First take a look at this FAQ: https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/faq-my-site-was-hacked/

    To delete WordPress, you must delete all files belonging to your installation. You can do this via FTP. There you should find the root directory of your installation in which the directories wp-content, wp-includes and wp-admin exist. You should delete these and all files in the directory. This should also include the .htaccess file. Make sure that you do not delete any files that you may have uploaded to the directory yourself via FTP.

    As soon as you have set up your project again, take a look at this article: https://developer.www.ads-software.com/advanced-administration/security/hardening/

    Thread Starter 60secondz

    (@60secondz)

    Thank you very much. I’m reading the 2nd time, and it’s all pretty difficult. . . like I have basically no clue what they’re talking about.

    Is the assumption here that everyone is Self-hosted or self-built WordPress Smiths?

    Thread Starter 60secondz

    (@60secondz)

    . . . I basically understand the iron-clad passwords, and I’ve practiced that for years . . . but will be changing all passwords in the morning. That much I understand.

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    www.ads-software.com is the self-hosted variety of WordPress, so yes the general assumption is that everyone here has either accepted the responsibility of managing and maintaining their site, or more importantly, is willing to learn.

    If you have any specific questions, we’d be happy to help.

    Or, if you want to hire someone to help you with that, please try https://jobs.wordpress.net/ (and do not accept any hire or direct access offers posted to these forums, as that is against the forum guidelines and not a great way to start a business relationship).

    The articles are intentionally kept as general as possible and therefore also very technical as WordPress allows a variety of possible setups. If you are having trouble with some of the steps, seek support. The community is large, there are many people out there who know their way around WordPress. It might be a good idea to contact your hoster’s support team first. If they can’t help, you may be able to find someone here who can support you personally: https://jobs.wordpress.net/

    Thread Starter 60secondz

    (@60secondz)

    Thanks for your reply.

    That’s probably where I’m going, unless I just decide to throw in the towel! I’m too old for this.

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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