How do I undo an accidental installation?

  • Resolved anjiaoshi

    (@anjiaoshi)


    8 years, 3 months ago

    I was using Softaculous to install WordPress on a hosted account at A Small Orange. I accidentally hit Enter when I meant to type an apostrophe, and it went ahead and completed my installation without my having entered any of my information. Now I can’t install WordPress correctly, because it tells me, “An installation already exists at [my URL] as per our records. To re-install the application please uninstall the existing installation!” I can’t uninstall the existing application because I don’t know what the username and password are — I never got as far as choosing them! I tried to solve the problem by simply deleting all the WordPress files out of my account, but evidently this installation record is kept by either WordPress or Softaculous, not in my own account. I’m kind of filled with rage right now.

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    I believe Softaculous has a way to delete the installation from within Softaculous. If not, you may need to contact A Small Orange about this.

    Alternatively, you can delete the database from the MySQL Databases section of cPanel, and delete the files by accessing your server via SFTP or FTP, or a file manager in your hosting account’s control panel, it’s just a few magnitudes more complicated than a magical Delete button if one does exist in Softaculous.

    To clear up any confusion, we really don’t have any control over how third-party installers like this operate.

    Further to what James has said: I cannot be 100% certain about Softaculous, as I used it and Fantastico a few years ago, but I tried deleting WordPress files and database, but was still prevented by one or both of them from re-installing using their installer. I ended up finding some hidden (.fant or something like that) folder or file with info I had to edit to delete the install.

    Contacting the Support folks at A Small Orange really is the best way to get this solved.

    Thread Starter anjiaoshi

    (@anjiaoshi)

    James is correct. I was able to uninstall from the Softaculous dashboard and reinstall properly. Whew! Thanks!

    Good News!

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    You’re welcome!

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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