reinstall without losing data?

As long as you don’t do anything with the database itself, the posts won’t be affected. Just for safety, back up the database before reinstalling.

Thanks vkaryl. Is there a tutorial that shows how to do this? I am a complete neophyte when it comes to this. I installed WP through my host’s control panel program, “Fantastico” which is pretty much a 1-button, press-and-go deal. So I need to know how to how to back up the database AND how to reinstall. (If I reinstall through Fantastico it will install on a new directory or make me delete to install on this directory.)

Thanks

There may be a “Backup” link on the control panel. Check that first….

okay, vkaryl, hope you have time to walk me through this a bit. ??

There is no backup link on the CP, just delete or “visit site.” However, I can access the actual database through the mySQL link. One of the functions allows me to go to phpMyAdmin 2.6.1, then choose the database (which I have done) then go to “operations.” One of the sections is “copy database to”

Under that there are the following options:
– Structure only (this option has a radial button)
– Structure and data (this option has a radial button)
– Data only (this option has a radial button)
– Add AUTO_INCREMENT value (this option has a check box)
– Add constraints (this option has a check box)
– Switch to copied database (this option has a check box)

Would I want to copy just the data? And if I do, would I add any of the check boxes? And then if so, can I import this data back into WP if it somehow overwrites the data and if so, how do I do that because I don’t see ANYTHING that tells how to do that (backing it up onlyi works if I know how to put it back in the program! LOLOL)

Copy both structure and data. Don’t need any of the other checkboxes selected.

It’s unlikely in the extreme that reinstalling WP will corrupt the database. Should the unlikely happen, please repost and we’ll go through the restore process at that time.

In other words, too much info is sometimes worse than not enough….

Okay, I have copied the structure and data to a database called “backup” (original, eh? <g>) and downloaded a fresh version of WP 1.5.2.

Is there a tutorial that will walk me through a reinstall? I cannot reinstall through the control panel because they only allow me to delete or install in a new directory. Thanks vKaryl. (You rock!)

Here’s an illustrated guide to the backup process via phpmyadmin: https://www.tamba2.org.uk/wordpress/backup/

Your best bet will be to reinstall manually by uploading the files via FTP. See: https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Installing_WordPress and https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Uploading_WordPress_to_a_remote_host

If you are saving the database from the previous installation, do not run /wp-admin/install.php. Run /wp-admin/upgrade.php instead.

Macmanx, so does this mean that simply recopying all the files anew will reinstall the program — the install process doesn’t expand and/or change the files? THAT’s simple! LOL Cool!

Edit: Ooops, never mind, looks like I can follow the instructions on the “upgrade” instructions which is the same as a reinstall, yes?

Well, yes and no. There is no way to reinstall the database controlled elements with losing all of your previous content.

So, technically, you’ll be doing an upgrade.

Okay … I followed the steps to an upgrade …. and now the site has completely disappeared. OH NO.

https://www.worshipnaked.com

Okay …. this is ALL fouled up. The upgrade seemed to work … when I ran wp-admin/upgrade.php it said “there is only one step” and said “you’re done” … but then when I clicked to see the site it was COMPLETELY BLANK!!! HELP

Hm, it looks like we’re continuing the conversation over here: https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/36846