Restoring MultiSite to Single Site – COMPLETELY

  • So I started installing the Multisite Network and then I realized that it had installed as a subdomain network instead of a sub-directory installation which is what I prefer.
    I wanted to restore the site back to the original single site and start the multisite network install over again so I can end up with a subdomain install instead.
    I’ve seen plenty of and generous posts talking about restoring the .htaccess file to original as well as removing the lines from wp-config that were added during process. Here’s one.
    https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/remove-multiple-sitesturn-off-network?replies=10
    That’s easy and it does in fact restore it back to a simple site which is fine if you want to leave it as a simple site.

    But, if you want to restore it completely to original and then do a fresh re-install the network for whatever reason the answers aren’t as clear.
    I’ve seen fragments of posts addressing different aspects of removing databases but unfortunately for a newbie like me, when someone says something like:

    ‘Remove the two fields added to the users table that are multisite-only (deleted and spam columns).
    Remove the following tables in database (prefixed by your DB prefix which is generally wp_):
    wp_blogs
    wp_blog_versions
    wp_registration_log
    wp_site
    wp_sitemeta
    wp_signups
    wp_sitecategories (if you have global terms enabled)’

    its great and helpful but I don’t exactly know what that all means. I don’t necessarily know where to find the specific files.
    I poked around in my file manager to see if I can find these “databases” but didn’t see anything referencing any of these.

    For the benefit of all concerned, can someone provide a detailed step by step total removal of the network to allow a complete and fresh install of a multisite Network in language that a newb like me can understand?
    As an add on, can you include how to make it so when I try to re-install the network that it will come up with the sub-domain install option? I read a post that mentioned a possible solution for that below.

    Here’s some posts that offer various suggestions. Thanks to all who takes the time to contribute for people like me.

    https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/to-create-a-new-network-you-will-need-to-empty-or-remove-the-network-database-t?replies=13
    https://blog.ashfame.com/2010/07/remove-wordpress-multisite-data/
    https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/remove-multiple-sitesturn-off-network?replies=10

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

  • I poked around in my file manager to see if I can find these “databases”

    They wouldn’t be there. Databases aren’t a part of your file system. You have to log into your hosting control panel and access your MySQL databases, usually through phpMyAdmin.

    For your issue, the reason you can’t find much on this is because the simplest thing to do is wipe it and restore he backup you made of the original site, before you started messing with it. (You did make a backup, right?) Otherwise, you’re in for a long and bumpy ride.

    https://wpmututorials.com/how-to/how-to-disable-multisite/

    Also, before you force a subdomain install, did you check and see if your host actually supports wildcard subdomains? It’s probably not letting you pick because of where/how you’ve installed WordPress.

    no point in forcing it if ultimately you don’t have wildcard subs.

    Thread Starter BanditSiix

    (@banditsiix)

    So I ended up forcing it to subdomain using Adrea_r suggestion on the following post:
    https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/to-create-a-new-network-you-will-need-to-empty-or-remove-the-network-database-t?replies=13
    It ended up working just fine.
    * I’ve got that page bookmarked for next time.
    @doodlebee … I have it backed up now! ??

    Thanks again to everyone who contributes to this forum.

    Matt

    (@webmasterifcj)

    Hello all,

    I followed the steps involved in getting my site back to original. One problem that I am having is now when I try to upload new media to my site I am getting an error when using the Flash uploader:

    “myFile.mp3” has failed to upload due to an error
    The uploaded file could not be moved to /var/www/vhosts/mySite.org/httpdocs/wp-content/uploads.

    I get this error when I try the browser uploader:

    Error saving media attachment.

    Is there something else that needs to happen?

    Moderator Ipstenu (Mika Epstein)

    (@ipstenu)

    ?????? Advisor and Activist

    Resolved in https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/error-when-i-upload-media?replies=4

    Please don’t post the same problem in multiple places, it makes it hard to actually sort out what still needs support ??

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