Thinking of parting ways with your WordPress site on DreamHost, but not sure how to remove it safely? You’re not alone—many website owners face this step when making changes or starting fresh online.
Uninstalling WordPress properly is important to free up space, avoid confusion, and maintain security on your hosting account. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step, offer useful tips, and answer common questions, making the process quick and stress-free.
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How to Uninstall WordPress from DreamHost: A Step-by-Step Guide
Uninstalling WordPress from your DreamHost hosting account is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure all files and databases are removed. Whether you’re cleaning up an unused website, troubleshooting technical issues, or simply starting fresh, this guide will walk you through each step with clarity and confidence.
Why Uninstall WordPress from DreamHost?
There are various reasons you might want to uninstall WordPress on DreamHost:
- You want to remove an outdated or unused website.
- You plan to reinstall a clean copy of WordPress.
- You’re switching to a different content management system.
- There are technical issues you want to resolve with a fresh install.
No matter the reason, the uninstall process is simple and can generally be completed in less than an hour.
What Happens When You Uninstall WordPress?
When you uninstall WordPress, you’ll remove:
- All WordPress core files
- Any themes and plugins you installed
- Media files (images, videos, etc. uploaded to your site)
- The site’s MySQL database, which contains your posts, pages, users, and settings
Important: This process is irreversible. All data stored within WordPress will be deleted unless you back it up first.
Step 1: Backup Your Website (Recommended)
Before uninstalling, always backup your website. Even if you think you no longer need its content, having a backup could save you hours if you change your mind later.
To backup your site:
- Download all your website files via FTP or the DreamHost File Manager.
- Export your WordPress database using phpMyAdmin.
By saving both the files and the database, you ensure a complete backup of your site’s content and settings.
Step 2: Remove WordPress Files
WordPress files are located in your website’s directory. Here’s how you can delete them:
Using DreamHost’s Panel File Manager
- Log in to your DreamHost control panel.
- Navigate to “Domains” and click on “Manage Domains.”
- Find your domain and click “WebFTP” or “FTP” next to it.
- Go to the folder where WordPress is installed (often called
/yourdomain.com/or/public_html/). - Select all files related to WordPress—this usually includes folders like
wp-admin,wp-content, andwp-includes, plus many PHP files. - Delete these files.
Using an FTP Client (like FileZilla)
- Open your FTP client and connect with your DreamHost credentials.
- Navigate to your WordPress installation directory.
- Select all WordPress files and folders.
- Right-click and select “Delete.”
Tip: Be careful not to delete folders or files used by other sites on your hosting account.
Step 3: Delete the WordPress Database
Your WordPress database contains your posts, pages, and other site data. Removing it is essential for a complete uninstall. Here’s how:
- Go to the DreamHost panel and select “MySQL Databases.”
- Locate the database used by your WordPress site (this can usually be identified by the database name in your
wp-config.phpfile). - Click “Delete” next to the appropriate database.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Note: If you’re running multiple sites on the same database, ensure you only delete the database associated with the site you want to uninstall.
Step 4: Remove Email or Subdomains (Optional)
Sometimes, your WordPress site might have associated subdomains or custom email addresses. If you no longer need these, you can remove them:
- To delete a subdomain, return to the “Manage Domains” section and remove the entry for your subdomain.
- For email addresses, go to “Mail” > “Manage Email,” and delete any mailboxes set up for the site.
This cleans up your DreamHost account and prevents unnecessary charges for unused services.
Step 5: Clean Up Domain Settings
If you plan to use the same domain for a new site, consider clearing its hosting configuration:
- Under “Manage Domains,” you can “Remove” hosting for the domain.
- Add new hosting or re-install WordPress when ready.
This leaves your domain ready for fresh use.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
Uninstalling WordPress is not just about deleting files. Here are some practical tips to make the process hassle-free:
- Double-check before deleting: Confirm you’re working in the correct directory to avoid removing important files from other sites.
- Update DNS settings: If you’re no longer using the domain, consider updating or removing DNS records.
- Monitor billing: DreamHost charges for active domains, emails, or VPS services—clean up unused resources to save money.
- Use DreamHost One-Click Install: For reinstalling WordPress, DreamHost offers a simple one-click installer for a hassle-free setup.
Potential Challenges
Here are some challenges you might face, along with ways to overcome them:
- Unclear Database Names: If you’re unsure which database to delete, check your site’s
wp-config.phpfile for the database name. - FTP Access Issues: Double-check your username and password, or reset them using the DreamHost panel.
- Accidentally Deleting the Wrong Files: Always keep a backup—this is your safety net.
What If You Want to Reinstall WordPress?
If your plan is to start over with a brand-new WordPress site, the process is simple after uninstalling:
- Use DreamHost’s one-click WordPress installer from the control panel.
- Choose your domain and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Customize your new WordPress site as needed.
A fresh install will include only the default theme and plugins, offering a clean slate.
Cost Considerations
Uninstalling WordPress itself does not incur any fees. However, you should be mindful of:
- Domain and Hosting Fees: These remain active unless you specifically cancel or remove unused domains and hosting plans.
- Email and Storage: Old email accounts, media libraries, or backups occupying space might add up if you’re using paid storage or mail services.
By keeping your DreamHost account organized and free of unnecessary extras, you can control ongoing costs effectively.
Practical Advice for Smooth Uninstallation
- Keep documentation: Note down what each domain and database is used for. This prevents accidental deletions.
- Regular maintenance: Periodically review your DreamHost dashboard to tidy up unused domains, databases, or email accounts.
- Ask for help: If something seems unclear, DreamHost support is friendly and ready to assist.
Summary
Uninstalling WordPress from DreamHost is a manageable task when broken down into simple steps. By backing up your data, removing all site files, deleting the database, and tidying up any related resources, you ensure a clean removal. Taking a bit of extra time to check each step not only protects your data but also helps you keep your hosting organized and cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know which database belongs to my WordPress site?
Check the wp-config.php file in your site’s directory. Look for the line beginning with define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');. This tells you the exact database name used by your WordPress installation.
2. Will deleting my WordPress files from DreamHost also delete my website’s content permanently?
Yes. Removing files and deleting the database will remove all your posts, pages, and uploaded media. Always back up your files and database before uninstalling if you think you might need them later.
3. Can I uninstall WordPress without affecting my domain or email addresses on DreamHost?
Absolutely. Uninstalling WordPress removes only your WordPress site’s files and database. Domains and email services are managed separately and remain active unless you manually delete them.
4. What should I do if I accidentally delete the wrong files or database?
If you have a recent backup, you can restore your site. If not, reach out to DreamHost support immediately—they may be able to help recover recently deleted data, but there are no guarantees.
5. Is there an easy way to reinstall WordPress after uninstalling it on DreamHost?
Yes. Use DreamHost’s one-click WordPress installer in the control panel. It will guide you through a quick setup process for a brand-new WordPress site on your chosen domain.
By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently and safely uninstall WordPress from your DreamHost hosting account. Taking the time to backup, double-check, and organize as you go will give you a smooth experience and peace of mind.