How do I uninstall Drupal so I can either start over or try something else?

Comments

sepeck’s picture

Delete the files. Drop the database

-Steven Peck
---------
Test site, always start with a test site.
Drupal Best Practices Guide -|- Black Mountain

-Steven Peck
---------
Test site, always start with a test site.
Drupal Best Practices Guide

goodenvy’s picture

I deleted all my files related to drupal via ftp access.. I noted the "sites" folder doesn't delete.
I then dropped the database associated with drupal and still no success in deleting the sites folder.

If I change the permissions on the settings.php file, which is inside the sites folder, to 777 (all permissions)
I still am not able to delete it!

Help.

I've received no replies on this subject yet.

~adrie

NEVERMIND... I believe this is an issue having to do with my ftp and with cpanel's file manager.. I utilized their other file manager: the Legacy
after 5 minutes or so it looks to be right my work was processed.
Those files don't show up on either the ftp or file manager :).
I'm dropping Fantastico's setup from now on.

timelapse’s picture

I had this same problem happen to me. I tried to delete all the files, yet the folder Sites remained. Therefore, I just renamed it to something like 'oldsites' and that worked. Now I am able to start my drupal site from scratch.

VM’s picture

in future you can change the folder permissions on the "default" folder inside the sites folder to 777 which will allow deletion.

pierregermain’s picture

i do chmod -R 777 * before deleting /sites/...
sometimes chown also can help.

st3ph4n0s’s picture

Hi! Maybe this helps somebody. I found I could not delete drupal (after I messed up the install) since some files wouldn't delete. First of all check if you are able to see the hidden files (e.g. you should see some .htaccess files around the tmp folder), then use chmod 777 on files and if necessary on dirs too. This way I could remove neatly all files.

VM’s picture

Sepecks direction is quickest for complete removal of drupal and the database in its entirety. Which is you are navigating away from drupal is the easiest way to do it. Dropping the entire database would necessitate setting up a new database if you choose to work with a diffrent CMS or even reinstall drupal.

If you are looking to reinstall drupal (only drupal, without having to create a new database from scratch. You can start anew just dropping all tables in your db and reimport the original db structure from the .mysql file you used to begin your installation. To drop all tables in the database through phpmyadmin you would:

navigate to phpmyadmin on your host and log in if necessary.
point phpmyadmin to your database. typically in a drop down menu to the left.
scroll to the bottom of the right pane and click on the "check all link"
further to the right you will see another drop down with the words "With selected"
in this box choose "drop"
on the next screen click to confirm.

your database should now be empty.

if you want to replace the file structure as well remove all files from the server, then reupload the drupal package.

I suggest hanging on to your settings.php file. This seems to be a problem area for users just getting started. By holding on to your original version, you will already have the necessary settings.php file with your db connection string. Copying and pasting this to the new settings.php file will insure you transfer the proper db connection information to the second installation. If you havent changed anything else in the settings.php file, you can use the old to over right the new and be immediatly brought to a new installation.

bobwmendon’s picture

I don't think hanging on to the settings would do me much good because the first install attempt was pretty dinged up. I got the following error when I tried to run Drupal:

?php ## Don't forget to change the name of the database in the following line! $db_url = "mysql://root:XXXXX@localhost/drupal"; ## Below is your domain configuration ## Make it http://localhost if running only on your computer ## Or use plain old IP address $base_url = "http://localhost/drupal"; ?>
Fatal error: Call to undefined function: pg_connect() in /usr/share/drupal/includes/database.pgsql.inc on line 28

I figure I'll try another install and see what happens.

shiva7663’s picture

What do you do if you don't have access to phpmyadmin? Is there a canned "drop all drupal tables" setup available somewhere?

VM’s picture

your host must have something that allows you to work within your DB. Ask them

Dayyan’s picture

Please I need help, I am new to Drupal and this platform I want to uninstall Drupal from localhost and reinstall. 

Thanks

VM’s picture

What you are asking indicates you didn't take the time to read the answers on this thread.