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How to Restore the WordPress System Files
How to Restore the WordPress System Files

What to do if WordPress system files are damaged

Updated over a year ago

If your WordPress system files are damaged, and you want to try keeping the most recent changes to your website, you restore the WordPress system files only. Here are two alternative methods:

Whichever option you choose, you do not need to make any changes to the database. The SSH option is the easiest, as you would only need to run one command, and it is available on all hosting plans except for Shared Single and WordPress Starter.


Option 1 - Restoring WordPress System Files via SSH

Step 1 - Connect via SSH

Connect to your account via SSH and open the directory where you installed WordPress. For most domains, it will be the public_html folder, so to reach the path use the following command:

cd domains/domain.tld/public_html

Replacing domain.tld with your domain.

Step 2 - Restore files

Once there, run the following command:

wp core download --skip-content --force

When the process is completed, check your website in incognito mode, and it should be working now.


Option 2 - Restoring WordPress System Files via FTP or File Manager

Step 1 - Preparation

First, create a fresh backup of your website. You can do that by using the backup tool on hPanel or by connecting via FTP and downloading all your website's files.

Step 2 - Download the Official WordPress System Files

Go to WordPress.org and download the archive with the core files of WordPress, that is, a clean installation that does not include any plugins or themes. Make sure to download the same version from your current installation, be it the latest version or an older one.

Using previous WordPress versions may present security risks - try to keep the latest version possible, eg. by updating the core files after the restoration.

Once done, extract the files on your device. The result will look like this:

Step 3 - Upload the WordPress Files to Your Hosting

Next, upload these files and folders to your hosting, with the following exceptions:

  • The wp-content folder

  • The wp-config.php file

To do it via File Manager, open Websites → Manage, search for File Manager on the sidebar and click on it:


Make sure you are in the directory where WordPress is installed and click Upload:

Select the WordPress files and folders on your device, excluding the wp-config folder. When asked to, click on Replace:

Alternatively, if you're using FileZilla (or another FTP client of your choice), upload the WordPress files, except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file and when asked, choose Overwrite:

Once the uploading process is done, you can check your website using the incognito mode of your browser. It should be working, and your content will be saved!

If you still find your website not working after doing all the steps, you can restore your website from a backup. It will revert the files and database to their previous state.

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