Question
Answer and Explanation
Uninstalling a local WordPress.org installation involves several steps, as it's not a simple program uninstall. Here's a comprehensive guide:
1. Locate Your WordPress Installation:
- First, identify the directory where you installed WordPress. This is usually within your local server's web root directory (e.g., `htdocs` for XAMPP, `www` for WAMP, or a specific folder in your MAMP setup). The folder will contain files like `wp-config.php`, `wp-admin`, `wp-content`, etc.
2. Delete the WordPress Files:
- Once you've located the WordPress directory, delete the entire folder. This removes all the WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and uploads.
3. Remove the Database:
- WordPress stores its data in a database. You'll need to remove this as well. Access your database management tool (e.g., phpMyAdmin, Adminer). This is usually accessible through your local server's control panel.
- Find the database you created for your WordPress installation. The name is usually specified in the `wp-config.php` file.
- Delete the database. Be very careful when deleting databases, as this action is irreversible.
4. Clean Up Local Server Configuration (Optional):
- If you created a virtual host for your WordPress site, you might want to remove it from your local server's configuration file (e.g., `httpd-vhosts.conf` for Apache). This step is optional but can help keep your server configuration clean.
5. Restart Your Local Server:
- After making these changes, restart your local server (e.g., XAMPP, WAMP, MAMP) to ensure all changes are applied.
Important Considerations:
- Backups: Before deleting anything, it's always a good idea to back up your WordPress files and database if you might need them later.
- Multiple Installations: If you have multiple WordPress installations, make sure you're deleting the correct files and database.
- Local Server Software: The exact steps might vary slightly depending on the local server software you're using (XAMPP, WAMP, MAMP, etc.).
By following these steps, you can completely uninstall your local WordPress.org installation. Remember to be cautious when deleting files and databases to avoid accidental data loss.