how to reset WordPress site without plugin

Resetting a WordPress site without the use of a plugin can be an invaluable skill, particularly for those who prefer not to rely on additional plugins or are managing a site where plugin use needs to be minimized. Here, we’ll explore a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to manually reset your WordPress site. This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of how WordPress operates and access to your hosting environment.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before proceeding with any reset, ensure you have a complete backup of your WordPress site. This should include your database and all files in your WordPress directory. You can use your hosting control panel or an FTP client to copy the files, and phpMyAdmin to export your database. This backup will be crucial if you need to restore your original site for any reason.

Step 2: Delete the Database

A WordPress site stores most of its data, including content and settings, in a database. To reset your site, you’ll need to entirely delete the existing database and create a new one:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel, look for the MySQL databases section.
2. Find your WordPress database, then click on the ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove’ database option. Be absolutely certain you are deleting the correct database to avoid unintentional data loss.

Step 3: Create a New Database

After deleting the old database:

1. Go back to your MySQL Databases section in your hosting panel.
2. Create a new database by entering a name for the database and clicking ‘Create Database’.
3. Add a user to the database — you can create a new user or assign an existing one. Ensure the user has all privileges to make changes to the database.

Step 4: Remove WordPress Files

Next, you’ll need to delete the existing WordPress files and directories:

1. Connect to your site using an FTP client or through the file manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Navigate to where your WordPress is installed; often, this is in the ‘public_html’ or ‘www’ directory.
3. Select all files and folders except any that do not belong to WordPress (like custom folders you’ve created for specific needs).
4. Delete them. This removes the current WordPress installation and data entirely.

Step 5: Reinstall WordPress

Now that you’ve cleared the old database and files:

1. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official WordPress website.
2. Unzip the downloaded file and upload all WordPress files to your server again, using FTP client or file manager in your hosting panel.
3. Navigate to your domain (where you uploaded the WordPress files). You should see the WordPress installation screen.
4. Follow the installation instructions: When prompted, use the database name, user, and password you created in Step 3.

Step 6: Configure Your Fresh WordPress Installation

With the new installation:

1. Set site title, language, admin login details, and other initial setup settings.
2. Install your theme and add the necessary plugins.
3. Adjust settings such as permalink structure, time zone, and more according to your requirements.

Step 7: Restore Wanted Elements

After installation and basic setup:

1. Carefully restore content from your backup if needed, such as images and manually drafted content. Use the import function under Tools in your dashboard if available.
2. Manually configure your widgets and menus as per the previous setup.

Edge Cases and Additional Measures

• If you have a local development environment, consider practicing these steps locally before going live.
• Always ensure strong passwords and the correct user privileges to enhance security.
• Regularly update all aspects of your WordPress installation to keep your site secure and functioning efficiently.

Resetting your WordPress site without a plugin can seem daunting but offers control over every step of the process, which can be critical for tailored site configurations and enhancing site performance.