I deleted the files via FTP — why does Softaculous still think it's installed?

Softaculous tracks installations in its own database (`~/.softaculous/` or panel-side metadata), independent of whether the files actually exist. Deleting files via FTP/SSH removes the application; the Softaculous record remains until you remove it through "All Installations" → Remove.

Will "Remove Installation" via Softaculous also drop the database?

Yes if the database was created by Softaculous originally. The Remove dialog shows checkboxes — "Remove Directory", "Remove Database", "Remove Database User". For a clean reinstall, check all three. If you imported into a pre-existing database, the database user/db may not be flagged for removal.

I removed the install via Softaculous but reinstall still fails — what else?

Look for orphaned database records: log into phpMyAdmin and drop the old database if it lingers. Also check for leftover files in the install directory — Softaculous won't install over existing files. The install directory should be empty (or non-existent) before reinstall.

I want to keep the database but remove just the files — possible?

Yes — in the Remove dialog, uncheck "Remove Database" and "Remove Database User". Files get cleaned up; the database stays. On reinstall, choose "Use existing database" in Softaculous and point at the kept one. Useful when you have data to preserve through a clean app reinstall.

"An installation already exists as per our records"

"An installation already exists as per our records" — Softaculous Reinstall Fix

2 min read

29.10.2025

The error message indicates:

Installation Already Exists Error Fix — Softaculous remembers — even if you deleted the files yourself.

For other CMS-installation issues this can pair with, see What is bitrixsetup.php? (equivalent issue when reinstalling Bitrix).

"An installation already exists as per our records. To reinstall the application, please uninstall the existing installation!"

Here is how to resolve it.

Understand the Issue

This error occurs because the installation script (e.g., via Softaculous or a similar installer) detects an existing installation of the application in the specified directory. This might be due to:

A previous installation that was not fully removed.
Leftover files, folders, or database entries from an old installation.

Steps to Fix the Issue

Remove the Existing Installation Files

Check the Installation Directory:

Locate the directory where the application is installed (e.g., /public_html/your-app).

Delete all files and folders related to the application:

rm -rf /path/to/installation/

Delete the Database

Log in to your database management tool (e.g., phpMyAdmin or MySQL CLI).
Drop the database associated with the previous installation:

DROP DATABASE your_database_name;

Alternatively, remove only specific tables if the database is shared.

Clear Softaculous or Installer Records

Log in to Softaculous or your hosting control panel.
Navigate to "All Installations".
Remove the existing application record from the installer dashboard.

Perform a Fresh Installation

Revisit the installer (e.g., Softaculous).
Choose the application and specify the installation directory.
Proceed with a new installation.

Troubleshooting

If you still encounter issues:

Check for Hidden Files:
- Some installations leave .htaccess or configuration files behind. Enable the display of hidden files in your file manager.
Verify DNS or URL Conflicts:
- Ensure that the domain or subdomain used for the installation is not linked to another application.

"An installation already exists as per our records" — Softaculous Reinstall Fix

Understand the Issue

Steps to Fix the Issue

Remove the Existing Installation Files

Delete the Database

Clear Softaculous or Installer Records

Perform a Fresh Installation

Troubleshooting

Hosting

Cloud Solutions

For You

VDS

Website Builders

Our services

Client Area

"An installation already exists as per our records" — Softaculous Reinstall Fix

Understand the Issue

Steps to Fix the Issue

Remove the Existing Installation Files

Delete the Database

Clear Softaculous or Installer Records

Perform a Fresh Installation

Troubleshooting

Hosting

Cloud Solutions

For You

VDS

Website Builders

Our services

Client Area

Выберите валюту