Install a Duplicator Backup to an empty directory in 3 easy steps with the Classic Install option.If instead you want to overwrite an existing WordPress site, use Overwrite Install OR Import Install (Pro).
Classic Install mode is available in both Pro and Lite versions. These steps will show you how to install/redeploy your WordPress site (Duplicator package) to a new location.
Follow Along Step-By-Step(starting @ 8:00 of 24:57)
1. Create & Download Package
Create a package, then download the installer & archive files to local computer from
- Duplicator Packages Screen
Duplicator > Packages > Download > [installer.php & archive.zip] -
Package Details Screen:
Duplicator > Packages > More Items > General Section > Share File Links Button
Duplicator Pro > Packages > Package Overview > View Details buttonFTP
This option is not common and can be used if any issues arise with the “Packages Screen” option.
- Open an FTP client like FileZilla >FTP > Website Root Folder > Find “wp-content” Folder
- Find “backups-dup-pro” or “backups-dup-lite” Folder
- Find matching [hash-code]_installer.php with [hash-code]_archive.zip and download
Cloud StoragePro Only
- Dropbox: Go to dropbox.com OR Dropbox client on PC/MAC.
- Google Drive: Go to drive.google.com OR Google client on PC/MAC.
- OneDrive: Go to onedrive.live.com OR Onedrive client on PC/MAC.
- Amazon S3: Go to Amazon AWS account
2. Transfer Package
Transfer both the archive.zip and matching installer.php files from your computer to the
There are two possible locations where the archive and installer files can be placed. One is on your local computer (localhost) and the other is on a remote host commonly referred toas your hosting provider.
Remote Host
Use FTP, cPanelor your hosts file manager to transfer the archive.zip and installer.php downloaded in step 1 to the remote server. Place both of the files in a new empty directory onyour host where the files are accessible from a valid url such as:https://your-domain/installer.php
https://your-domain/your-wp-directory/installer.php.
3. Install Package
- Open any web browser and browse to the ‘installer.php’ such as:
http(s)://your-domain/installer.php
http(s)://your-domain/[hashed-secure-data]_installer.php - On Step 1 > Click Next
- On Step 2 Setup > Create Database & User > Enter Database Connection Info > Click Validate > Click Next
- Database Connection Tips:
- Most setups require the ‘Host’ field to be set to ‘localhost’
- To create a database see this link “Create A New Database and User” or the one above- OR – contact your host to have them create the database and user and the info from them.
The Action “Remove All Data” will delete all tables from the database you connect to. Be 100% sure of the of credentials used when choosing this action.
- Visit the FAQ for more database troubleshooting help
- On Step 3 > Click Next > Step 4 > Login > Site Migrated!!
How to Restart the install process:
1. Remove all files and directories from where you just installed your site (except the installer and package file).
2. Hit your web browsers back button or browse to the installer.php file again.
3. Run the installer again.How long should I wait for the installer to run?
The installation process may take a few minutes (never hours) depending on the speed of your system and the size of your content. Be patient and wait for the process to complete.Once the installation starts an install-log.txt file is created in the same directory as the installer.php and package file. You can open up this file anytime during the install andsee the progress of the install. You will have to refresh the page to see any process updates to the log file.
- Open any web browser and browse to the ‘installer.php’ file such as:
http(s)://your-domain/installer.php
http(s)://your-domain/[hashed-secure-data]_installer.php - On Step 1 Setup > Create Database & User >Enter Database Connection Info > Click Validate Button > Click Next Button
- Database Connection Tips:
- Most setups require the ‘Host’ field to be set to ‘localhost’
- To create a database see this link “Create A New Database and User”.Alternatively you can contact your host to have them create the database and user or get the correct information to use.
The Action “Remove All Data” will delete all tables from the database you connect to. Be 100% sure of the of credentials used when choosing this action.Consider using the “Backup and Rename Existing Tables” action if you’re new to this process. This will backup all the existing tables witha new prefix.
- Visit the FAQ for more database troubleshooting help
- On Step 2 > Login > Site Migrated!!