If you want a fresh, clean workspace in your cPanel File Manager, resetting it by deleting and re-uploading files is a straightforward method. Follow these steps carefully:
Steps to Reset cPanel File Manager
-
Log in to cPanel
Open your browser, visit yourdomain.com/cpanel, and log in. -
Open File Manager
Find and click the File Manager icon to view your files and folders. -
Show Hidden Files
Click the Settings button (top-right).
Check Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
Click Save. -
Select All Files and Folders
Inside yourpublic_html
or root folder, click Select All to highlight all files and folders. -
Delete All Files
Click the Delete button.
In the confirmation popup, choose whether to skip the trash (permanent delete).
Confirm to delete. -
Reload the File Manager
Click the Reload button to refresh the file list.
Some system folders (liketrash
,cpanel
, etc.) will remain—these are necessary system files. -
Upload Original Files
Click Upload, select the zipped backup of your original website files (e.g., WordPress zip).
Wait for the upload to finish. -
Extract the Zip Folder
After uploading, select the zip file, click Extract.
For the extraction path, enter/
or the appropriate directory (likepublic_html
).
Click Extract Files. -
Verify and Cleanup
Make sure you see your original website files and folders.
Confirm that folders likepublic_html
are accessible.
Delete the uploaded zip file to free up space.
Final Notes
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Resetting File Manager means deleting existing site files—backup important data before you start.
-
This process can help you fix corrupted files or start a new website from scratch.
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If you’re unsure or face any issues, contact your hosting provider for assistance.