How to Uninstall EasyEngine on Ubuntu

EasyEngine is a command-line tool that simplifies the process of managing and deploying WordPress sites on an Nginx server. While it’s a valuable tool for many webmasters, there might be instances where you need to uninstall it.

Whether you’re migrating to a different platform or simply cleaning up your web server, this guide will walk you through the process of removing EasyEngine from your Ubuntu operating system.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before making any changes to your server, it’s crucial to backup all your data. This includes website files, databases, and configurations.

Backup your website files:

sudo tar -czvf /path/to/backup/folder/website_files_backup.tar.gz /var/www/

Backup your databases:

sudo mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > /path/to/backup/folder/all_databases.sql

Step 2: Stop All Services Managed by EasyEngine

Ensure that all services managed by EasyEngine, such as Nginx, MariaDB, and Redis, are stopped.

sudo ee site disable --all
sudo service nginx stop
sudo service php7.4-fpm stop
sudo service redis-server stop
sudo service mariadb stop

Step 3: Remove EasyEngine Packages

Now, uninstall the EasyEngine core and its associated packages.

sudo ee cli update --nightly
sudo ee cli self-uninstall

Step 4: Remove Additional Software

EasyEngine installs various software packages. To completely remove them:

sudo apt-get purge nginx* mariadb* redis-server* php*

Step 5: Clean Up Configuration Files and Directories

Some configuration files and directories might remain even after uninstalling the software. Ensure you remove them:

sudo rm -r /etc/nginx/
sudo rm -r /etc/mysql/
sudo rm -r /var/lib/mysql/
sudo rm -r /var/www/
sudo rm -r /var/log/nginx/
sudo rm -r /var/log/mysql/
sudo rm -r /etc/ee/

Commands Mentioned

• sudo tar -czvf /path/to/backup/folder/website_files_backup.tar.gz /var/www/ – Backs up website files.
• sudo mysqldump -u root -p –all-databases > /path/to/backup/folder/all_databases.sql – Backs up all databases.
• sudo ee site disable –all – Disables all sites managed by EasyEngine.
• sudo service nginx stop – Stops the Nginx service.
• sudo service php7.4-fpm stop – Stops the PHP 7.4 FPM service.
• sudo service redis-server stop – Stops the Redis server.
• sudo service mariadb stop – Stops the MariaDB service.
• sudo ee cli update –nightly – Updates EasyEngine to the nightly version.
• sudo ee cli self-uninstall – Uninstalls EasyEngine.
• sudo apt-get purge nginx* mariadb* redis-server* php* – Removes associated software packages.
• sudo rm -r /etc/nginx/ – Removes Nginx configuration directory.

FAQ

1. Why should I backup my data before uninstalling EasyEngine?

   Backing up data ensures that you have a copy of your website files and databases in case anything goes wrong during the uninstallation process. It’s a safety measure to prevent data loss.

2. What will happen to my websites after uninstalling EasyEngine?

   After uninstalling EasyEngine, the websites managed by it will no longer be accessible since the server configurations and software required to run them will be removed.

3. Can I reinstall EasyEngine after uninstalling it?

   Yes, you can reinstall EasyEngine anytime after uninstalling it. However, you’ll need to reconfigure your websites and restore from backups if needed.

4. Why are there still some files and directories left after uninstalling the software?

   Some configuration files and directories might not be removed during the standard uninstallation process to prevent accidental data loss. It’s always recommended to manually check and remove any remnants.

5. Is it safe to remove all the mentioned directories and files?

   Yes, if you’re sure about uninstalling EasyEngine and its associated software, it’s safe to remove the mentioned directories and files. However, always ensure you have backups before making any changes.

Conclusion

Uninstalling EasyEngine from your Ubuntu server is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow each step carefully. Always start by backing up your data to prevent any potential data loss.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure that EasyEngine and its associated software are entirely removed from your server.

If you’re considering other hosting solutions after this, remember to explore options like dedicated server, VPS server, cloud hosting, and shared hosting to find the best fit for your needs.