How to Fix “Destination Folder Already Exists” Error in WordPress

Got the Destination folder already exists WordPress error? Don’t worry, even though it looks like you’ve overwritten some folders with the same name. WordPress is designed well and will abort the operation to prevent damage. It will also notify you of the reason the error occurred in the first place. In almost all cases, this occurs during a WordPress theme or plugin installation. The message details and when it occurs should be enough to point you in the right direction as to which folder is the culprit. Here’s how to fix Destination folder already exists error in WordPress.

Common Causes of the “Destination Folder Already Exists” Error

Understanding the main causes of this error will help you address it more effectively. Most often, the ‘Destination folder already exists’ error is caused by one of the following:

• Partial or incomplete WordPress theme or plugin installation: This usually happens when the installation process of a theme or plugin is interrupted. The system might have created the destination folder during the initial installation attempt. When you try to install the plugin or theme again, WordPress sees the existing folder and triggers this error.
• WordPress files leftover after deleting a plugin or theme: If you’ve deleted a WordPress plugin or theme without properly uninstalling it first, some files may be left behind. These leftover files could be causing the error when you try to reinstall the same plugin or theme.
• An update didn’t complete successfully: Sometimes, while updating a plugin or theme, an interruption in the process can leave behind folders and files from the previous version. Trying to update again or install a new version can result in the ‘Destination folder already exists’ error.

What to do when a WordPress plugin caused the error?

If the error message didn’t specify or if it’s been a while, start with the most recent plugin you installed. If it did, simply delete that plugin. You have two options:

1. Delete the plugin using the WordPress Admin Section. Follow the same steps you did when installing a WordPress plugin.
   1. This time the Deactivate option will be available instead of Activate on the Plugins page.
   2. Click on it, then click on Delete.
2. Remove the plugin via File Manager in your cPanel or FTP Client. If you need a reminder, here’s a guide to access your WordPress website via FTP.
   1. Find the problematic plugin insde the public_html/wp-content/plugins/.
      public_html might also be titled root, www, or have the name of your website without hyphens.
   2. Click to select the folder with the name of the plugin.
   3. Click on Delete in the menu above.

Now that the conflict is gone, feel free to install the plugin again. It up to personal preference whether you do it via WordPress directly, or, if you picked the second option, install a WordPress plugin via FTP while you’re logged in.

Did the error occur during a WordPress theme installation?

We hope you were smart and installed a WordPress child theme that you later edited. In that case, simply go ahead and delete the base WordPress theme, then install it again. But what if the child theme itself is giving you problems, or a certain folder inside it? This requires troubleshooting. Here’s what to do.

1. Create a WordPress backup before you start. You can use a backup plugin for this.
2. Compare the folder of the theme you installed in WordPress with the folder you’re trying to upload.
3. The problem is usually with an image, video, or document file (.php or .css) that already exists under that name, and is write-protected (theme editing is disabled). Make sure to also fix file and folder permissions in WordPress.
4. You can upload media under a different name then change the PHP/CSS files or use the website builder tools to point to that file.
5. In the case of a document, you can right-click on the document already on the website, and select View/Edit. Then, manually paste the code changes you wanted to apply by uploading the file.

And those were the steps to solve the Destination folder already exists error in WordPress. If you aren’t confident or can’t fix the issue, reach out to your hosting customer support, or hire someone experienced.

Tips to Avoid Running Into This Error

To prevent running into the Destination Folder Already Exists error in WordPress again, here are some things you should keep in mind:

1. Always ensure that your internet connection is stable before starting any installations or updates. Interruptions can lead to incomplete installations causing this error.
2. Regularly backup your WordPress website. This way, if you run into issues, you can always revert to a previous version of your site.
3. Uninstall plugins and themes properly. Deleting a plugin or theme directly from the server without deactivating and deleting it in your WordPress dashboard can leave residual files on your server.
4. Lastly, don’t forget to update your WordPress themes and plugins regularly. Outdated themes and plugins can cause compatibility issues with WordPress leading to different errors, like the ‘Destination folder already exists’ error.

As a WordPress user, you are bound to face a few hitches here and there. But with the right knowledge and tools at your disposal, these issues should not interrupt the smooth operation of your website. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always wise to reach out to experienced WordPress professionals for help.