If you’re experiencing the “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress when installing plugins or themes, you’re not alone. It’s a common WordPress error, often related to previous failed attempts to delete or install a certain plugin or theme folder. The good news is that these errors can usually be fixed through the cPanel or the FTP client. You simply need to find the file, delete and replace it, then rerun it.
Here are the two easiest ways to effectively fix your “destination folder already exists” error:
Method 1: Fixing the Error Through cPanel
If the error occurs upon attempting to install a WordPress theme or plugin, check if it already exists. This can easily be fixed through cPanel.
What Is cPanel?
cPanel is a beginner-friendly dashboard that makes managing websites, email accounts, domain names, database connections, and files much easier
Step 1: Connect Your Website With cPanel File Manager
By default, most websites (on shared hosting) come with a cPanel File Manager. Follow these steps:
There is an easy way to access cPanel going to your WordPress dashboard and admin page.
Step 2: Search for the File
From the cPanel, search for the plugin or theme you want to install but is giving you the “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress. Once you find it, simply delete the folder, and the issue is pretty much solved.
Step 3: Install the Plugin or Theme
Go back to WordPress and install the plugin or theme that gave you the “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress. You should now be able to do so without any problems.
Note: If you do not have cPanel linked to your WordPress website, try the second method below.
Method 2: Fixing the Error Through FTP Client
For those who are using VPS hosting without cPanel, there is still a way to access the server files through the FTP client app.
Step 1: Download FileZilla or WinSCP
Without cPanel, you’ll need another way to access your server files, and this is through downloading an FTP client app. There are two apps you can download for free to act as your FTP client:
Step 2: Connect Your Website With the FTP Client App
The steps with the FTP client mirror the ones used to access your small business website through cPanel. Here are the steps to find the file that needs to be deleted:
Step 3: Deleting the File
The next step is to delete the file you want to replace or the file giving you the “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress. This should be done by simply clicking the “delete” button, which will fix the error.
Step 4: Install Your Plugin or Theme
Go back and install the plugin or theme that previously gave you the “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress. Everything should be smooth sailing from there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does WordPress plugin installation fail?
If you are not seeing a “destination folder already exists” error in WordPress, the problem could be that you have exceeded your plan’s memory limit. Check out the best VPS hosting services that provide up to 150GB SSD storage.
How do I fix the folder with an ‘Access Denied’ error?
Right-click on the folder or file that refuses access and go to “Properties.” Click on the “Security” tab and scroll under “Group” or user names to click your name to check the type of permission enabled. Click on “Edit,” click on your name to switch the permission, then click on “OK” to enable.
Do I need cPanel?
In short, no, you don’t necessarily need a cPanel. Although cPanel is a very beginner-friendly dashboard for your website, there are still other alternatives like SPanel, Cloudways, and Cloudron. Learn more about how to use WordPress, including tips and tricks for WordPress beginners.
Bottom Line
Whenever you experience a “duplicate folder already exists” error in WordPress, don’t panic. Whether you use cPanel or install an FTP client, you’ll be able to fix this problem by finding the file, deleting it, replacing it, then running it. For those stuck in setting up their website, follow our guide to building your WordPress website in 10 easy steps. Alternatively, leave it to a professional web developer who can fix it for you for as little as $5 with Fiverr.
This content was originally published here.