My site is gone after messing around in my ipage wordpress files

we’re ok w/that, steamshipstation–it’s a part of WordPress news. But to be honest, I had to do some considerable looking before clearing that.

So that database appears clean. Proceed. Do you have a file called wp-config.php in the files you downloaded?

Oh, ok ! If u think I should erase it I will do that too.

I do have that file, yes!

No, steamshipstation, it’s all good–it was just a part of the WordPress news on your dashboard. You can go ahead & install all core files, your theme, & any plugins. Then replace the wp-config.php file that WordPress installed w/the 1 on your machine. Then please let me know where that leaves us.

I uninstalled wordpress and reinstalled. The website is now a jpeg with a link that I had put there when we originally bought the domain. I can’t figure out how to take this down and I’m not sure why wordpress did not overwrite this as it did the first time I installed wordpress. I am able to access my WordPress Dashboard now, and I see my that it lists my old pages “News” “Store” “Videos” etc… And when I try to click view on these, it just says
Page Not Found
The page you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable. Please try the following:

If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.
Click the Back button in your browser to try another link.
Use a search engine like Google to look for information on the Internet.

scratching my head! Perhaps I deleted a file that was needed for the wordpress to show up? I’m not too sure…. thanks!!

Ok so I used a separate FTP application and found my original html file with the old jpg and link on it. When I removed this, the WordPress site appeared!! However, only the homepage seems to be working. when I click on any of the links, it takes me to Page Not Found…

Hi, steamshipstation–good hearing from you again, although sorry it’s with difficulties.

Please go into ‘Settings > Permalinks & save your permalinks the way you originally had them. I’m thinking they may have been set on postname. At any rate, say the settings, clear your browser’s cache, & try again. If that doesn’t work, would you please send a copy of your .htaccess file?

Huzzah! That seems to have worked! ::shakes triumphant fist in air:: Thank you so much for your help! Is there any way we could possibly avoid this in the future?

Again, thank you sooo much!!! ??

Hubba-bubba! High-5! Tell you what–for someone who called themselves “technically inept”, you certainly showed yourself otherwise. Great job, steamshipstation. I’m so thrilled you’re back up!

Now, you asked if there was a way to prevent this in future. Below is what I believe to be a rather comprehensive article I wrote on the subject. I hope this doesn’t get me in trouble, but you requested information, & I truly believe this might help.
https://mysitesbeenhacked.com/preventing-the-hack

Hopefully that won’t be viewed as too blatant a self-promotion, because the article really does contain a lot of content. I won’t say you’ll never get hacked again, but I do sincerely believe that following the tips in that article will greatly reduce your chances. Feedback is welcome. I’m always looking to improve.

I wish you & your band every blessing & much success. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I feel a little sad about saying goodbye, but the mission is accomplished, & I feel really good about that. If we have resolved your difficulty, would you please mark this topic as resolved, so we know we can move on to help others who are also experiencing difficulties?