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Database Re-installer

Purpose

Database Re-installer allows you to reset your store to a fresh state with sample data from predefined templates. This is useful for demonstration purposes, testing, or starting over with a clean store setup.

Accessing Database Re-installer

Click Modules → Tools → Database Re-installer

Overview

Database Re-installer

The Database Re-installer page provides a controlled way to reset store data using predefined templates. Each template includes sample products, categories, and settings appropriate for specific store types.

⚠️ Critical Warning

This action permanently deletes all existing data and cannot be undone.

Before proceeding:

  1. Create a backup using Backup & Restore
  2. Verify you have the backup downloaded
  3. Understand that ALL data will be replaced
  4. Consider the impact on live customers and orders

Process

Step 1: Select Template

Choose from available templates:

  • Type: Dropdown select
  • Required: Yes
  • Purpose: Select the type of store data to install

Each template is designed for specific store types and includes:

  • Sample products
  • Category structure
  • Attribute configurations
  • Demo settings

Step 2: Review Affected Tables

After selecting a template, the page displays a list of database tables that will be affected:

  • Products and inventory
  • Categories and attributes
  • Orders and transactions
  • Customer data
  • Configuration settings

Review this list carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Confirm Action

Two confirmation steps are required:

Type Confirmation

  • Type: Text input
  • Required: Type "REINSTALL" (case insensitive)
  • Purpose: Prevent accidental execution

Understanding Checkbox

  • Type: Checkbox
  • Required: Must be checked
  • Label: "I understand this action cannot be undone"
  • Purpose: Final confirmation of understanding

Step 4: Execute

Click the Reinstall button to begin the process.

What Happens:

  1. System begins database cleanup
  2. Selected template data is installed
  3. Progress is tracked in the background
  4. Page updates when complete

During Installation

Progress Tracking

  • Installation runs as a background job
  • Page displays current status
  • Do not close or refresh until complete
  • Status updates automatically

Statuses

  • Working: Installation in progress
  • Completed: Installation successful
  • Failed: Installation encountered an error

After Installation

When installation completes successfully:

  1. Review the new store data
  2. Customize settings as needed
  3. Update branding and content
  4. Configure payment and shipping methods
  5. Test store functionality

Use Cases

Demo Setup

Quickly set up a demo store with realistic sample data:

  1. Select appropriate template
  2. Install template data
  3. Use for demonstrations or training

Fresh Start

Reset a development or test store:

  1. Backup any important data first
  2. Select clean template
  3. Start fresh without manual data entry

Testing

Create reproducible testing environments:

  1. Install known template state
  2. Run tests
  3. Re-install to reset state

Best Practices

Before Reinstalling

  1. Always backup first - Use Backup & Restore
  2. Download the backup - Store it safely off-server
  3. Verify backup works - Test restoration on staging if possible
  4. Inform team members - Let others know about the reset

Choosing Templates

  • Select templates matching your store type
  • Review template description carefully
  • Consider the data structure needed

After Reinstalling

  1. Verify installation completed successfully
  2. Check sample data appears correctly
  3. Update store branding immediately
  4. Review and update all settings
  5. Remove or customize sample products

Permissions

This feature is restricted to super administrators due to its destructive nature. Regular administrators and staff cannot access this page.

Key Information

  • Super Admin Only: Only super administrators can access this feature
  • Irreversible: Action cannot be undone - always backup first
  • Background Job: Runs in background to prevent timeouts
  • Template Based: Uses predefined templates for consistency
  • Live Updates: Page shows progress in real-time
  • No Partial Installs: Either completes fully or fails