How To Clear Old Data From Kodi And Have A Fresh Start Install

Ed Bradley

2 min read

·

09-12-2024

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Kodi, a popular open-source media player, can accumulate a lot of data over time – cached files, add-on data, and user settings. This can lead to performance issues, conflicts with new add-ons, or simply a cluttered user experience. A clean install is sometimes the best solution. This guide will walk you through safely clearing old data from Kodi and performing a fresh start installation, without losing your entire Kodi configuration.

Backing Up Your Important Data

Before you begin, it's crucial to back up any important data you want to retain. This includes:

• Kodi Settings: While a fresh install will reset many settings, some customizations might be worth preserving. Consider taking screenshots of your preferred skin configurations or noting down any manually entered server addresses.
• Add-on Lists: If you have meticulously curated lists of add-ons, consider making a note of them. Reinstalling them will be much quicker than searching for them again.
• Database Files (Advanced Users): Kodi's database files contain information about your watched movies, TV shows, and music. If you value this information, you can back up these database files (located within the Kodi user data directory) but this is only necessary for very advanced users and may not be fully compatible with a fresh install.

Method 1: Clearing Kodi Data Without Reinstalling

This method is ideal if you want to clear out old data without completely reinstalling Kodi. It is faster and easier.

Steps:

1. Locate your Kodi Userdata folder: The location varies depending on your operating system. Consult Kodi's official documentation or online resources to find the correct path for your system (e.g., %APPDATA%\Kodi on Windows).

2. Rename (Don't Delete) the Userdata Folder: Rename the folder to something like "Kodi_OldData." This effectively disables Kodi's access to the existing data.

3. Restart Kodi: Launch Kodi. It will create a fresh userdata folder, effectively starting with a clean slate.

4. Restore Data (Optional): If you want to restore specific settings, carefully copy files from your renamed "Kodi_OldData" folder back into the new userdata folder. Proceed with caution; incorrect file transfers can lead to issues.

Method 2: A Complete Reinstallation of Kodi

This method provides the most thorough cleaning but requires more time.

Steps:

1. Uninstall Kodi: Use your operating system's standard uninstall process to remove Kodi completely.

2. Remove Remaining Files (Optional but Recommended): Manually delete any remaining Kodi-related folders or files. This is particularly important if you had manually installed Kodi, or if you want to ensure you're eliminating any remnant files that could cause conflicts.

3. Reinstall Kodi: Download the latest version of Kodi from the official website and install it.

4. Configure Kodi: Set up your preferred skin, add-ons, and other settings as needed.

Choosing the Right Method

Method 1 (renaming the userdata folder) is simpler and quicker, ideal for minor cleanups. Method 2 (complete reinstallation) is more thorough and recommended when you suspect significant performance issues or conflicts with add-ons. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical comfort level. Remember, always back up important data before making any significant changes to your Kodi installation.