Getting started
- If you have not published all of your latest changes or pages, make sure to complete sections A, B, and C.
- If you are sure that you have published all of your latest changes or pages, just complete section B.
Section A: Back up your SiteBuilder data files
If you are using:
- Windows XP go to C:\Program Files\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites.
- Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8 go to C:\ProgramData\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites. To learn how to find this folder, read Show hidden folders in Windows.
You will see one or more folders named "XXXXXXXXXX", but with a number sequence instead of the letter "X". Copy the folders to a "backup" location on your computer hard drive, like C:\sitebackup.

Section B: Perform the clean installation of SiteBuilder
Uninstall SiteBuilder
- Close all of your Web browser sessions.
- Go to the Control Panel. (Click Start in the lower left corner of your computer desktop. Then click Control Panel.)
- In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
- When the Add or Remove Programs window appears, select Homestead SiteBuilder, and click Change/Remove. Then click Next.
- To confirm the deletion click OK.
- When the deletion is complete, go to your SiteBuilder directory and delete it.
- Windows XP users go to: C:\Program Files\Homestead\SiteBuilder.
- Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8 users go to: C:\ProgramData\Homestead.
- Remove all SiteBuilder Shortcuts:
- If you have a SiteBuilder icon on your desktop, drag it to the Recycle Bin.
- Click Start in the lower left corner of your computer desktop. If you see Sitebuilder in the start menu right click on the file name and click Remove from This List.
- Click Start in the lower left corner of your computer desktop and select All Programs. If you see Homestead >SiteBuilder in the All Programs list right click SiteBuilder and Click Delete.
- Restart your computer. This will safely remove SiteBuilder from your computer.
Note: In Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8, Program Data is a hidden folder. For more information, go to Show Hidden Folders .
Reinstall SiteBuilder
- Go online and open a Web browser (make sure you have disabled any firewall programs like ZoneAlarm or Norton Internet Security).
- Go to: https://www.homestead.com/~site/Scripts_SiteManager/SiteManager.dll?CMD=CMDDownloadPage.
- Click Download.
- If you are using:
- Internet Explorer
- File Download Security Warning box will open, click Run.
- Internet Explorer Security Warning box will open, click Run.
- Mozilla Firefox
- Opening SiteBuilderSetup.exe box will open. Click Save File.
- In the Downloads window double click, SiteBuilderSetup.exe
- Open File Security Warning box will open. Click Run.
- The SiteBuilder Install Wizard will launch. Click Next to Download and Install SiteBuilder.
- You will need to choose an install location for SiteBuilder. Click Next to begin install to the default location. Approximately 8 MBs of files will download to your computer during installation, so it may take several minutes on a dial-up connection. After the installation is completed, the following message appears: Click Finish to launch SiteBuilder.
- Click Finish and SiteBuilder will start.
- After SiteBuilder has started, enter your Login Name and Password, and click OK.
- Under Open Site, select a site from the dropdown menu, and click OK.
- Close SiteBuilder.
Note: Make sure you are connected to the Internet throughout this process. During installation SiteBuilder files will need to be downloaded and unpacked to your computer, so it may take several minutes to complete the process. If you are installing the .NET version of SiteBuilder, you'll need to have .NET 2.0 installed. Use the following links according to your system requirements:
32 Bit Systems: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=en
64 Bit Systems: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b44a0000-acf8-4fa1-affb-40e78d788b00&displaylang=en
Section C: Restore your SiteBuilder Data files
- Go to the location where you backed up your site folders in Section A.
- Select the folders and copy them (CTRL+C).
- Navigate into the SiteBuilder folder on your hard drive.
- Windows XP users locate the following folder: C:\Program Files\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites.
- Windows Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8 users locate the following folder: C:\ProgramData\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites.
- Paste the backup site folders into that location (CTRL+V).
- Now that your clean installation is complete, try starting SiteBuilder again.
SiteBuilder will normally run fine at this point. If it does not then there may be something on the computer interfering with the program, usually security/antivirus software. Just turning it off does not always prevent it from interfering so you will likely have to find the section in the software to add the SiteBuilde “exes” as program exceptions. Every program (security software) is different so you will need to look for a section to exclude programs from being blocked. If you can’t find it by clicking around in the program just you can Google it.
The exes that need to be added as program exceptions are all the ones in C:\Program Files (x86)\Homestead\SiteBuilder:
SiteBuilderLPX.exe
SiteBuilderLPXLauncher.exe
SiteBuilderLPXLauncherUpdated.exe
updater.exe
ForceUpdate.exe
Mike F., Alum
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184,678 Points
Posted 6 years ago
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152 Points
I am trying to update a customers website and I keep getting "sitebuilderLPX.exe has stopped working" then it shuts down. I am so frustrated. Anytime I do anything on a page I hurry and save it before it shuts down. I can get a few things done before it happens. And I am also having trouble publishing the pages. They don't publish correctly. This web site has lots of pictures. I have wasted more time on this project. I sure could use some help with this.
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140 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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2,456 Points
http://supportdownloads.homestead.com/sitebuilderdotnet.zip
Found this in one of my old emails from 2012.
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582 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
There is a large data migration going on which is affecting some people in accessing Sitebuilder desktop. It also affects a few Sitebuilder Plus users. Most people are able to access Plus to make important updates. Have you tried?
Data migration
Drew
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312 Points
I cannot preview my pages using site builder plus. Site builder Desk top does not work anymore for several months now. My pages get locked and cannot open; it is chaos and complete mess over the whole month of december more than ever, will there be any fixing for these issues?
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
The migration had quite a few people offline, but they all seem to be working in desktop again. If this installation method doesn't resolve it, then let us know exactly what is happening and what version of Windows you use.
Thanks
Drew
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312 Points
It is very distressing and needless try to call Homestead no one respond. Trying to figure out what the best move to make but so much loss of time and everything else it is just not anything pleasant to experience. Understand the transition is some of the reasons for the problems but in the meantime this remains a paid service and there is no let up with collecting inspite of the mess.
I hope the situation wil be resolve soon.
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2,456 Points
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448 Points
Hello,
I have a problem publishing from my desktop for the website www.pintonsw.com
I use windows 7.
It allows me to edit and save but when I ask it to publish
it freezes.
P.S. - IT WAS WORKING BEFORE THIS "DATA MIGRATION" WHICH HAS GONE ON FOR WEEKS NOW - PLEASE DON'T ASK ME TO DELETE PUBLISHER AND DOWNLOAD IT AGAIN.........
I got the error message below:
Description:
A problem caused this
program to stop interacting with Windows.
Problem signature:
Problem Event
Name:
AppHangB1
Application
Name:
SiteBuilderLPX.exe
Application
Version:
0.0.0.0
Application
Timestamp:
540f620a
Hang
Signature:
20b1
Hang
Type:
6400
OS
Version:
6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Locale
ID:
3081
Additional Hang
Signature 1:
20b14ad2ae81c734f2c85144d63f46fe
Additional Hang
Signature 2: b260
Additional Hang
Signature 3:
b26016f4e41a3ca77264793743747a66
Additional Hang
Signature 4: 20b1
Additional Hang
Signature 5:
20b14ad2ae81c734f2c85144d63f46fe
Additional Hang
Signature 6: b260
Additional Hang
Signature 7:
b26016f4e41a3ca77264793743747a66
Can you tell me what this means? Is it something you can
help with?
Michele
I am paying monthly fees for nothing at the moment...... just want things to work!
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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448 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
I did read your post, and I am sorry. Prior to 2 days ago a reinstall would have done no good for your connection. The connections should be back online now. I am downloading your site now to check it out, but it going to take a bit. I don't know if you previously followed these instructions and deleted the hidden folders, but that is usually necessary. You are the first contact I have had since Wednesday of someone who is still not able to access desktop Sitebuilder.
You can try these steps exactly, or you can wait for me to see if I am able to publish your site from desktop before we do anything more.
Drew
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448 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Drew
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448 Points
I tried to publish one page, nothing. I asked to publish all pages, it started and then.... nothing. Just keeps hanging. It was working fine before this migration, nothing has changed my end.
thanks!
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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2,456 Points
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2,456 Points
Your Web site is not responding
URL: http://www.collettscountrykennel.comTime: Sat Dec 27 11:20:39 EST 2014Error Type: Connection Refused
I have not even been working on it for some time!! I thought this was OVER with??? What is your Explanaition for THIS?????
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448 Points
NOW I CAN'T LOG ON TO MY ACCOUNT!!
"YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED A SERVER ERROR....ETC ETC"
OMG - YOU ARE KILLING ME!! WHAT NOW??
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
I don't see anything about sites being down and that site is coming up for me. We are currently having an issue with logging into your account which may be affecting Sitebuilder desktop as well.
I am sorry, we will restore it as quickly as possible.
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2,456 Points
Your Web Site is no longer on error
URL: http://www.collettscountrykennel.comTime: Sat Dec 27 11:41:49 EST 2014Total Time on Error: 24 minutes, 52 seconds
This is for short periods of time. I did not say it was still down. I have watch Dogs that tell me WHEN and HOW LONG a certain website is DOWN because of a Connection ERROR.
This is the Website on LINE not SITEBUILDER This is HOMESTEAD!!
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2,456 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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2,456 Points
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448 Points
I uninstalled and reinstalled Site Builder - added exceptions on Norton for every .exe, everything looked good.... but I still can't publish. I use Windows 7 - I AM AT A LOSS....WHAT CAN I DO??
Description:
A problem caused this program to stop interacting with Windows.
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: AppHangB1
Application Name: SiteBuilderLPX.exe
Application Version: 0.0.0.0
Application Timestamp: 540f620a
Hang Signature: 20b1
Hang Type: 6400
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Locale ID: 3081
Additional Hang Signature 1: 20b14ad2ae81c734f2c85144d63f46fe
Additional Hang Signature 2: b260
Additional Hang Signature 3: b26016f4e41a3ca77264793743747a66
Additional Hang Signature 4: 20b1
Additional Hang Signature 5: 20b14ad2ae81c734f2c85144d63f46fe
Additional Hang Signature 6: b260
Additional Hang Signature 7: b26016f4e41a3ca77264793743747a66
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2,456 Points
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448 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
It's rare, but a few times I have had success by uninstalling the security software on the computer and then installing Sitebuilder. See if you can launch Sitebuilder. If so, then leave it running and re-install the security software.
Drew
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2,456 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
You may need DNS changes. Create a private topic and we'll take a look. The DNS topic has a link to creating a private conversation.
Drew
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448 Points
Sorry, you have experienced an unexpected server error. We are working to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. Please try again later.Any clues as to when I can log on??
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448 Points
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448 Points
after a bit of trouble..... I have reinstalled Sitebuilder and it is running...... BUT I cannot publish the INDEX page....... every other page publishes no problem... Is this something you can advise me on please?
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2,456 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
I'm glad. In the file manager does it show a publish icon? Are you viewing a cached copy?
Drew
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448 Points
Cached copy???....... I don't know??? Sorry - no techspert here :)
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2,456 Points
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162 Points
It stopped working several weeks ago. Called several times. Last time someone at tech support told me that she was going to find out and call me next morning. That was more than a week ago.
"There has been an error loggin in. Please double=check your username and passowrd. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support"
I am able to log in homestead.com but cannot create new pages or edit old ones. The same password to log in Site Builder Desktop does not work.
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Try this first. That error shoud have been resolved, but I have seen a few people that need to reinstall fresh
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2,456 Points
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92 Points
How to update my SiteBuilder from version 2.6? I had followed all the steps but when clicking on Update SiteBuilder icon it tells me I already downloaded the last version.
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18,878 Points
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2,456 Points
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142 Points
had trouble since before christmas. Go to my website and it says offline, don't have a internet connection. Spend several hours and phone calls with homestead. They couldn't resolve the issue, was told it was my computer. Took the computer in the the shop completely clean it up. come home the same thing. Again homestead couldn't do anything. one day I try again and it said online and has been working great for about 2 weeks now till this morning. Back to the same ole garbage it says I am off line. I seen you has a maintenance check last night , so whatever was done messed me up.
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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302 Points
I found the only solution is to close the program and then open it again. The problem is that the program will often be working and then say 'no Internet connection' when there is one.
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312 Points
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142 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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142 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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142 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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142 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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142 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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142 Points
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82 Points
I can't upload my website or publish - The computer locks up - I have tried repeatedly to publish my website or even update it and its a nightmare - I can't afford to have this locking up
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82 Points
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18,878 Points
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212 Points
site builder will not launch How to fix
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18,878 Points
Try a complete re-install of SiteBuilder shown in the article above.
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102 Points
Constant error on the site and it's shuts down. I have been trying for several days to get some pics uploaded from a convention I shot last weekend and the continuous crash is past trying my patience.
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364 Points
Why does Homestead keep crashing? I'm in the process of updating my website pages and adding a couple of new pages. The program closes while I am working on it without saving what I have done. This problem is getting worse.
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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224 Points
I have 2 websites my main site ladyp.homestead.com, every time I try to update this site Homestead Site Builder crashes and I have to go through the login procedure again. Why is this happening? My other site http://maidsuniformsandprissysissydressescustommadeforyou.com does not crash. The only difference between the 2 sites is that my main site pages carry the Google Maps element which were added a few years ago. Could this cause the problem if so is there an up to date Google Maps element.
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282 Points
When Starting Sitebuilder ( not the plus ) it says it needs updating and won't stay online. When I click the update it goes to an error url..
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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282 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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282 Points
windows 10.
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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282 Points
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2,546 Points
Hi. I downloaded Sitebuilder on to my laptop, but when I open it, it freezes while trying to open. (It gets stuck opening "file trees" or whatever). Any ideas? Thanks.trees
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82 Points
Site Builder used to automatically connect to the internet when I launched it from my desktop. Recently it stays OFFLINE and will not connect. Keep getting a message that I must connect to the internet although my PC is connected? Resolve this issue how????
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282 Points
I am on SiteBuilder Win7
I can Import new images, save & Publish
Last 2 days:
When I go to any open folder in the file cabinet - SiteBuilder freezes
I then have to do a alt/ctr delete & stop the program running.
The error window tells me that Sitebuilder is Not working.
Both of these sites act the same:
TshirtsOnYou.com
FruitvilleF210.org
Thanks for any ideas here. K
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634 Points
Desktop version of Site Builder drops "Offline" all the time these days. I know I am online - is there a setting, or something I can check to stop this.
I am working on the site - I upload and it's fine, then it just says "Offline"
Help!
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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634 Points
While working on Desktop version of SiteBuilder it will stop responding at times. Wont let me save, wont publish just stops. If I go to my task manager it shows it's there but not running.
Other times I go to publish and it says Im offline, and I know I'm not. HELP.
And please do not just tell me to use sitebuilder plus online - I like the desk top cause I can work on more than one page at a time.
Todd H, Social Media Specialist
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20,824 Points
Be sure to backup your site files just in case, you can find this folder at C:\ProgramData\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites
After you have saved these files, be sure to uninstall the program from your Control Panel. You will want to delete the Homestead folder out of C:\ProgramData and you will want to delete the other folder in C:\Program Files (x86)\Homestead most likely.
After these 2 folders are removed, go ahead and try to re-install the builder. After it is launched, you can then copy your backed up site files back in the same folder again, at C:\ProgramData\Homestead\SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites.
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634 Points
just stops saving or publishing.
other times when I go to publish it gives me the normal window say I'm offline and do I want to continue offline.
Todd H, Social Media Specialist
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20,824 Points
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274 Points
sitebuilder locks up. This happens when software is generating the index mostly on the home page. have to use task manager to shut down program
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82 Points
Error message: New update required??? my internet is connected so why isnt my SiteBuilder updating. Its asking me to close & relaunch SiteBuilder while Im connected to the internet... but I already am??
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2,524 Points
Old sitebuilder persistently stops launching. I have used it for 20 years but I have it on several computers and it always seems to stop launching. I have seen a technician who spent a lot of time on it. I have just bought another laptop with windows 7 freshly loaded and sitebuilder worked for two weeks and stopped. Jon
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122 Points
I can no longer publish my pages. Your site says to reload the Homestead but cannot find a way to reinstall Homestead website. call me at 713-906-4867
themieleman, Champion
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66,170 Points
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232 Points
As soon as I make even the smallest change absolutely everything locks up and will not even allow the change just made to be saved. I then have to resort to ctrl alt delete in order to logout of Sitebuilder. www.stevedellwoodturning.com
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Keep in mind that if it is important that you be able to edit, you can log in at Homestead.com and use the online editor to make changes and publish.
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232 Points
Not certain I understand your reply.
Can you tell me what a programdata folder is? It’s not something I have been aware of in the approx 12 years I have had a site with Homestead.
Also, have just logged into my site at Homestead, in the hope that I could do an update on line, as I think you had suggested in your reply and the gallery page that I had been working on looks like it’s been hit by a bomb and nothing like the version I currently have when I log on to sitebuilder at home or when the site is viewed via the internet
Feeling rather frustrated at the moment!!
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Is the published site correct? Unfortunately on some occasions older sites don't sync correctly when desktop is usually used. I can have the published copy put into the online editor for you if the published site is up to date.
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232 Points
Windows 7 ? I had updated from 8 to 10 but then my hard drive died on me about 6 months ago and the new hard drive was put back to 8 and as I had not noticed a significant difference between 8 and 10 I stayed with 8, should this make a difference to the current problem?
The site as published is as up to date as I could hope for at the moment and I (think) it’s only the gallery page that is affected at the moment. If you can reset to the published version that would be a helpful start.
Also, assuming I need to, I’am still not certain I know where I find the programdata folder?Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Programdata is hidden, so you need to view hidden folders or type this path in the Windows Explorer address bar. There will be 3 folders. Assuming you are working on the 1 site with the domain the folder will be _1752411914
I will work on getting the online editor working on the current published site.
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232 Points
Further to previous problems. Have now had Sitebuilder reinstalled and Windows upgraded from 8 to 10 as you had suggested and today, the first time I have tried to used Sitebuilder since the reinstall all looked to be working fine for about 10 minutes and then the same problem as before everything totally locked up and as before could only exit via CTRL ALT delete. So I am now back to square one, can you help
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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232 Points
However, I have just become aware that a windows 10 update that I thought had been done just after the installation of 10 had failed have tried several times since and it still fails, have also used the Microsoft troubleshooter. Could this be a reason for the problem with the website ? I also understand from chatter on Google that many others are also having the same problem with the 10 update.
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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232 Points
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232 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
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2,546 Points
Hi Drew,
You wrote:
"I should have said Windows 7 and later. The path is C:\ProgramData\Homestead\Homestead SiteBuilder\data\user\Sites"
I'm wondering if this this is how I can make a backup of my website? I'm using Windows 7 and Sitebuilder desktop. Haven't been able to locate the files to date.
Thanks and I hope you are well.
Todd H, Social Media Specialist
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20,854 Points
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2,546 Points
Drew N, Alum
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262,816 Points
Related Categories
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Sitebuilder Plus
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Drew N, Alum
Try these instructions.
Drew
william0000
Drew N, Alum
I am sorry, what version of Windows are you using?
Drew
william0000
Drew N, Alum
Drew
william0000
Drew N, Alum
william0000
Drew N, Alum
Drew
william0000
Drew N, Alum
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Drew N, Alum
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