Lots of possibilities here.

Softaculous is probably a better bet.

Error also occurs on a non-existent .htaccess.

Upped this question because of issues transferring providers where the source does not permit export of backup files, but of the sql db. The destination is a CPanel outfit, where a copy of the WP files is no issue - just the sql DBs. Research into the inner workings is likely incomplete, however.