3 Common WordPress Errors

The WordPress Platform

How You Can Fix WordPress Errors

The WordPress platform and CMS is stable software and operates without any problems for the most part. There are some instances, however, when even experienced users experience a problem. If you are experiencing a problem, don’t worry – WordPress errors have solutions. Here is a look at some of the most common errors, what causes them, and what you can do to fix them.

WordPress Error #1: Being Unable to Establish Connection with the Database

When trying to access your site, if you get this error, there is a problem with accessing the database. There could be a few causes for this. The main cause is due to a problem with the wp-config.php file, such as details relating to the database being incorrectly entered.

Sometimes these errors occur due to a web host problem. This is particularly common with shared servers. Either the host is experiencing downtime or your database is going over the allotted limit.

A third possible explanation is that your website is being hacked.

Solutions

If you suspect that it might be the wp-config.php file, use your FTP to locate it and open it. Go through it to confirm that the details such as database name, host, username, password, etc… are correct.

You can also check with your web host to see if it is experiencing any downtime, or if you went over any limits. If you suspect that your site is hacked, you’ll need plugins to ensure that it is clean. There are also FAQs and resources available that explain how to deal with a hacked or compromised site.

WordPress Error #2: Your Blog/Admin is Displaying a Blank Page

This usually happens right after an upgrade or installation of a new theme. The entire blog, in addition to the WordPress administration login page, is displaying a blank page, and there is no way for you to access the dashboard.

Solutions

There are quite a few things you can try to do in order to fix this error:

– Use the FTP to reset the plugin folder and rename the folder to “plugins-temp”.

– Rename the folder of the newly installed theme via FTP, which will force WordPress to select the default theme. Once the default theme is put into service, you should be able to access the wp-admin.

– When you are able to login to the wp-admin, check to make sure that the theme is compatible with the version of WordPress you are using.

WordPress Error #3: Getting an Internal Server Error

Even though your site was fine the last time you checked, you suddenly get a 500 Internal Server Error. This can be caused by a corrupt .htaccess file, conflicting theme or plugin, or a corrupt installation. Sometimes the error may be caused by PHP memory limits.

Solutions

Login to your site via FTP and rename the .htaccess file, which is located in the same directory as folders such as wp-admin and wp-content. After renaming the .htaccess file, simply try loading the site to see if the problem is solved. If it is, then go to Settings-Permalinks and save the changes. As a result, a new .htaccess file with the correct rewrite rules will be generated.

If this solution doesn’t work, you might want to try increasing the PHP memory limit. This can be done by creating a blank text file called php.ini and pasting the memory=64MB code in it. Save it and upload it into the wp-admin/folder via FTP.

These are some of the most common WordPress errors. If you ever experience these, you now know what to do!

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