Knowledgebase

WordPress Fatal Error

A "Fatal Error" in WordPress is an error message that indicates a severe problem that prevents the site from functioning properly. It usually leads to a white screen of death or a similar error page. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve a fatal error in WordPress:

  1. Check the Error Message:

    • The error message will provide important clues about what went wrong. It might include a file path and line number. Look for keywords that can help identify the issue.
  2. Check Recent Changes:

    • Think about any recent changes you made to your site, such as installing a new plugin, updating a theme, or modifying the code. Reverting those changes might solve the problem.
  3. Enable Debugging:

    • Edit your wp-config.php file and set WP_DEBUG to true:

      php
    • define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
    • This will display detailed error messages on your site, which can provide more information about the issue.

  1. Check for Plugin Conflicts:

    • If you can access the WordPress admin area, deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one by one to see if the error returns. If it does, you've identified the problematic plugin.
  2. Check for Theme Conflicts:

    • Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One and see if the error persists. If not, there may be an issue with your theme.
  3. Review Recent Code Changes:

    • If you recently modified your theme files or added custom code snippets, review those changes for any syntax errors or incorrect code.
  4. Check File Permissions:

    • Ensure that file permissions are set correctly. Incorrect permissions can cause issues with reading or executing files.
  5. Verify Database Integrity:

    • Use a plugin like WP-DBManager or phpMyAdmin to check and repair your WordPress database. A corrupted database can lead to fatal errors.
  6. Reinstall Core Files:

    • Re-upload fresh copies of your WordPress core files (excluding the wp-content folder and wp-config.php) using an FTP client.
  7. Review Server Logs:

    • Access your server's error logs to get more information about what's causing the issue. Look for any specific error messages that might provide clues.
  8. Contact Hosting Support:

    • If none of the above steps work, get in touch with your hosting provider's support team. They may be able to provide specific advice based on their server configuration.
  9. Seek Professional Help:

    • If you're not comfortable troubleshooting these issues yourself, consider hiring a professional WordPress developer or consultant to assist you.

Always make sure to back up your site before making any significant changes. This way, you can easily restore your site to a working state if anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

  • 0 Users Found This Useful
Was this answer helpful?