WordPress Tips

Solving The Most Common WordPress Problems

NOYO Web Development Inc. uses and recommends WordPress for business because of its power, functionality, and ease of use. But like all technology, sometimes something can go wrong. Here’s a look at the 10 most common WordPress website errors you can avoid.

Errors Establishing a Database Connection

If you have incorrectly modified anything pertaining to database credentials, you will receive an error message that tells you it is unable to connect to the database. Double check that the message is on both the front end and back end. If not, the database has been corrupted. If they are the same, you may need help from a web developer with the wp-config.php file.

The White Screen of Death (WSOD)

If you are staring at the WSOD with no error message, you may have reached the PHP memory limit. It may also be a configuration problem on the server. Try increasing the PHP memory limit. If that doesn’t work, try disabling all the plugins. Re-enable them one at a time to find the problem by process of elimination.

The Internal Server Error

The famous “500 Internal Server Error” means the server has no clue about the problem. This may be a corrupted file. Try renaming the file and reload the page. If the error message continues, this may be a PHP memory issue.

The Syntax Error

Usually, this error comes from code snippets that are missing a bracket or have some unnecessary character in the code.

Returning 404 Error

If this message appears on only one page of your website, you may need to manually update the rewrite rules or reconfigure the permalinks setting. If this does not work, you may need to update the .htaccess file. If you are unsure, check with your web developer.

Sidebar Below Content Error

If the sidebar appears below the content rather than next to it, this indicates a CSS or HTML error in the theme. It may be a dropped HTML div tag or another issue. Or it could be related to a float property or width ratio if you are using a custom theme. You will need to add “float: left;” and “float: right” to the necessary elements of the theme.

Missing Buttons and White Text

Occasionally, buttons will disappear or show as white space. This could be a problem with the JavaScript in the admin panel. It could also be a plugin causing the issue. Try clearing the browser cache or use a different browser. If this doesn’t work, your web developer may need to fix the problem.

WordPress Memory Exhausted Error – Increase PHP Memory

This occurs when you have exhausted the default memory size. You can fix this through the main PHP tag of the wp-config.php file by adding: “define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ’64M’).” This changes the limit to 64M.

Image Upload Issues

If your images are gone with broken placeholders in their stead, this is usually an incorrect file and directory permissions problem at install. You can fix this by changing the permissions for the image directory.

Login Page Refreshing and Redirecting

If you are redirected to the login page every time you attempt to login, it may be an issue with incorrect values for the home URL and site URL fields. Try clearing the cache of cookies, but keep cookies enabled. WordPress uses cookies for login authentication. Restart the browser. If this doesn’t work, you may have a problem with a plugin.

NOYO Web Development Inc. has worked with WordPress since its inception. We have the in-depth knowledge and skills to quickly identify and fix errors. Give us a call today, and let us help you with solutions to your WordPress issues.