WordPress Errors

Troubleshooting WordPress errors like the White Screen of Death (WSOD) and Internal Server Error can be crucial for maintaining a functioning website. Here's a comprehensive guide to address these issues:

White Screen of Death (WSOD) Resolution:

Step 1: Enable WordPress Debugging

1. Edit wp-config.php: Access the wp-config.php file via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
2. Add Debugging Code: Insert define('WP_DEBUG', true); and define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); to enable debug mode and log errors to a file.

Step 2: Increase PHP Memory Limit

1. Edit wp-config.php: Add define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to increase PHP memory limit. Adjust the value based on requirements.
2. .htaccess or PHP.ini: If allowed, modify the .htaccess file or PHP.ini to increase memory limit.

Step 3: Deactivate Plugins/Themes

1. Access wp-content: Via FTP or File Manager, navigate to the wp-content folder.
2. Rename Plugins/Themes Folder: Rename the "plugins" folder to something else (e.g., "plugins_old") to deactivate all plugins. If this resolves the issue, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.
3. Switch to Default Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to check if the issue is related to the active theme.

Step 4: Check File Permissions

1. File Permissions: Ensure correct file permissions (typically 644 for files and 755 for directories). Use FTP or cPanel File Manager to adjust permissions.
2. wp-config.php: Set wp-config.php permissions to 600 for enhanced security.

Step 5: Restore Backup or Core Files

1. Restore Backup: If available, restore a backup of your website to a point where it was functioning properly.
2. Reinstall Core Files: Reinstall WordPress core files by downloading the latest version from wordpress.org and uploading files via FTP, except wp-content folder.

Internal Server Error Resolution:

Step 1: Check .htaccess File

1. Access .htaccess: Locate and edit the .htaccess file using FTP or File Manager.
2. Rename or Delete .htaccess: Rename the file to something like ".htaccess_old" or delete it temporarily to check if it resolves the error.
3. WordPress Dashboard: Go to Settings -> Permalinks and click "Save Changes" to regenerate the .htaccess file.

Step 2: Verify File Permissions

1. File Permissions: Ensure file permissions are correctly set (as mentioned in the WSOD resolution section).
2. File Ownership: Verify correct ownership of files and directories to prevent permission-related issues.

Step 3: Examine Server Logs

1. Server Error Logs: Access server error logs via cPanel or contact hosting support to check for specific error messages.
2. Identify Errors: Look for PHP error logs to pinpoint the cause of the Internal Server Error.

Step 4: Contact Hosting Support

1. Hosting Provider: Reach out to hosting support for assistance if the issue persists after trying the aforementioned steps.
2. Error Investigation: Provide them with relevant details, such as error logs and steps taken, for a more accurate diagnosis.

Additional Tips:

• Backup Regularly: Maintain regular backups of your WordPress site to revert to a working state if needed.
• Keep WordPress Updated: Ensure WordPress core, themes, and plugins are updated to the latest versions to minimize potential errors.

Remember, when dealing with these errors, it's important to take precautions and consider the potential impact of changes. If uncertain, seeking assistance from a developer or hosting support can provide more specific guidance for your site's situation.