Knowledge Base

How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death

One of the most frustrating issues encountered in WordPress is the error known as the "White Screen of Death" (WSOD). This error manifests as the sudden disappearance of your website's content, replaced by a blank white screen. There can be multiple causes for this, and it can be difficult to diagnose, especially since it usually doesn't include an error message.

Possible Causes:

• Plugin Conflicts: If you encounter the white screen error after installing a new plugin or updating an existing one, the issue is most likely due to a plugin conflict.
• Theme Issues: A poorly coded or outdated WordPress Theme can also cause the white screen error. Such issues are more common, especially in custom-developed themes.
• PHP Memory Limit: WordPress runs using PHP, and if your website consumes too many resources (e.g., large images or complex plugins), you may reach the PHP memory limit. This can lead to the white screen error.
• Faulty Code: Incorrect code changes made to your WordPress files (especially in theme files) can also cause this problem.
• Server Issues: Rarely, server-side issues (e.g., insufficient server resources or errors in server software) can cause the white screen error. Your chances of encountering this increase, especially if your WordPress Hosting package has resource limitations.

Solutions:

1. Disabling Plugins:
   • Access via FTP: Since you cannot access the WordPress admin panel, connect to your server using an FTP client (such as FileZilla).
   • Renaming the Plugin Folder: Go to the `wp-content` folder and rename the `plugins` folder to, for example, `plugins_disabled`. This will disable all plugins.
   • Checking the Website: Check your website. If the white screen error is gone, the problem is caused by a plugin.
   • Activating Plugins One by One: Rename the `plugins_disabled` folder back to `plugins`. Then, activate each plugin one by one and check your website after each activation. If the error reappears after activating a specific plugin, that is the problematic plugin.
   • Removing/Replacing the Problematic Plugin: Delete or update the problematic plugin. If there is no updated version, you may consider finding an alternative plugin.
2. Checking the Theme:
   • Switching to the Default Theme: Using FTP, go to the `wp-content/themes` folder and rename your active theme's folder (e.g., `mytheme`) to `mytheme_disabled`. This will cause WordPress to automatically switch to the default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Three).
   • Checking the Website: Check your website. If the white screen error is gone, the problem is caused by your theme.
   • Updating/Replacing the Theme: Update your theme or consider using a different theme. If your theme is custom-developed, you can contact the developer to resolve the issue.
3. Increasing the PHP Memory Limit:

   You can try the following methods to increase the PHP memory limit:

   • Editing the wp-config.php File: Connect to your server via FTP and open the `wp-config.php` file located in the WordPress root directory. Add the following code after the `<?php` tag:

   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

   • Editing the .htaccess File: Open the `.htaccess` file located in the WordPress root directory and add the following code:

   php_value memory_limit 256M

   • Editing the php.ini File: If you have access to your server, you can increase the memory limit by editing the `php.ini` file. This file is usually located in the server configuration folder.

   Important: Avoid setting the memory limit too high, as this can negatively affect your server's performance. Determine an appropriate value according to your needs.

4. Enabling Debugging Mode:

   Enabling debugging mode in WordPress can help you understand the cause of the error.

   • Editing the wp-config.php File: Connect to your server via FTP and open the `wp-config.php` file located in the WordPress root directory. Find the following code, `define('WP_DEBUG', false);`, and change the `false` value to `true`:

   define('WP_DEBUG', true);

   • Checking Error Messages: After enabling debugging mode, visit your website again. This time, you may see error messages instead of a white screen. These messages will help you identify the source of the problem.
5. Contacting the Server Provider:

   If none of the above solutions work, contact your server provider. A problem on the server side may be causing the white screen error, and your server provider can help you with this.

Example Case Study: An e-commerce site owner encountered a white screen error after installing a new payment plugin. By using the method of disabling plugins, they determined that the problem was caused by the newly installed payment plugin. After deleting the plugin, the website started working normally again.

How to Fix WordPress Database Connection Error?

A WordPress database connection error means that your website cannot connect to the database. This error usually manifests itself with a message like "Error Establishing a Database Connection". This situation prevents your visitors from accessing your website and needs to be resolved quickly.

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect Database Information: The wrong database name, username, password, or server address may have been entered in the `wp-config.php` file.
• Database Server Issues: The database server (e.g., MySQL) may be down, overloaded, or experiencing another issue.
• Database Corruption: Your database may be corrupted. This can occur due to sudden power outages, server crashes, or faulty plugins/themes.
• Database User Permissions: Your database user may not have the necessary permissions.
• Server Issues: A general server-side issue (e.g., a network connection problem) may affect the database connection.

Solutions:

1. Checking the wp-config.php File:
   • Access via FTP: Connect to your server using an FTP client and open the `wp-config.php` file located in the WordPress main directory.
   • Verifying Database Information: Check the following lines and make sure you have entered the correct database information:
     • `define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');`
     • `define('DB_USER', 'username');`
     • `define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');`
     • `define('DB_HOST', 'server_name');`
   • Checking the DB_HOST Value: The `DB_HOST` value is usually `localhost`, but in some cases, your server provider may require you to use a different value. Contact your server provider to find out the correct `DB_HOST` value.
   • Saving Changes: After making the necessary changes, save the `wp-config.php` file and check your website again.
2. Checking the Database Server:
   • Using cPanel or Similar Panel: If you have access to cPanel or a similar control panel, make sure the database server is running.
   • Contacting the Server Provider: If you cannot check whether the database server is running, contact your server provider and report the situation.
3. Repairing the Database:
   • Editing the wp-config.php File: Connect to your server via FTP and open the `wp-config.php` file located in the WordPress main directory. Add the following code after the `<?php` tag:

   define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

   • Visiting the Database Repair Page: In your web browser, visit `http://www.example.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php` (replace example.com with your own domain name).
   • Repairing and Optimizing the Database: Choose one of the options to repair and optimize the database and start the process.
   • Removing the WP_ALLOW_REPAIR Value: After the database repair is complete, remove the `define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);` line in the `wp-config.php` file for security reasons.
4. Checking Database User Permissions:
   • Using cPanel or Similar Panel: If you have access to cPanel or a similar control panel, make sure your database user has the necessary permissions. Usually, the user should have all permissions (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE, DROP, ALTER, etc.).
   • Contacting the Server Provider: If you cannot check user permissions, contact your server provider and report the situation.
5. Reinstalling WordPress:

   As a last resort, you may consider reinstalling WordPress. Be careful as this process will delete all your data. Do not perform this process without backing up your database.

Example Case Study: A blogger encountered a database connection error after moving their website to a different server. Upon checking the database information in the `wp-config.php` file, they realized that the new server's database server address was different. After entering the correct server address, the website started working normally again.

Most Common Error Codes and Solutions for WordPress

There are many error codes that you may encounter while using WordPress. These error codes can help us understand the source of the problem and find a solution. Below are some of the most common error codes and suggested solutions:

How to Fix WordPress Image Upload Error?

The image upload error in WordPress is a problem encountered when uploading images or other media files to the media library. This error usually manifests itself with a message such as "HTTP error" or "Failed to upload file". This situation prevents the visual enrichment of the content on your website and negatively affects the user experience.

Possible Reasons:

• File Permissions: Incorrect permissions for the folders where WordPress uploads media files (usually `wp-content/uploads`).
• PHP Memory Limit: An insufficient PHP memory limit, which can cause problems especially when uploading large images.
• Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins can affect the image uploading process and cause errors.
• Theme Issues: Rarely, an issue in your theme can cause an image upload error.
• .htaccess File: Incorrect configurations in the `.htaccess` file can prevent the image uploading process.
• File Size Limit: Trying to upload images that exceed the file size limit set on your server or in WordPress.
• Incorrect File Type: Trying to upload an unsupported file type.

Solutions:

1. Checking File Permissions:
   • Access via FTP: Connect to your server using an FTP client and navigate to the `wp-content/uploads` folder.
   • Setting Permissions: Make sure the folder permissions are 755 (drwxr-xr-x) and the file permissions are 644 (drw-r--r--). Use the properties or permissions section of your FTP client to change permissions.
   • Checking Subfolders as Well: Make sure that the subfolders within the `uploads` folder (e.g., 2023/01, 2023/02, etc.) also have the correct permissions.
2. Increasing the PHP Memory Limit: (Explained above)
3. Disabling Plugins: (Explained above)
4. Checking the Theme: (Explained above)
5. Checking the .htaccess File:
   • Access via FTP: Connect to your server using an FTP client and open the `.htaccess` file located in the WordPress root directory.
   • Checking for Erroneous Code: Check the file for erroneous or unnecessary lines of code. If you are unsure, back up the file and replace its contents with the default WordPress `.htaccess` content:

   # BEGIN WordPress
   <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteBase /
   RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
   RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
   </IfModule>
   # END WordPress

6. Checking the File Size Limit:
   • Checking WordPress Settings: In the WordPress admin panel, go to the "Media" section and check the "Maximum Upload Size" setting. Make sure this value is larger than the size of the image you are trying to upload.
   • Checking Server Settings: Check the `upload_max_filesize` and `post_max_size` settings in the `php.ini` file on your server. Make sure these values are larger than the maximum upload size in WordPress. You may need to contact your server provider to change these settings.
7. Checking for Incorrect File Type:
   • Checking Supported File Types: WordPress generally supports common image formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, and WebP. Make sure the file you are trying to upload is in a supported format.
   • Checking the File Extension: Make sure the file extension is correct (e.g., using `.jpeg` instead of `.jpg`).

Example Case Study: A photographer consistently encountered a visual upload error while trying to upload large-sized photos to their WordPress website. After increasing the PHP memory limit and checking the `.htaccess` file, they realized the issue stemmed from file permissions. After setting the permissions of the `wp-content/uploads` folder to 755, they were able to upload photos without any issues.

WordPress Vulnerabilities and Solutions

Wordpress, being the world's most popular content management system (CMS), is also a target for cyber attackers. Ensuring the security of your WordPress site is critical to protecting your data and ensuring your website runs smoothly.

Most Common WordPress Security Vulnerabilities:

• Plugin and Theme Vulnerabilities: Poorly coded or outdated plugins and themes can be an easy entry point for cyber attackers.
• Weak Passwords: Weak usernames and passwords can be easily compromised by brute-force attacks.
• SQL Injection: Attackers can access your database through SQL injection and steal or modify your data.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Attackers can inject malicious code into your website via XSS and run it in users' browsers.
• File Upload Vulnerabilities: Attackers can upload malicious files to your website through file upload vulnerabilities and take control of your server.
• Brute-Force Attacks: Attackers try to guess your username and password with brute-force attacks.
• Outdated WordPress Version: Outdated versions of WordPress may contain known security vulnerabilities.

Security Solutions:

1. Keeping WordPress Updated:
   • Enable Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for WordPress to ensure security patches are installed automatically.
   • Update Manually: If you are not using automatic updates, regularly check for the latest version of WordPress and update it manually.
2. Keeping Plugins and Themes Updated:
   • Check for Plugin and Theme Updates: Regularly check for plugin and theme updates and install the latest versions.
   • Install Plugins and Themes from Trusted Sources: Only install plugins and themes from trusted sources (e.g., WordPress.org).
   • Delete Unused Plugins and Themes: Reduce potential security vulnerabilities by deleting plugins and themes you are not using.
3. Using Strong Passwords:
   • Create Complex Passwords: Use complex and hard-to-guess passwords (e.g., combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols).
   • Use a Password Manager: Use a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
   • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Make unauthorized access to your account more difficult by enabling two-factor authentication.
4. Using Security Plugins:
   • Choosing a Security Plugin: Install and configure one of the popular security plugins such as iThemes Security, Wordfence Security, or Sucuri Security.
   • Configuring Security Plugin Settings: Properly configure the security plugin's settings to enable features such as firewall, malware scanning, and brute-force attack protection.
5. Setting File Permissions Correctly:
   • Checking File Permissions: Make sure file and folder permissions are set correctly (typically 755 for folders and 644 for files).
   • Protecting the wp-config.php File: Protect the `wp-config.php` file against unauthorized access (e.g., block access with the `.htaccess` file).
6. Backing Up the Database Regularly:
   • Setting Up Automatic Backups: Use a backup solution to automatically back up your database regularly (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy).
   • Storing Backups in a Safe Place: Store your backups in a safe place (e.g., a cloud storage service).
7. Using an SSL Certificate:
   • Installing an SSL Certificate: Encrypt the communication between your website and your visitors by installing an SSL certificate on your website.
   • Redirecting to HTTPS: Increase security by redirecting all traffic to HTTPS.
8. Protecting the Login Page:
   • Changing the Login URL: Make brute-force attacks more difficult by changing the default login URL (`wp-admin` or `wp-login.php`).
   • Enabling Login Limitation: Prevent brute-force attacks by limiting failed login attempts.

Example Case Study: An online store owner noticed that credit card information was stolen due to security vulnerabilities on the website. By contacting security experts, the website's security vulnerabilities were identified and fixed. Strong passwords were used, a security plugin was installed, WordPress and plugins were updated, and an SSL certificate was used. Thanks to these measures, the website's security was significantly increased and similar attacks were prevented.

How to Fix WordPress Permalink Error?

A WordPress permalink error is when the URLs of the pages and posts on your website do not work correctly. This error usually manifests itself as a 404 Not Found error. Permalinks are important for search engine optimization (SEO) and allow users to easily navigate your website. Therefore, permalink errors need to be resolved quickly.

Possible Causes:

• .htaccess File Issues: The `.htaccess` file is missing, corrupted, or misconfigured.
• Apache Mod_rewrite Module: The `mod_rewrite` module is not enabled on the Apache web server.
• Incorrect Permalink Settings: Incorrect permalink settings are selected in the WordPress admin panel.
• Server Configuration: Rarely, a problem in the server configuration can cause permalink errors.

Solutions:

1. Checking and Recreating the .htaccess File:
   • Access via FTP: Connect to your server using an FTP client and open the `.htaccess` file located in the WordPress root directory.
   • Checking File Content: Make sure the file content is correct. If you are unsure, back up the file and replace its content with the following default WordPress `.htaccess` content:

   # BEGIN WordPress
   <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteBase /
   RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
   RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
   </IfModule>
   # END WordPress

   • Saving Permalinks: In the WordPress admin panel, go to "Settings" -> "Permalinks" and click the "Save Changes" button without making any changes. This will cause WordPress to automatically regenerate the `.htaccess` file.
2. Checking the Apache Mod_rewrite Module:
   • Contacting the Server Provider: Contact your server provider to check if the `mod_rewrite` module is enabled on the Apache web server.
   • Enabling the Module: If the module is not enabled, ask your server provider to enable it.
3. Checking Permalink Settings:
   • Logging into the WordPress Admin Panel: Log into the WordPress admin panel.
   • Going to the Permalinks Page: Go to "Settings" -> "Permalinks".
   • Selecting an Appropriate Permalink Structure: Choose an SEO-friendly permalink structure such as "Post name" or "Custom Structure".
   • Saving Changes: Click the "Save Changes" button.

Example Case Study: A news site owner encountered a permalink error after moving their website to a new server. When they checked the `.htaccess` file, they noticed that the file was missing. By following the steps above, they recreated the `.htaccess` file and checked the permalink settings. As a result, the permalink error was resolved and the website started working normally again.

Remember that solving problems with WordPress can sometimes be complex. If the solutions in this article do not work, it may be helpful to seek help from a WordPress expert. You can also visit Eka Sunucu for Wordpress installation and hosting services.