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Seeing a “There has been a critical error on this website” message on your WordPress site can be a heart-stopper. But fear not! WordPress websites, while powerful, can sometimes encounter hiccups. The good news is, that these critical errors are often fixable, and you don’t need to be a coding whiz to get your site back online.
In this blog post, compiled by experienced WordPress experts, we’ll break down the most common causes of critical errors and equip you with 6 quick fixes to get your website back up and running smoothly in no time. From pinpointing the culprit with error logs to exploring solutions like restoring a backup or checking for malicious code, we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process step-by-step.
The cryptic “There has been a critical error on this website” message can be frustrating, as it doesn’t reveal the root cause. But fret not! Often, the culprit lies within the complex interplay between your website’s code, plugins, themes, and server environment.
Here’s a breakdown of some common reasons why your WordPress site might be experiencing this critical error:
While these are the most common causes, don’t worry! The next section will equip you with 5 quick fixes to diagnose and resolve the critical error on your WordPress website.
Before diving into specific fixes, it’s important to gather more information about the error. This is where error logs and debug mode come in. Think of them as detective tools to pinpoint the exact issue plaguing your website.
Checking Error Logs:
Enabling Debug Mode:
Remember to save the changes to your wp-config.php file. Now, when you revisit your website and encounter a critical error, the details will be logged in the debug.log file, providing valuable clues for troubleshooting.
Sometimes, incompatible or outdated plugins or themes can be the root cause of critical errors. Here’s how to identify the culprit:
Deactivating Plugins:
Activating Plugins One by One:
Switching Themes:
If these steps don’t pinpoint the culprit, or if the fix involves code modifications, consider reaching out to dedicated WordPress experts. They can provide deeper troubleshooting and ensure a smooth resolution.
If the critical error seems more severe or the troubleshooting process feels overwhelming, restoring a website backup can be a lifesaver. Backups essentially create a snapshot of your website at a specific point in time. Restoring from a backup reverts your website to that state, potentially resolving the error.
Here’s how to restore a website backup (specific steps may vary depending on your hosting provider):
Important Note: Restoring a backup will overwrite any changes made to your website since the backup was created. Make sure the backup is from a point before the critical error occurs.
An outdated PHP version can sometimes trigger critical errors on WordPress websites. PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress, and newer versions often come with bug fixes and performance improvements. Here’s how to check your PHP version and consider upgrading (consult your hosting provider if unsure):
Checking Your PHP Version:
Upgrading PHP (if necessary):
Upgrading PHP is not always the solution, and it’s important to proceed with caution. If you’re unsure, consult your hosting provider for guidance.
In rare cases, critical errors can be caused by malicious code injected into your website’s files. This code can disrupt various functionalities and compromise your website’s security. Here’s a basic overview of how to check for malicious code (consult a security professional for advanced techniques):
Dealing with malicious code can be tricky. If you’re not comfortable with these steps, it’s best to consult a security professional to ensure a safe and effective cleanup.
If none of the previous fixes resolve the critical error, reinstalling WordPress core files can be a last resort. This replaces all core WordPress files with fresh ones, preventing the source of the error. However, it’s important to note that this approach won’t affect your content, themes, or plugins as they reside in separate folders.
Reinstalling core files can deactivate your themes and plugins. You’ll need to reactivate them manually after the reinstall process. Additionally, ensure you have a recent backup of your website before proceeding, just in case.
There are several ways to fix WordPress plugin problems:
The solution depends on the specific cause of the error. This blog post has covered various troubleshooting steps you can take, including:
Whew! We’ve tackled various ways to combat those pesky critical errors on your WordPress website. Remember, even the most robust websites can encounter hiccups occasionally. The key is to be prepared and know how to troubleshoot effectively.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the potential causes, you’ll be well-equipped to diagnose and fix the most critical errors. But what if you dream the peace of mind that comes with knowing your website is in tip-top shape, and constantly monitored for potential issues?
Don’t wait for another critical error to disrupt your website! Let our WordPress experts take the reins. We offer comprehensive maintenance plans that include regular backups, security checks, performance optimization, and of course, expert troubleshooting to ensure your website runs smoothly and error-free.
We encompass a wide range of solutions, including eCommerce development, WordPress development, mobile app development, and digital marketing.