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How to fix internal server error in WordPress
Internal server error can be a frustrating and confusing problem but this guide will show you the most common causes and solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix it now.
Solving the Dreaded Internal Server Error in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide
Internal server errors can be a frustrating and mysterious issue for WordPress users. When you see the “500 Internal Server Error” message, it can be difficult to know where to start troubleshooting. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through the most common causes of internal server errors in WordPress and provide step-by-step solutions to fix the issue and get your website back up and running.
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s important to understand what an internal server error is and what causes it. An internal server error, also known as a “500 error,” occurs when there is a problem with the server or the website’s code. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Corrupted .htaccess file: The .htaccess file is a configuration file that controls the settings for your website. If it becomes corrupted, it can cause an internal server error.
- Exhausted PHP memory limit: WordPress is built using PHP, and each PHP script has a set memory limit. If the limit is exhausted, it can cause an internal server error.
- Plugin or theme conflicts: Installing a new plugin or theme can sometimes cause conflicts with other plugins or themes, which can lead to an internal server error.
- Incorrect file permissions: Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing the files it needs to run, causing an internal server error.
Now that we have a better understanding of what causes internal server errors in WordPress, let’s go over the troubleshooting process.
1. Check the .htaccess file
The first step in troubleshooting an internal server error is to check the .htaccess file. This file is located in the root directory of your website and controls the settings for your website. If it becomes corrupted, it can cause an internal server error.
To check the .htaccess file, you’ll need to access your website’s files using an FTP client or the file manager in your web hosting control panel. Once you’ve accessed the files, look for the .htaccess file in the root directory. If you find it, rename it to something like .htaccess_old. This will deactivate the file, and if the internal server error was caused by a corrupted .htaccess file, your website should now be back up and running.
2. Increase the PHP memory limit
Another common cause of internal server errors is exhausted PHP memory limit. Each PHP script has a set memory limit, and if that limit is exhausted, it can cause an internal server error.
To increase the PHP memory limit, you’ll need to access your website’s files using an FTP client or the file manager in your web hosting control panel. Once you’ve accessed the files, look for the wp-config.php file in the root directory. Open the file in a text editor and add the following line of code:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');This will increase the memory limit to 256MB. Save the file and upload it back to your website. This should solve the issue if the internal server error was caused by exhausted PHP memory limit.
3. Deactivate plugins and themes
Another common cause of internal server errors is conflicts between plugins or themes. If you recently installed a new plugin or theme, it may be causing conflicts with other plugins or themes on your website, leading to an internal server error.
To troubleshoot this, you can try deactivating all of your plugins and themes. To do this, log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to the Plugins or Themes page. Select all of the plugins or themes and choose “Deactivate” from the Bulk Actions dropdown. This will deactivate all of your plugins or themes, and if one of them was causing the internal server error, your website should now be back up and running.
You can then reactivate your plugins and themes one by one, checking your site after each activation to see if the error comes back. This will help you identify which plugin or theme is causing the conflict. Once you’ve identified the problematic plugin or theme, you can either try to find an updated version or contact the developer for support.
4. Check file permissions
Incorrect file permissions can also cause internal server errors. If WordPress is unable to access the files it needs to run, it can cause an internal server error.
To check the file permissions, you’ll need to access your website’s files using an FTP client or the file manager in your web hosting control panel. Once you’ve accessed the files, check the permissions for the following directories: wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-admin. The correct permissions for these directories is 755. If the permissions are set to something else, change them to 755 and try accessing your website again.
5. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and are still experiencing internal server errors, it’s possible that the issue is with your web hosting. In this case, contact your hosting provider and provide them with the error message you are receiving. They will be able to give you more information about the specific issue and help you resolve it.
In conclusion, internal server errors can be a frustrating and mysterious issue for WordPress users. But by understanding the most common causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can fix the issue and get your website back up and running. Remember to always backup your website before making any changes, and if in doubt, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.
