@mallory_cormier
Resolving a fatal error in WordPress can be done by following these steps:
- Enable Debugging: To understand the cause of the error, enable debugging by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:
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define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );
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This will log the error details in a debug.log file located in the wp-content folder.
- Identify the Error: Visit your website or the specific page where the error occurred and check for any error messages or warnings displayed. These messages will indicate the file and line number causing the error.
- Deactivate Plugins: Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and deactivate all plugins. If you can't access the dashboard due to the error, use FTP or a file manager provided by your hosting provider to go to the wp-content/plugins folder and rename the plugins folder to plugins_old. This will deactivate all plugins.
- Activate Default Theme: If the error persists, switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One by renaming your theme's folder in the wp-content/themes/ directory.
- Replace Corrupted Files: If the error still exists, download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org. Extract the files and use FTP or a file manager to replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders on your server.
- Restore Backup: If none of the above steps worked, restore your website from a recent backup. This will revert your website to its previous working state.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are still unable to resolve the fatal error, contact a WordPress developer or your hosting provider for assistance. They will be able to investigate the issue and provide a solution.
Note: It is essential to regularly update your plugins, themes, and WordPress core to avoid compatibility issues that can lead to fatal errors.