How to Fix Common WordPress Errors (500, 404, White Screen)

WordPress is a powerful and popular content management system used by millions of websites around the world. However, like any software, it can sometimes encounter errors that can be frustrating for users. In this article, we will discuss three common WordPress errors – the 500 Internal Server Error, the 404 Not Found Error, and the White Screen of Death – and provide solutions on how to fix them.

500 Internal Server Error

The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic error message that indicates something has gone wrong on the server but the server cannot specify what the exact problem is. This error can be caused by various issues such as corrupt .htaccess file, incompatible plugins or themes, PHP memory limit exhaustion, or server misconfigurations.

Solution:

1. Check the .htaccess file: Rename the .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old. If this resolves the issue, generate a new .htaccess file by going to Settings > Permalinks and clicking Save Changes.
2. Deactivate plugins: If you recently installed a new plugin, deactivate it to see if it resolves the error. You can do this by renaming the plugin folder via FTP or phpMyAdmin.
3. Switch to a default theme: Activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty to rule out any theme-related issues.
4. Increase PHP memory limit: Add the following line to your wp-config.php file: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M');
5. Contact your hosting provider: If none of the above solutions work, contact your hosting provider for further assistance.

404 Not Found Error

The 404 Not Found Error occurs when a user tries to access a page that does not exist on the website. This can happen due to broken links, incorrect permalinks settings, or deleted pages.

Solution:

1. Check permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to refresh the permalinks settings.
2. Redirect broken links: Use a plugin like Redirection to redirect broken links to relevant pages on your website.
3. Create a custom 404 page: Create a custom 404 error page to provide users with helpful information and navigation options.
4. Check for deleted pages: If a page has been deleted, restore it from the trash or create a new page with the same content.

White Screen of Death

The White Screen of Death is a common WordPress error where a blank white screen appears instead of the expected webpage. This error can be caused by PHP errors, memory limit exhaustion, conflicting plugins or themes, or corrupted core files.

Solution:

1. Enable debugging: Add the following line to your wp-config.php file to enable debugging and display error messages: define('WP_DEBUG', true);
2. Deactivate plugins and themes: Rename the plugins and themes folders via FTP to deactivate them, then reactivate them one by one to identify the problematic plugin or theme.
3. Update WordPress: Make sure you are using the latest version of WordPress to prevent compatibility issues.
4. Reinstall WordPress core files: Download a fresh copy of WordPress and replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders on your server.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering errors in WordPress is not uncommon, but with the right knowledge and troubleshooting steps, you can easily fix them. By following the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to resolve the 500 Internal Server Error, 404 Not Found Error, and White Screen of Death issues on your WordPress website. Remember to always backup your site before making any changes and reach out to your hosting provider or a WordPress developer if you need further assistance.