Troubleshoot Website Issues Complete Guide

Website issues happen. This guide helps diagnose and fix common problems quickly.

Common Website Errors

Error 500 - Internal Server Error

Causes:

• .htaccess file misconfigured
• PHP memory limit exceeded
• Plugin conflict
• File permission errors

Solutions:

1. Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old
2. If site loads, regenerate permalinks
3. Increase PHP memory limit to 256MB
4. Deactivate plugins via FTP/cPanel
5. Check error logs for details

Error 503 - Service Unavailable

Causes:

• Server overloaded
• Maintenance mode stuck
• PHP workers exhausted

Solutions:

1. Wait 10 minutes (temporary overload)
2. Delete .maintenance file
3. Check with hosting support
4. Upgrade hosting if persistent

Error 404 - Page Not Found

Causes:

• URL incorrect
• Page deleted
• Permalink structure broken

Solutions:

1. Check URL spelling
2. Reset permalinks (Settings → Permalinks → Save)
3. Check .htaccess file exists
4. Restore deleted page from backup

White Screen of Death

Site shows blank white page.

Causes:

• PHP fatal error
• Memory limit exceeded
• Plugin conflict
• Theme conflict

Solutions:

1. Enable Debug Mode:
   • Edit wp-config.php
   • Add: define('WP_DEBUG', true);
   • Reload page to see error
2. Increase Memory:
   • Add to wp-config.php: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
3. Deactivate Plugins:
   • Rename plugins folder via FTP
   • If site loads, activate plugins one by one
4. Switch Theme:
   • Rename themes folder via FTP
   • WordPress reverts to default theme

Database Connection Error

Error: 'Error establishing database connection'

Causes:

• Wrong database credentials
• Database server down
• Corrupted database

Solutions:

1. Check Credentials:
   • Open wp-config.php
   • Verify DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST
   • Compare with cPanel database details
2. Test Database:
   • Try accessing phpMyAdmin
   • If can't access, database server down
   • Contact hosting support
3. Repair Database:
   • Add to wp-config.php: define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
   • Visit: yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php

Site Loading Slowly

Diagnosis Steps:

1. Test with GTmetrix or Pingdom
2. Check page size (should be under 3MB)
3. Count HTTP requests (under 50 ideal)

Solutions:

• Enable Caching: Install WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache
• Optimize Images: Compress with Imagify or ShortPixel
• Use CDN: CloudFlare free plan
• Minify CSS/JS: Autoptimize plugin
• Upgrade Hosting: If CPU constantly at 100%

Can't Login to WordPress

Solutions:

1. Reset Password: Click 'Lost your password?' link
2. Can't Receive Email?
   • Reset via phpMyAdmin
   • Find user in wp_users table
   • Edit user_pass field
   • Enter: MD5 hash of new password
3. Login URL Changed:
   • If using security plugin that changes login URL
   • Access via /wp-login.php usually still works
4. Too Many Login Attempts:
   • Wait 30 minutes
   • Or deactivate security plugin via FTP

SSL Issues

Mixed Content Warning

Cause: Some resources (images, CSS, JS) loading via HTTP instead of HTTPS

Solutions:

1. Install 'Really Simple SSL' plugin
2. Or manually find and replace HTTP with HTTPS
3. Use 'Why No Padlock' tool to find mixed content

SSL Certificate Expired

Solution:

1. Renew certificate in cPanel
2. Run AutoSSL
3. Or contact hosting support

Diagnostic Tools

• Error Logs: cPanel → Errors
• GTmetrix: Speed testing
• Google PageSpeed: Performance analysis
• Why No Padlock: SSL troubleshooting
• DNS Checker: whatsmydns.net
• Server Status: downforeveryoneorjustme.com