Where is the Sidebar file?

-try checking in sidebar.php (if your theme has one).

-You may have created text widget in Admin – Appearance – Widgets

– you may have used plugin for it

Thanks T-P, I have located sidebar.php but it is still baffling me because the content on the website (the testimonials and links) are not in the sidebar.php file. …where oh where could it be? I have also tediously opened every php file in the wp-admin folder and have been unable to locate the text.

I have also tediously opened every php file in the wp-admin folder

I would not mess with the “core files”.

Have tried other possibilities I suggested, that is:

-You may have created text widget in Admin – Appearance – Widgets

– you may have used plugin for it.

It has been such a long time since updating this file, I can’t remember if I used or installed a widget–I don’t think I did though, and I don’t see anything that looks like an installed widget from the dashboard tabs. I do recall updating a file in notepad though, which held all the menu text/testimonials and links.

I finished a call to godaddy, who hosts my site, and they suggested updating wordpress to something more current (my last update was in 2008). So, I clicked the update link and I am awaiting an email signifying the completion of the update. ..do you think that will be helpful?

Just for the security standpoint, it’s good to update to the latest version. Since 2008, and more recently, there have been some security releases.

So, shouldn’t the content be located in the sidebar.php file?

So, shouldn’t the content be located in the sidebar.php file?

you said it’s not there. so I have no idea where you might have placed it. Just check search all the theme templates.

Well, what would you do if you couldn’t find it anywhere? I’ve already opened every single file in that fold to no avail. Should I delete the whole thing and reinstall wordpress? …This thought is a little horrifying to me.

most likely:

-upgrading your theme.

In fact you test it by switching to the default theme (that came with your WordPress) for a moment by renaming your current theme’s folder in wp-content/themes. The idea is to force WordPress to fall back to the default theme.

What should I then do after changing the theme?

it would be a temporary switch to the default theme to see if that item you want to change (but cannot find) disappear.

Should I delete the whole thing and reinstall wordpress? …This thought is a little horrifying to me.

I forgot to mention, of course you do have the option of engaging a professional to assist you if you feel that this is beyond your capabilities (I am not a consultant, I do this just for fun!).
See https://jobs.wordpress.net/ if you want to follow that option.

Thanks. I do greatly appreciate your help. It is just very frustrating because I was once able to update it very easily. I’ll try switching the themes once the update completes. Thanks again for your help.