Customize causes Internal Server error

  • Resolved sjmullock

    (@sjmullock)


    10 years, 11 months ago

    I am trying to get a WordPress site going for a friend. I was originally trying to get multisite working, but when I ran into this problem I deleted everything and installed from scratch into the home directory of the webspace. After an install the dashboard comes up ok when I log in and everything else seems to work, but if I try and customize the theme, I get an error “Internal Server Error”. I have tried installing WP using Softaculous (under cPanel) and also by hand (WP vs 3.8.2), either way I get the same result. I have not installed any themes; I am trying with the default theme. The site is hosted at eUKhost; I have another WP site with them which has been working fine, though I haven’t tried the “customize” option. I have Googled and not found anyone else with the same problem. I used phpinfo() to tell me that the PHP version is 5.2.17. Please can anyone suggest what to look at next. I don’t want to invest a load of time building this site if a fundemental problem is lurking.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

  • but if I try and customize the theme, I get an error “Internal Server Error”

    Which theme file are you trying to edit? It sounds like you’re editing PHP, doing it wrong, and the server gives you the 500 error.

    You really shouldn’t edit themes directly. Use a child theme, and customise that. It reduces the chances of getting these errors.

    I used phpinfo() to tell me that the PHP version is 5.2.17.

    PHP 5.2 is terribly out of date and not even supported anymore. You should ask your host to update you to at least 5.3. If they won’t, it’s time to find a new host.

    Thread Starter sjmullock

    (@sjmullock)

    The default theme is TwentyFourteen. That’s straight after the install. I was not editing the theme directly. When you first fire up the dashbboard on the first page it says:

    Welcome to WordPress!

    We’ve assembled some links to get you started:
    Get Started
    Customize Your Site

    Where “Customize Your Site” is a button. This is what causes the crash. However, the same effect can be achived by selecting ‘Appearance’, ‘Themes’ and then hitting the Customize button there. Surely this is the way it was intended to be used.

    The PHP version is compatble with the requirements listed for WordPress; I checked. It would be nice to have some clue as to what the problem is before trying to pester the hosting company to upgrade, or find another one. Any ideas?

    Thread Starter sjmullock

    (@sjmullock)

    Well just in case anyone else finds themselves here, the problem is now solved. I put in a support ticket with eUKhost and they said that the problem was with the PHP eaccelerator function. They say they disabled it and now the problem has disappeared.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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