Cant Change WordPress php file showing fatal error

  • I tried to make changes to the wordpress.php file but it showed the following error
    “Unable to communicate back with site to check for fatal errors, so the PHP change was reverted. You will need to upload your PHP file change by some other means, such as by using SFTP.”

    I installed health checkup and it showed the following problem
    – 5.4.45 – For performance and security reasons, we strongly recommend running PHP version 7.2 or higher.
    Your version of PHP, 5.4.45, is very outdated and no longer receiving security updates. You should contact your host for an upgrade, WordPress recommends using PHP version 7.2.”

    “Your version of cURL, 7.54.0, is slightly out of date. The most recent version is 7.58. This may in some cases affect your sites ability to communicate with other services. If you are experiencing connectivity issues connecting to various services, please contact your host. ”

    So do i need to update the php or the something else?

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

  • Hi @lolism

    To run WordPress and all your installed plugins smoothly make sure to upgrade PHP version to the latest. and always make sure to upgrade WordPress (before upgrading core backup your existing website) and plugins because their new upgrade contains security fixes, maintenance upgrade and also common bug fixes.

    Now let talk about your problem. Once deactivate all the plugins you are using and try to edit same file and save. and see if still causes the problem then activate the Twenty Seven theme and run Health check for the problem and see if it gives the same report as it has provided for your main theme. Or if there is no problem with default theme then there must be a plugin who is causing the fetal error.

    There are the number of Plugins who are reported to causing this error. some of them are

    • ShortPixel Optimizer (fixed with v4.8.4)
    • WP Server Stats (fixed with v1.5.7)
    • Custom Sidebars (working on an update)
    • Magic Fields
    • WP Spamshield
    • GeoDirectory
    • Social Login WordPress Plugin – AccessPress Social Login Lite
    • Custom firewalls or security rules
    • Some custom themes

    Check if it resolve your issue.

    Thread Starter lolism

    (@lolism)

    I tried to edit my original PHP file with all plugins deactivate and it didn’t work but it worked for the twenty-seven theme.
    I then reactivated all the plugins and tried to edit the PHP but it did not work for
    my original them but worked for the twenty-seven theme

    what to do?

    Hello @lolism

    As you have stated that it is working fine with the Twenty Seventeen theme and also it worked when all plugins are activated with Twenty Seventeen theme, it means there is some problem with your main theme. and Your WordPress running fine.

    Solution:
    You can contact the theme vendor (from where you have purchased) and ask them for theme support. Or if a theme is created by developer then you can ask him to sort out the problem.

    Thank You

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