Missing plugins, themes, users and other tabs from dashboard

  • My problem has to do with a wp site I created for a client. My client contacted me because he couldn’t create new user accounts. When I looked at the dashboard the user tab was missing. Actually, a lot of the tabs are missing. Plugins, appearance, even settings.

    I believe the site was working correctly before the last wp update.

    I contacted E-host which is the hosting company and tried to restore the site from a backup and it didn’t work. Tech support also briefly deactivated all the plugins, so I could see if the problem was a plugin, but the problem remained. The dashboard tabs are still gone, the site looks terrible and I can not even change the theme because the settings for themes are not there.

    I would appreciate some help in getting this corrected.

    The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    Let’s give something a try. My hypothesis is that your site is either hacked or a victim of database error (potentially cased by an attempt to hack). So, if we add a new admin, that should at least let you get back in.

    1. Add a new admin user to WP via this: https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-add-an-admin-user-to-the-wordpress-database-via-mysql/

    2. When you login as that user, do you see normal admin things?

    /edit/ I note that you’re using an old, vulnerable version of WordPress, so if you get admin access back, update things before anything else.

    Thread Starter lisayt

    (@lisayt)

    Thank you! Your suggestion worked. I am back in and see my panels again. I need to update everything. Is there a way to see if the site has actually been hacked and clean it up?

    Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    I’d do a couple of things:

    1. Disable all plugins and themes and then review the users. Delete all users you don’t recognize; change the passwords for all others.

    2. Install the WordFence plugin and do a scan of your site to see if if finds anything out of place. Be sure to check the scan options panel to ensure it’s scanning *all* files and comparing wp, plugins, and themes to the versions in the repository.

    3. When done, re-enable the plugins and re-activate your theme.

    At that point, consider a full hacked-site repair:

    Get a fresh cup of coffee, take a deep breath and carefully follow this guide. When you’re done, you may want to implement some (if not all) of the recommended security measures.

    If you’re unable to clean your site(s) successfully, there are reputable organizations that can clean your sites for you. Sucuri and Wordfence are a couple.

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