Plugin settings override server and wp-config, even when deactivated

Hi all,

This isn’t a support question, just some information for anyone else having the same issue.

I have this plugin installed, but keep it deactivated until I want to actively deal with broken links.

I have my server (VPS), domain, and wp-config “max_execution_time” set to 1000 seconds because I want it out of the way, which works fine on my setup.

Recently, I was troubleshooting a plugin, and on checking the error_log file, I found all kinds of “Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded” entries, dozens of times an hour. There was no rhyme nor reason to the problem. It was happening at random times, and with random files, many of them core WP files.

My host’s support and I spent WEEKS trying to find the rogue setting. Finally, he discovered that there was a “30 second” setting in the database that was coming from this plugin.

I reactivated the plugin, changed the timeout to 10,000 seconds and haven’t had the problem since. It’s been 3 weeks.

This plugin was deactivated at the time, but the “30 second” setting that it entered into the database had overridden every other “max_execution_time” setting. So, if you’re having odd time-outs happening that don’t match your over-arching settings, check what this plugin’s time-out is set to.

If it’s still in development (which seems uncertain), please rein in this setting so it stays in its own lane and doesn’t override things it shouldn’t be touching.

Thanks!