Wordpress Backend Functionality Issue

Samba

Hi,

I'm using a tielabs theme called Jarida and each time I attempt to upgrade to their latest version, when I try to create a new post I can't edit permalinks, add media button doesn't function and options for plugins such as Wordpress SEO can't be accessed, even simple things like screen options can't be accessed. (javascript related?)

I've tried switching themes and I've no issue, so I assumed this was isolated to their theme.

I got on to their support and created log in details for them and they got back to me saying they had no such issues, they even managed to create a sample post and edit the permalink (which is no lie I see it).

I've tried on three different machines using every browser I have, same problem. I'm a at a complete loss and about ready to permanently downgrade.

I've gone through all the standard troubleshooting with plugins.

The fact that they managed to log in and had 100% functionality is well, baffling. When I switch to other themes functionality returns, ugh.

Sparks

Did you ask if anyone in the blogs forum was having similar issues?

Samba

Sparks wrote: »

Did you ask if anyone in the blogs forum was having similar issues?

Missed that forum, I'll mosey on over and ask, thanks. Please feel free to move to there if you feel it's best suited to that forum.

I just tried on another machine and I it's the same.

EDIT

Thanks for moving Sparks, I've just downgraded as I couldn't even post up new articles, hopefully someone has had a similar issue and might have a solution. Until I find one i"m not upgrading again!

Geez wordpress can be tilting at times.

Mr. G

First before you do anything, take a backup of your entire website and database. There are some free plugins that will take them up to Dropbox etc for you.

Have you tried upgrading to Wordpress 3.9 and upgrading all your plugins and then updating the theme. This may be your problem.

dgerryd

What the guys said above back up your site just to be on the safe side, then what I find usually sorts things out is if you go to your plugins

and one by one deactivate each one, (not all together one by one) so deactivate a plugin then go and check if the issue has gone, if not go

to the next plugin, it's usually plugins which cause conflicts. This will just narrow things down quicker and usually works if not head over to

wordpress here https://wordpress.org/support/

Samba

Mr. G wrote: »

First before you do anything, take a backup of your entire website and database. There are some free plugins that will take them up to Dropbox etc for you.

Have you tried upgrading to Wordpress 3.9 and upgrading all your plugins and then updating the theme. This may be your problem.

I have it all backed thankfully and I've downgraded to the previous version. I made that mistake once and never again!

They released the upgrade a few versions of WP ago, I think I've attempted to upgrade under three different versions of WP in all.

dgerryd wrote: »

What the guys said above back up your site just to be on the safe side, then what I find usually sorts things out is if you go to your plugins

and one by one deactivate each one, (not all together one by one) so deactivate a plugin then go and check if the issue has gone, if not go

to the next plugin, it's usually plugins which cause conflicts. This will just narrow things down quicker and usually works if not head over to

wordpress here https://wordpress.org/support/

I've tried everything, plus some. The main culprit I suspect is W3 total cache which I have set to move some JS, but again I've tried it disabled, cache cleared etc. Yup, I think it's time to head on over to WP forums, or get someone to take a look at what's going on, at this point I'm considering removing them all and testing out the upgrade.

dgerryd

Not sure if this will help but try W3 Super cache plugin. "SO DELETE W3 TOTAL CACHE" then install w3 super cache. W3

super cache is great except for it's setup is a nightmare, and if you mess with the settings without prior know how your

f..... So get rid of ^^ and install total cache then follow these settings let us know how you get on.

rovoagho

dgerryd has the right idea but the wrong approach -- with the possible exception of critical systems, you always start from a working base and build up from there. For example, in this case more than one of your plugins (or your theme and one or more plugins) could share or duplicate a library of code that adds functionality to your toolbar, or use jQuery incorrectly. Something like this will likely appear in your browser error console, Google that and check before taking the steps below.

So take another backup and then make sure core and all plugins and your theme are up to date. Leave the custom theme active since you say WordPress is working with a stock theme, and disable all of your plugins. Leaving any caching plugins until last, start enabling them one by one, checking the issue each time. When the problem reappears, you have your culprit. Disable that and keep going, just in case. Again, cache plugins last.

When you've tracked down the miscreant, ask about the problem on the plugin's discussion forum, or the general WordPress forum. There's a much larger community of WordPress hackers there.

EDIT: Meant to add, if this is a busy site, put it in maintenance mode with something like the Ultimate Coming Soon plugin, obviously making this the first plugin you test. If it's a very busy site, take a snapshot and test elsewhere. Just bear in mind that if you change the platform (LAMP to WAMP, for example), the problem may not appear on that platform.

dgerryd

I think rovoagho has a better insight good luck.

Samba

rovoagho wrote: »

dgerryd has the right idea but the wrong approach -- with the possible exception of critical systems, you always start from a working base and build up from there. For example, in this case more than one of your plugins (or your theme and one or more plugins) could share or duplicate a library of code that adds functionality to your toolbar, or use jQuery incorrectly. Something like this will likely appear in your browser error console, Google that and check before taking the steps below.

So take another backup and then make sure core and all plugins and your theme are up to date. Leave the custom theme active since you say WordPress is working with a stock theme, and disable all of your plugins. Leaving any caching plugins until last, start enabling them one by one, checking the issue each time. When the problem reappears, you have your culprit. Disable that and keep going, just in case. Again, cache plugins last.

When you've tracked down the miscreant, ask about the problem on the plugin's discussion forum, or the general WordPress forum. There's a much larger community of WordPress hackers there.

EDIT: Meant to add, if this is a busy site, put it in maintenance mode with something like the Ultimate Coming Soon plugin, obviously making this the first plugin you test. If it's a very busy site, take a snapshot and test elsewhere. Just bear in mind that if you change the platform (LAMP to WAMP, for example), the problem may not appear on that platform.

Thanks, excellent and very helpful post. I had a glance through the error console before throwing in the towel and nothing stood out. I'll give it another try on a different server to see if I can get it working. I'll update the thread when I find out what's going on.

Samba

Finally!

So it seems it was the total cache plugin causing issues, even despite the fact that I deactivated and removed it entirely. I sorted it out by deleting all remaining files in wp-content/cache/

I then re-uploaded the new theme files and voila.

I think I'm going to try and get everything W3 total cache does (that I need) manually because it's a bit OTT and can cause lingering issues after you uninstall it.

Thanks again for all the replies.

rovoagho

Caching plugins hook into WordPress at a lower level than standard plugins, so they have to be excised carefully when uninstalling. To be fair, it is documented. I tend to avoid them these days, they need knowledge and care and attention most people don't or won't apply; and most people simply don't need them.

If you do actually /need/ one, i.e. speed is affecting business, then investment in Varnish and/or better hosting is usually a better approach.

Samba

rovoagho wrote: »

Caching plugins hook into WordPress at a lower level than standard plugins, so they have to be excised carefully when uninstalling. To be fair, it is documented. I tend to avoid them these days, they need knowledge and care and attention most people don't or won't apply; and most people simply don't need them.

If you do actually /need/ one, i.e. speed is affecting business, then investment in Varnish and/or better hosting is usually a better approach.

Very true and deep down I knew it was most likely the issue, in the case of W3 they're adamant that providing all code is removed from .htaccess (which it was) any lingering files shouldn't be problematic, I assumed this from a support thread they responded to.

Agreed. I'm with a decent shared hosting option that's pretty fast but once my subscription is up I'm going to take out a cpanel license and set up on Digital Ocean.

Still for Wordpress I find it's a a great plugin but as you say takes a bit of dedication to tweak properly, I was peeved with my speed results so I reinstalled it again and I'm happy (back up made too!). It's pretty handy for tidying things up and moving scripts etc when you don't want to dig under the hood.

It's not so much that speed affects business in my case (it's a blog) but rather a responsive and fast site is just one of many factors that can be beneficial to seo.


http://developers.google.com/speed/pagespeed/insights/?url=www.e-liquidzine.com&tab=desktop

There's still room for improvement, heh.

rovoagho

I know that, but SEO isn't important unless there's a business case. Or vanity.