Knowledgebase

If your website suddenly stops working and you see a blank page or strange error messages, PHP errors are often the cause. At DediRock, many of our customers run PHP-based websites such as WordPress, Joomla, or custom applications. Knowing how to identify and fix common PHP errors will help you get your site back online quickly.

1. What Are PHP Errors?

PHP errors occur when the server cannot properly interpret the code running your website. These errors can stop your site from loading or break certain functions. The most common types include:

• Fatal errors: A critical problem that stops PHP execution completely.

• Parse errors: Errors caused by mistakes in the code syntax such as missing brackets or semicolons.

• Warnings and notices: Less severe issues that do not always stop your site but should still be fixed.

2. Enable Error Reporting

To see what is causing the issue, you may need to turn on PHP error reporting.

• In cPanel or DirectAdmin, go to the PHP settings and enable error display.

• Or add the following to your php.ini or .htaccess file:

   

  display_errors = On error_reporting = E_ALL

• Reload your website to view the exact error message.

3. Fixing Fatal Errors

Fatal errors usually happen when:

• A required file or library is missing.

• A plugin or theme is incompatible with your PHP version.

• The code calls an undefined function.

✅ To fix:

• Reinstall or update missing plugins, themes, or libraries.

• Make sure your hosting environment is running a supported PHP version. You can check and change this in your DediRock Client Portal.

• If you recently installed new code, disable it and test again.

4. Fixing Parse Errors

Parse errors are usually easy to fix because they point to a specific file and line number.

• Open the file mentioned in the error message using FTP or your hosting file manager.

• Look for syntax mistakes such as missing semicolons, unclosed brackets, or quotation marks.

• Correct the mistake and save the file.

Example error:

This means there is an extra bracket on line 25 that needs to be removed.

5. Check PHP Version Compatibility

Sometimes errors occur when your code is not compatible with the PHP version installed on your server.

• Log in to the DediRock Client Area → select your service.

• Check your current PHP version in the control panel.

• Upgrade or downgrade as needed to match your CMS or application requirements.

6. Restore from Backup

If you cannot find the problem or multiple errors appear after an update, restoring from a recent backup may be the fastest way to fix your site.

• Use your control panel backup tools or request a restore via DediRock Support.

7. Contact DediRock Support

If you have tried the above steps and your site still shows errors:

• Open a Support Ticket.

• Provide the error message, file path, and details about recent changes.

• Our team will review your configuration and help you resolve the issue.

Final Thoughts

PHP errors may look intimidating, but most are caused by simple syntax mistakes, missing files, or version conflicts. With error reporting enabled and the steps above, you can quickly identify and resolve problems.