In WordPress, database errors occur during core installation, MySQL queries, and backup routines. Users may encounter errors while querying WordPress databases with a command line interface – such as SQL statements.
In normal scenarios, WordPress users don’t count database errors – unless involved in the development, programming, or remote administration of a WordPress database.
However – in this article, we’re going to explore WordPress database errors, along with procedures to fix them accordingly.
Fix the Most Common WordPress Database Errors
When fixing database errors in WordPress, we need to look into the root causes. For example, a WordPress core installation may end up showing a database error due to invalid credentials. Similarly – while managing a WordPress database with a command line, users can face protocol errors.
Let’s address the most common WordPress database errors and learn how to fix them as a beginner.
Error establishing a Database connection
WordPress fails to establish a database connection when credentials in wp-config.php are incorrect.
The wp-config.php file is located in the WordPress root directory on the server. The file is contained the following information and results in errors if it holds incorrect information.
- Database name
- Database username
- Database password
- Database server
Let’s confirm if credentials in wp-config.php file are correct.
Head over to log into Hosting cPanel and locate MySQL Databases, as shown in the screenshot below.
There – you can obtain WordPress’ database name, username, and change your password – too. In most cases, localhost is the Database server, or ask your Hosting representative for assistance.
Next, return to Hosting cPanel -> File Manager and edit the wp-config.php file. Here – you need to confirm if the credentials in wp-config.php are correct.
Next – check if the issue has been resolved. If you’ve auto-installed WordPress, you’ll need to ask your Hosting agents for the database name, username, password, and localhost – if you’re not confident obtaining yourself from cPanel options.
If the problem persists, you need to take a different approach to fix the problem.
The next approach helps users load WordPress’ built-in feature for repairing database issues.
Add the following code to wp-config.php just before the line That says, “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging”.
define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);
Once done, access the following URL in the browser.
http://www.yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php
The URL loads the WordPress database repair Tool. Take action accordingly and after completion, make sure you’ve removed the code from wp-config.php.
On the other hand – taking a different approach in cPanel can help. Head over to log into Hosting cPanel options and locate phpMyAdmin. The next page shows a list of databases, open your site’s database, proceed to select all tables, and finally – choose the Repair Table option from the short menu.
WordPress database error: Database is limited
If your site’s database is full and you are experiencing admin page crashes in WordPress, you need to look into more details.
The approach to solving such issues is to clean up your site’s database and remove extra garbage from Tables. If the problem persists, you need to look into the debug.log file in cPanel -> File Manager and confirm – if you can see the following error.
WordPress database error: Database is limited
In this case – the problem may persist, even if the free space in the database is available. In this case, the error is a mix of WordPress database and the Hosting’s agents.
In this case – you should ask for assistance from Hosting representatives. Once resolved, you can confirm and see, you don’t need extra precautions.
CREATE Command Denied to User
In WordPress, Command Denied to User error occurs when a user has no adequate permissions on a WordPress database.
When CREATE Command Denied to User error occurs, the straightforward reason shows the specific user has no permission to create Tables or Columns in a WordPress database.
Let’s learn how to solve command denied errors in a WordPress database.
First – you can check for users’ permissions in the Hosting cPanel. In this case, head over to Hosting cPanel options and locate for Database Users under MySQL Databases, as shown in the screenshot below.
On the next page, you can see existing databases, usernames, and access levels of users on various databases.
Here – you can choose a user, edit its privileges on a specific database, and save changes at the end. Finally – you’re ready to proceed and confirm the error has been fixed.
Second – you can proceed to create a new database user – instead. In this case, once you have created one, you’ll need to update credentials in the wp-config.php file.
Note: Creating a new user for WordPress database is not recommended, in case you’re able to alter permissions for existing users. Once completed, check if the problem needs more attention.
Error 145
WordPress may result in Error 145 if a table in the database needs repairing.
As MySQL powers WordPress sites, repairing WordPress database with phpMyAdmin is comparatively easy in cPanel options.
To get started, log into hosting cPanel and locate the phpMyAdmin. Keep in mind – you’ll need to take your site’s database backup before you proceed to perform the repairing routines.
As described above – phpMyAdmin shows a list of existing site databases. To proceed, choose your site’s database, select its Tables, and choose Repair Tables from the menu, as shown in the screenshot below.
If, for example, you need more Technical expertise, ask your Hosting support representative for assistance.
Error 28
While Error 28 comes from MySQL, you can also check if a database repair fixes the problem in WordPress.
An error 28 occurs when there is no space available in the /TMP directory on the server. Such scenarios happen when the number of files in /TMP is high, although space is available in the directory.
You can consult your Hosting support channel for more information on fixing error 28.
Unknown Column
A WordPress database may show an Unknown Column error if a column in a WordPress database is missing.
In most cases, such errors occur when updating WordPress core fails. The rule of thumb is – you should manually update WordPress core again. For more information on how to update WordPress manually, read this detailed tutorial on WordPress official website.
Alternatively – check if your query syntax has errors while running a database query. In most cases, such scenarios occur when admins need to alter WordPress database with command-line interfaces.
Final Thoughts
If you know how to handle WordPress manual installation, you can fix WordPress database errors quickly.
When fixing database issues, make sure you’ve taken WordPress backups. If, for example, you need to figure out what you’re doing, don’t bother changing WordPress infrastructure.
In this case, let us help you fix WordPress database errors with one-time support, monthly deals, or WordPress support services.