If you’re facing peculiar WordPress account problems like the inability to create or delete new user accounts and the failure to modify existing account details, it might be indicative of database corruption. A user in a WordPress help forum shared a similar concern, mentioning challenges in creating or altering user accounts and suspecting issues with the ‘wp_users’ and ‘wp_usermeta’ tables in the database.
Identifying the Issue
The user identified a potential problem in the ‘wp_users’ table, specifically noting the absence of the ‘Auto Increment’ setting on the ‘ID’ column. This discovery led to a local copy of the website experiencing the same issue. While fixing this allowed the creation of new users, modifying user details still proved elusive, pointing to the potential involvement of the ‘wp_usermeta’ table.
Troubleshooting Steps Taken
The user has attempted common troubleshooting steps, such as disabling plugins and themes, without success. This indicates a need for a more in-depth solution.
Analyzing Server and WordPress Details
The server and WordPress details shared are as follows:
- PHP: 7.4.14
- MySQL: 5.6.49
- WordPress: 5.6.2
- Theme: Custom theme using Twenty_Fifteen
- Various Plugins
Possible Causes and Solutions
Considering the complexity of the issue, potential causes could include conflicts within the plugins or theme, database inconsistencies, or corrupted files.
- Plugin and Theme Check: Although the user has disabled plugins and themes, revisiting this step is crucial. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme and deactivate all plugins to see if the issue persists.
- Database Repair: Given the suspicion of database corruption, consider repairing the WordPress database. Utilize tools like phpMyAdmin or WordPress plugins designed for database maintenance and repair.
- WordPress Core Update: Ensure that your WordPress installation is up to date. Sometimes, issues arise due to compatibility problems with older versions.
Caution in Database Manipulation
The user rightly expresses hesitance in altering the live website’s database. Before any database modifications, it’s crucial to create a complete backup. This ensures that you can restore the website to its previous state in case anything goes wrong.
Seeking Professional Assistance
If the issue persists or if you are uncomfortable performing advanced troubleshooting, consider seeking help from a professional WordPress developer or database administrator.
Conclusion
WordPress account issues, especially those related to database corruption, require a systematic approach to troubleshooting. The suggested steps aim to identify and resolve the root cause of the problem, ensuring a stable and secure WordPress environment.