MLG Website Troubleshooting Guide

Written by

Gian Marco Paldino

in

  • 1. Website Architecture

The MLG website (mlg.ulb.ac.be) is built on WordPress and utilizes a variety of specialized plugins to provide its functionality. While this complex architecture enables advanced features, it also introduces challenges related to stability, security, and maintenance.

  • 2. Known Issues & Considerations

  • Plugin Dependencies

The website’s functionality relies on an interconnected set of plugins. Due to this delicate architecture, please be aware that: * Removing or deactivating plugins can cause major disruptions to the site’s structure and functionality. * Plugin updates can sometimes introduce incompatibilities with other plugins or the theme. * As a general rule, we aim to maintain the current plugin configuration unless an update is critical for security.

  • Security

WordPress sites with a multi-plugin structure face inherent security challenges: * Each plugin is a potential vulnerability point. * Regular updates are necessary to patch security holes, but these updates can sometimes break site functionality. * The multi-layered architecture requires careful and experienced management to remain secure.

  • 3. Troubleshooting Website Crashes

  • Identifying a Critical Error

If the website displays a message like “There has been a critical error on this website” or becomes completely inaccessible (including the wp-admin dashboard), it typically indicates one of the following: * A fatal PHP error has occurred. * A recent plugin update has created a conflict. * A server-level issue requires attention.

  • Resolution Process

Due to the complexity of the site, most critical errors cannot be resolved through the standard WordPress dashboard. These issues almost always require server-level intervention by a system administrator.

  • 4. What to Do When the Site Crashes

If you notice the website is down, follow these steps immediately:

  1. Do not attempt to modify the site structure, remove plugins, or change settings.
  2. Do not attempt multiple logins or password resets, as this can complicate the recovery process.
  3. Contact the editors immediately (see list below).
  4. If the editors cannot resolve the issue, they will contact the administrator.

  • Editors Contact

  • Administrator Contact

  • Michel Jansens from Cellule Web is the designated administrator for critical website failures. He has the necessary server-level access to address issues that cannot be resolved through the WordPress interface.

  • Administrator Recovery Process

The administrator will typically perform the following actions: * Access the server directly via SSH or a hosting panel. * Diagnose the specific error by reviewing server logs. * Resolve conflicts at the hosting or file system level. * Restore access to the WordPress dashboard for the editors.

  • 5. Preventative Measures

To minimize risks, all plugin and theme updates should adhere to the following best practices:

  • Updates should be performed one at a time.
  • When possible, test updates on a staging environment before deploying to the live site.
  • Schedule updates during low-traffic periods (e.g., weekends or late at night).
  • Always perform a full site backup before making major changes.

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