Every good theme developer is always happy to answer the genuine issues and queries of the clients. However, frequently answering the oft-repeated queries/issues of very general nature would be too much for them. Most of such issues can be solved by the clients themselves. Wouldn’t it be better that such general issues are answered at a single place where the users can get quick and precise answers to such general troubleshooting issues?
So, we decided to dedicate a specific section discussing how to self-fix such general issues. To avoid overwhelming the readers with a huge load of different issues and possible solutions, we have divided it into a few parts. Each part will mention self fixes for 5 different issues of general nature, the causes, and how to solve them on your own:
Style Sheet Error
While trying to install a theme you might sometimes encounter this 3-word irritating message which (apparently) shows that the developer hasn’t provided you the much-needed StyleSheet.
It may make you feel like being cheated. If you are decently familiar with theme downloading, you already know what it means.
While we don’t fully deny the above possibility, many times there could be another reason as well.
Cause
Maybe you omitted to upload the root folder
Solution
Here’s how to fix it up:
- Open the theme’s folder and check if it contains all the files. If it doesn’t, it means that the theme is housed in a sub-directory
- Look for the sub-directory and zip it
- Now either use FTP to upload the unzipped folder or use WordPress for the purpose- as per your convenience or preference
Sample Data Import Errors
Another problematic issue occurs when you encounter an error message while attempting to upload a sample.xml file that your theme vendor provided.
Cause
One possible reason is attempting to load custom post/taxonomies while those post types are nonexistent presently.
Solution
- Ensure that the theme has been activated
- It contains those custom taxonomies or post types
- Nontechnical users would need developers’ assistance
Failed to Import Media
If the error message says failed to import media it shows that there is an issue related to image downloading. /?
Cause
One likely cause behind this error message is that you didn’t check the checkbox for importing attachments. You might have encountered the checkbox Download and import file attachments before you started import process/?
Another possibility is that the images cannot be accessed from the server.
Solution
Try locating any of these files in the sample data using notepad or another text editor. Now copy-paste the link in your browse and test it. Those with limited time o technical know-how can simply call their theme developer to get help.
Unimpressive Homepage
Some times upon activating your Homepage resembles the distant less handsome cousin of the awesome demo of your theme.
Those who have installed a theme with sample data can consider the following possibilities and do the needful
Cause
If it says that reading settings are wrong then most possibly you did just the opposite of recommended homepage setting guidelines- like not setting a homepage when theme guidelines recommended so or doing vice versa
Solution
- Now head to settings > reading and look for Front page displays. Check the option under it.>
- Homepage> Reading Setting
- If the page templates of homepage layout are not required by your theme then set this option to “Your Latest Posts For the Themes” using homepage template, make sure that your site is using a static homepage.
- Many theme developers employ custom page templates for the homepage layouts.
- Go through the documentation to check the same. In absence of documentation here is another option to try: Go to the editor and create a new page under Page attributes> templates
- It will show you if the relevant template is there like FrontPage, Homepage, Home or another related template
- If it is available then use this template to create a page and save or publish it
- Open settings> readings set it as your static front page option.
Jumbled URLs
You created an awesome post but your URL looks a complete jumble of every single detail of your post down to the category. Something that annoys readers and invites the fury of engine bots.
Cause
It is the default permalink format and you would need to reset it.
Solution
- Just head over to the settings>permalinks
- Replace default setting with the criteria you wish to be used for determining the URL of your post (for instance Post Name, etc.)
404 Errors
Getting 404 error messages is another major issue encountered by many clients.
Cause
Your theme likely uses custom post types.
Solution
- Resetting your permalink settings can fix this issue instantly??
- Head over to settings>Permalinks and click Save
- Generally, it should fix the issue and if not then another option is pretty complicated and suited only for people with adequate WordPress/development knowledge
- You would need to manually update your .htaccess file.
Note: An easier and surer option would be to hire a WordPress developer to update your .htaccess file.
Conclusion
Premium WordPress themes offer you extended customization features like setting a custom home page, adding personalized creative elements, etc. to offer your website a great look and a fully professional appeal. However, many times the clients may find some WordPress theme issues with the theme that limit their creative capacities or cause errors. In this post we have mentioned 5 such issues and how to fix them on your own. The readers are advised to be careful while attempting to solve such issues on their own and avoid the Hit and Try technique. You can follow our tips and if any of it doesn’t work then it is best to directly contact our developer and seek assistance.
