Corrupted .htaccess File WordPress: Your Go-To Fix-It Guide

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corrupted .htaccess file wordpress

You’ve dedicated time and effort to building your WordPress site, ensuring every detail is just right. Suddenly, things aren’t working as they should. Links break, the site or pages won’t load, and everything seems to slow down. 

It’s unsettling to face these unexpected hiccups, which create a pressing need to resolve the issues before they escalate further.

The culprit might be a corrupted .htaccess file. While this sounds technical, resolving it doesn’t have to be daunting. This guide is designed to help you, step by step, to diagnose and fix the issue. We’ve tested and foolproofed these solutions to ensure you can quickly and effectively get your site back in top shape. 

TL;DR: Signs of a corrupted .htaccess file include frequent errors and slow performance. Restore or recreate the file to resolve issues, and regularly back up your site using a backup plugin for easy restoration.

What is a .htaccess file in WordPress?

The .htaccess file is like a set of rules that helps your site run smoothly. It keeps your website links neat and automatically updates them if you change a page’s address, so visitors always find what they need. 

It also helps protect your site by blocking unwanted access and makes it easier for search engines to find and understand your site, which can help more people find you online. You’ll find this file in the main folder of your WordPress setup. It is often within the folder that reads— public_html or www. 

This file is created automatically when you set up permalinks. While you can tweak it for custom settings, be careful—mistakes can cause problems.

.htaccess file within the public_html folder

Signs that your .htaccess file is corrupted

Frequent 404 errors

If you keep getting 404 error messages when visiting your site’s pages, your .htaccess file might be causing issues.

404 error message

500 internal server errors

Seeing 500 internal server error messages is another clue that there could be a problem with your .htaccess file.

Slow loading site

A corrupted .htaccess file can make your site slow or act strangely, which can be frustrating for everyone.

Broken links

If your links are broken leading to the wrong or empty pages, it could be due to a problem with your .htaccess file.

Endless redirection

If your site keeps redirecting visitors around without showing content, there might be a loop issue in your .htaccess file.

Issues after plugin updates

Problems that start after a plugin is updated might mean the .htaccess file was changed in a way that’s causing trouble.

Features not working

When parts of your site aren’t working properly, it could be because of an error in the file.

Unbacked changes

If changes were made to the .htaccess file without a backup, errors might have been introduced.

Access problems

If users are having trouble accessing your site, it might be due to configuration issues with the .htaccess file.

By spotting these signs, you can figure out if your .htaccess file is causing problems and take steps to fix your site.

Troubleshooting a corrupted .htaccess file

Restore a previous version

BlogVault backups

First, check if you have a recent backup of your website, including the .htaccess file. If you do, use your hosting provider’s restore tools or a backup plugin to bring your site back to how it was. 

This step is crucial because sometimes a virus or malware can mess up and duplicate the .htaccess file across different folders, leading to lots of issues.

Use the default .htaccess code

    Before making changes, make sure to save a copy of your entire WordPress site. This way, you have a backup of the custom settings. Here’s how to create a fresh .htaccess file:

    1. Access your root folder: Use an FTP plugin, FTP client, cPanel, or your hosting file manager to access your WordPress directory often named, public_html or www.
    1. Create a new .htaccess file: In the root directory, create a new file named .htaccess. Open the file and paste the following default WordPress code:
    # BEGIN WordPress
    
    <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    
    RewriteEngine On
    
    RewriteBase /
    
    RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
    
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
    
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
    
    RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
    
    </IfModule>
    
    # END WordPress
    1. Save the file: Save this new .htaccess file, overwriting the old one.

    Now, check your website to see if it’s working correctly. Look for any errors or slowdowns that were there before.

    Reapply custom rules

    If you had any special settings in the old .htaccess file, review them carefully. Add these custom rules back one by one to the new file. After each addition, test your site to ensure everything is still running smoothly.

    Seek further assistance if needed

    If problems persist, it might be time to call for backup. Reach out to your hosting provider for additional support or consult a WordPress expert. They can help dig deeper into any underlying issues that might not be related to the .htaccess file.

    How to prevent .htaccess file corruption

    Regular backups

    backups

    Regularly back up your entire website, including the .htaccess file. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your site to a previous, working state.

    Avoid direct changes

    Try not to make direct changes to the .htaccess file unless you need to. Use WordPress plugins or the dashboard for tasks like changing links or setting up redirects.

    Test before implementing

    MalCare staging site

    Before adding new plugins or themes to your live site, test them on a staging site first. This can help you catch any issues before they affect your main site.

    Keep everything updated

    WordPress MalCare updates

    Always keep your plugins, themes, and WordPress updated to their latest versions. Updates often include important security fixes and improvements.

    Enhance security

    MalCare scanner

    Use a reputable security plugin to protect your site from hackers. Make sure file permissions are set correctly to prevent unauthorized changes. Regularly scan your site for malware to catch any threats early.

    Limit access

    Limit the number of users who have full access to your site. This reduces the risk of accidental changes or security breaches. Ensure your hosting provider uses strong security measures to protect your site at the server level.

    Parting thoughts

    Running into .htaccess file issues is pretty common for WordPress users. Knowing how to fix them quickly can get your site back up and running. Regular site audits, backups, and good security are essential to keeping things smooth. 

    This helps minimize any disruptions and remember, there’s always support available if you need it.

    FAQs

    How do I fix the .htaccess file in WordPress? 

    You can fix the .htaccess file by restoring a backup or creating a new .htaccess file with default settings. Make sure to test your website after restoring it to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

    How do I edit a .htaccess file safely? 

    Edit a .htaccess file by carefully editing it with the changes you need and saving those changes. Always keep a backup before making edits to avoid losing important configurations.

    What is the solution for WordPress core file corruption? 

    You can solve this by restoring a backup or reinstalling the core files of WordPress. It’s important to identify the cause of the corruption to prevent future occurrences.

    Can a corrupt file be fixed? 

    Yes, you can often fix a corrupt file by replacing it with a clean version from a backup. If a backup isn’t available, you might need to manually repair or recreate the file.

    How do I remove a virus from my WordPress site? 

    Remove a virus from your WordPress site by using a security plugin to scan and clean your site or by restoring a clean backup. Ensure you regularly update plugins and themes to reduce the risk of infections.

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