Concrete CMS (formerly known as Concrete5) is a powerful and flexible content management system, but like any software, it may encounter issues that need troubleshooting. Whether it’s performance slowdowns, broken plugins, or database errors, resolving these problems effectively ensures your website remains stable and functional. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common issues and their fixes.
1. Database Connection Errors
One of the most frequent errors in Concrete CMS is a database connection failure. This usually occurs due to incorrect database credentials or a misconfigured hosting environment.
How to Fix:
– Verify the database name, username, password, and host in config/database.php.
– Ensure the database server is running and accessible.
– Check if your hosting provider has made changes to MySQL or PHP settings.
– If using a new server, update the database host to the correct IP or hostname.
2. Slow Website Performance
A slow Concrete CMS website affects user experience and SEO rankings. Causes range from unoptimized images to inefficient queries.
3. Broken Plugins and Add-ons
Certain add-ons or plugins may become incompatible after a CMS or PHP update, causing functionality issues.
4. White Screen of Death (WSOD)
A blank white screen, commonly known as the White Screen of Death (WSOD), usually indicates a PHP error or memory issue.
5. Error 404: Page Not Found
If your Concrete CMS pages are returning a 404 error, your URL structure or .htaccess settings might be misconfigured.
6. Login Issues: Can’t Access Admin Panel
If you are unable to log into the Concrete CMS admin panel, it could be due to incorrect credentials, a corrupted database, or a security plugin blocking access.
7. JavaScript and CSS Not Loading Properly
If your website appears broken due to missing CSS or JavaScript files, caching or incorrect file paths could be the culprit.
8. Backup and Restore Issues
If your backup process is failing or restores are not working correctly, database integrity or file corruption could be the problem.
9. PHP Compatibility Issues After Upgrading
If you’ve updated your PHP version and your Concrete CMS website starts showing errors, certain functions might be outdated or incompatible.
10. Contact Form or Email Sending Issues
If you are not receiving emails from Concrete CMS contact forms, your server settings or mail configuration might be incorrect.
Final Thoughts
By following this troubleshooting guide, you can efficiently diagnose and fix common issues in Concrete CMS (formerly Concrete5). Keeping your CMS updated, optimizing performance, and regularly backing up data will help maintain a stable, secure, and high-performing website.
Still experiencing issues with Concrete CMS? Contact C5Desk for expert troubleshooting and support today!