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Confirm your domain is pointing to the correct server.

Use these tools:

• IntoDNS – overall DNS health check
• WhatsMyDNS – check global DNS propagation

What to check:

• Nameservers: Should match your hosting provider (e.g. ns1.yourhost.com / ns2.yourhost.com)
• A Record: Your domain should point to your server IP (e.g. 123.123.123.123)
• Propagation: On WhatsMyDNS, most locations should show the same IP

Example:

yourdomain.com → 123.123.123.123

If incorrect: Update nameservers or DNS records in your domain registrar or hosting panel.

Windows:

1. Press Windows Key + R
2. Type cmd and press Enter
3. Run the command:

ping yourdomain.com

Mac:

1. Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space)
2. Search for Terminal and open it
3. Run the command:

ping yourdomain.com

Expected result: You should see replies from your server IP.

If it fails: This may indicate a DNS issue, server downtime, or firewall blocking requests.

Test HTTPS:

https://yourdomain.com

Check in your browser:

• Look for a 🔒 padlock in the address bar
• Click it to view certificate details
• Ensure there are no “Not Secure” warnings

Use SSL testing tools:

• SSL Labs (Detailed Test)
• Why No Padlock – checks mixed content

Check HTTP → HTTPS redirect:

http://yourdomain.com

Your site should automatically redirect to HTTPS.

Common issues to look for:

• Expired SSL certificate
• Domain not covered (e.g. missing www version)
• Mixed content (HTTP resources on HTTPS site)
• No redirect from HTTP to HTTPS

If SSL is not working:

• Reissue SSL certificate in your control panel
• Ensure DNS is pointing correctly
• Force HTTPS in your hosting panel or .htaccess

cPanel: Metrics → Errors

DirectAdmin: File Manager → error_log

What to look for:

PHP Fatal error
Permission denied
File not found
Memory exhausted

Common examples:

• PHP Fatal error: Plugin or theme issue
• Permission denied: Incorrect file permissions
• File not found: Missing or incorrect file path
• Allowed memory size exhausted: PHP memory limit reached

Where to find logs manually:

• cPanel: /public_html/error_log
• DirectAdmin: /domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/error.log

Advanced (live log view):

tail -f ~/public_html/error_log

Tip: Reload your website while viewing logs to see errors in real time.

Option 1: Using File Manager (Fastest if site is down)

1. Go to File Manager in your control panel
2. Navigate to /wp-content/
3. Rename the plugins folder to:

plugins_old

This will disable all plugins instantly.

If your site loads: A plugin is causing the issue.

Option 2: Disable Individually (Find the problem plugin)

1. Rename plugins_old back to plugins
2. Open the plugins folder
3. Rename each plugin folder one by one

This helps identify the exact plugin causing the issue.

Option 3: Using WordPress Dashboard (if accessible)

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins
2. Select all plugins
3. Click Deactivate

Common causes:

• Plugin conflicts after updates
• Outdated plugins
• Incompatible PHP version

Tip: After finding the issue, update or replace the problematic plugin.

Option 1: Using File Manager (if site is down)

1. Go to File Manager
2. Navigate to /wp-content/themes/
3. Rename your active theme folder:

your-theme → your-theme_old

WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme (e.g. Twenty Twenty-Four).

If your site loads: Your theme is causing the issue.

Option 2: Using WordPress Dashboard

1. Go to Appearance → Themes
2. Activate a default theme

Common causes:

• Theme update conflicts
• Incompatible PHP version
• Corrupt theme files

Tip: Update or reinstall your theme if it is the cause.

cPanel: Metrics → Resource Usage

DirectAdmin: Account Manager → Resource Usage / CPU

What to look for:

• CPU Usage: High usage can slow or crash your site
• Memory Usage: PHP scripts exceeding limits
• Entry Processes: Too many concurrent visitors or requests

Common symptoms:

• Website loading slowly or timing out
• 503 or 508 errors
• Intermittent downtime

Common causes:

• Heavy plugins or scripts
• Traffic spikes
• Bots or crawlers

Quick fixes:

• Enable caching (e.g. WordPress cache plugin)
• Disable unnecessary plugins
• Block bad bots (via firewall or CPGuard)

cPanel: Resource Usage

DirectAdmin: CPU / Entry Processes

Hard Refresh (Force Reload):

Windows: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R
Mac: Cmd + Shift + R

Open in Private / Incognito Mode:

• Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + N (Mac)
• Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N (InPrivate)
• Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: File → New Private Window

Test Using No-Cache URL:

https://yourdomain.com/?nocache=1

Why this helps: Cached files (browser, CDN, or plugins) can make your site appear broken even after fixing the issue.

.htaccess → .htaccess_old

Use CPGuard → Virus Scanner

• ✔ Server not responding
• ✔ DNS correct but down
• ✔ Critical errors repeat