[Resolved] Duplicate images appearing in the media library
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is experiencing issues with their media library becoming enormous due to duplicated media entries created by WPML. They are seeking solutions to prevent future duplications and to remove existing duplicated media. Solution: 1. To address the issue of duplicated media, we recommend temporarily disabling the WPML Media Translation plugin. This action has helped reduce the number of duplicated thumbnails from 2000 to around 500. 2. After managing the existing duplicates, reinstall the WPML Media Translation plugin to see if the issue of duplication recurs. This step will help in identifying whether the plugin is the cause of the problem. 3. It's important to understand that WPML creates additional database entries for images in the second language, which are necessary for the images to function correctly in both languages. These entries appear as duplicates in the media library but do not represent actual duplicated files. 4. For further technical details or if the problem persists, please check our documentation on managing media with WPML here: WPML Media Translation.
If this solution does not resolve your issue, or if it seems outdated or irrelevant to your specific case, we highly recommend opening a new support ticket. Also, please visit our known issues page to check for related problems and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, you can always contact us through our support forum here: WPML Support Forum.
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Background of the issue:
I am trying to manage my media library on my site hidden link. WPML has made my media library enormous, and I am trying to prevent and remove the existing duplicated media.
Symptoms:
Duplicate images are appearing in the media library.
Questions:
How can I prevent WPML from duplicating media in the future?
What steps can I take to remove existing duplicated media from my library?
While you wait for my colleague to take over the ticket, let me try to help you with the issue quickly.
I am afraid that is expected and needed, WPML adds DB entry for 2nd language for images, the files are not duplicated, only a DB entry, but you will see them in your Media library for both languages, which is needed for images to work correctly in both languages.
For memory, there are different memory values and these are read directly from the server / Worpdress and should be correct. You can also check it from Tools > Site health > Info > Server / WP constants.
I have been using WPML for years on other WP sites, about 5 other WordPress sites over the years and the duplication of the thumbnails within the Media Library has never happened, not like this.
The thumbnail duplication that I am experiencing is absurd.
I've been working on this site which is in development for months and now I don't know what to do. I cannot launch this or deliver the site to the client like this.
I've tried so many different ways to resolve this situation and I'm stuck. It just gets worse, even when I mass delete so many duplicate thumbnails. Now, there are even broken images within the Media Library.
Please help fix this. This cannot be the expected outcome. Look at these screenshots of my media library and what WPML has done to it!
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )Italian (Italiano )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+01:00)
Hi there!
This is Paola and I will continue with the ticket.
Do you know after what action appears images duplicated on media library?
I would like to request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to your site to take a better look at the issue. You will find the needed fields for this below the comment area when you log in to leave your next reply. The information you will enter is private which means only you and I can see and have access to it.
**IMPORTANT**
- Please make a backup of the site files and database before providing us access.
- If you do not see the wp-admin/FTP fields this means your post & website login details will be made PUBLIC. DO NOT post your website details unless you see the required wp-admin/FTP fields. If you do not, please ask me to enable the private box.
The private box looks like this: hidden link
WPML has been deactivated. Please standby while I attempt to delete all of those duplicate thumbnails. I will post in here again with an update. Thank you for your patience.
My plan was (and still is) to remove the duplications, create a backup of the entire site, and then inform you to use the admin credentials I provided to WPML so that WPML support staff could ensure the re-enabling of the plugins so that this duplication doesn't occur again.
