WPML

Missing the *_icl_strings and *_icl_string_translations Data Tables

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Overview of the Issue

The debug.log content has these errors:

WordPress database error Table 'wp_icl_strings' doesn't exist for query…

WordPress database error Table 'wp_icl_string_translations' doesn't exist for query…

These errors result in the following issues:

  • On the WPMLString Translation page there are no strings.
  • When scanning for theme and/or plugin strings on the WPMLTheme and plugins localization page there are no strings found.

You may also see the following notification that cannot be dismissed:

We have detected a problem with some tables in the database. Please contact WPML support to get this fixed.

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Workaround

This issue is fixed. Updating to the latest version solves it on your site, so you only need this workaround if you can’t update yet.

These errors happen when the activation of WPML is not complete. We are not yet sure how this issue is exactly replicated.

Only if you have no translations, you can go to WPMLSupportReset WPML (on WPML 5.0 and later Reset WPML comes with the WPML Troubleshooting plugin, installed from WPMLActivate & Update)

If you already have translations you can use the following workaround and continue to work with WPML.

  1. Make a full backup of your site (files and database). There are many free plugins on WordPress.org (opens in a new tab) for this purpose.
  2. Add this code to the bottom of the functions.php file in your theme’s root folder. 
    function wpml_fix_missing_icl_tables() {

    if( function_exists( 'icl_sitepress_activate' ) )

        icl_sitepress_activate();

}

add_action( 'wp_footer', 'wpml_fix_missing_icl_tables' );
  1. Visit your site’s homepage at least one time.
  2. Remove the code.

Still Seeing This Issue?

If updating doesn’t fix it, ask a support question and we’ll look into it with you.

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