This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is unable to delete the 'leftovers' of the default English (en_US) as the loading icon spins indefinitely, and no leftovers are deleted. This issue does not occur with other languages. Additionally, after deleting a custom language (en_gb) and attempting to recreate it, the system reports that the language still exists due to its remnants in the 'wpcb_icl_languages' table in the PHPadmin database. Solution: We encountered a syntax error when trying to delete the content, which might be causing the issue. You can try deleting the remnants manually using a query. For detailed instructions, please refer to the WPML Forum – How to Delete Language Content from Database. It's important not to modify the language table beyond what is explained in the linked post to avoid further issues. Simply deleting the plugin will not resolve the issue as a full reset would result in the loss of all translated content. If you continue to experience issues or if this solution is outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. If problems persist, please open a new support ticket.
This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.
Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.
Background of the issue:
I am trying to delete the 'leftovers' of the default English en_US, but the loading icon spins indefinitely, and no leftovers are deleted. It worked fine for other languages. Additionally, I created and deleted the custom language en_gb. When I try to create it again, it says it still exists. That's because it remained in the PHPadmin database under the 'wpcb_icl_languages' table. I had to delete that entry manually from the database, so that I could recreate that language from the admin.
Symptoms:
1) When I try to delete the 'leftovers' of the default English en_US, the loading icon spins indefinitely, and no leftovers are deleted. It worked fine when I tried to remove 'leftovers' for other languages.
2) I created a custom language en_gb from the admin, and then deleted it. Then I tried to create it again but it says it already exists. In fact, it remained in the PHPadmin database under the 'wpcb_icl_languages' table, which is causing the error when I try to recreate it in admin. I had to delete that entry manually from the database, and then the admin allowed me to create it again.
Questions:
Why does the loading icon spin indefinitely when deleting 'leftovers' of the default English en_US?
How can I recreate a custom language after deletion, without manually deleting it from the database?
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
Hi,
1) Please check if there are any errors in your browser's JavaScript console when deleting via the "x" icon. You can do this by right-clicking on the site, selecting Inspect, and navigating to the Console tab.
2) Try renaming the language by adding something like "2" in the language table. This way, you can avoid conflicts when re-adding it.
1) I don't see any errors. It dosn't work just with the English (maybe because it was set as main language in the past). But as I mentioned in my previous message, it works when deleting "leftovers" of other languages. I would assume that if it was a java error, it would occur with all languages. If you want to take a look about this, I don't mind giving you WP access, just please advice how to do it privately.
2) I already found the workaround, deleting it manually from the database. Then I can recreate the language with the same name. I just thought of mentioning this issue, as I thought you would care fixing it with the future updates.
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
1) Not necessarily. An error can also occur only for a specific (active) language.
2) This is a very bad idea, as it may cause compatibility issues with third-party plugins. I strongly advise against doing this. If necessary, you should only make these changes through the GUI as described by changing the name to ensure no code is duplicated.
Languages: English (English )Spanish (Español )German (Deutsch )
Timezone: Europe/Madrid (GMT+02:00)
Hi,
1) Please include provide FTP access. If your site goes down due to an error, I won’t be able to restore it without FTP access.
I would need to request temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP) to your site
– preferably to a test site where the problem has been replicated if possible –
in order to be of better help and check if some configurations might need to be changed
Your next answer will be private which means only you and I have access to it.
❌ Please backup your database and website ❌
✙ I would additionally need your permission to de-activate and re-activate Plugins and the Theme, and to change configurations on the site. This is also a reason the backup is really important.
✙ Please add the Links to the […] Edit Screen, the Page/Post where you insert the […] and the corresponding Front End Page/Screen
2) We do not have plans to integrate this via the GUI. The workaround is renaming the language works fine in that case.
As long as you don’t modify the language table as explained in the linked post, this process is safe. Simply deleting the plugin won’t resolve the issue, as a full reset would be required—resulting in the loss of all translated content.
Therefore, I recommend keeping it as it is. If you ever encounter issues with language assignments in third-party plugins, keep this situation in mind.
Best regards,
Marcel
Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and services. Your consent allows us to process data such as browsing behavior. Not consenting may affect some features.
Functional
Always active
Required for our website to operate and communicate correctly.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
We use these to analyze the statistics of our site. Collected information is completely anonymous.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
These cookies track your browsing to provide ads relevant to you.