White screen at setup

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:

You are setting up WPML on a site under development and encounter a white screen during the setup process.

Solution:

This issue might be due to a corrupt entry in the database. If you have previously used WPML on this site, follow these steps after ensuring you have a full site backup:

1) Navigate to WPML >> Support >> Troubleshooting.
2) Select the WPML Reset action.
3) Deactivate WPML.
4) Access your database using a tool like PHPMyAdmin.
5) Execute the following SQL query to delete all matching records:

SELECT * FROM `wp_options` WHERE `option_name` LIKE '%wpml%'

6) Clear all types of caches.
7) Reactivate WPML and configure it.

For more detailed instructions, refer to this article: Deleting Languages and Plugin Data by Doing a WPML Reset.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems irrelevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case, we recommend opening a new support ticket. Also, check related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verify the version of the permanent fix, and confirm that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. For further assistance, please visit our support forum at WPML Support Forum.

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.

Tagged: Bug

This topic contains 3 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Bigul 2 weeks, 3 days ago.

Assisted by: Bigul.

Author	Posts
June 23, 2025 at 5:06 pm
jamieW-9	Background of the issue: I am trying to set up WPML on a site that is currently under development. I am following the setup guide. Symptoms: I encountered a white screen during the setup process. Questions: I'm stuck at setup, all i get is WPML setup and a white page?
June 23, 2025 at 6:45 pm
June 23, 2025 at 7:43 pm #17162379
Bigul WPML Supporter since 01/2013 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+02:00)	Hello, The issue persists after the initial checks. So, I have created a copy of the site using Duplicator for detailed debugging. We will continue investigating and get back to you as soon as possible. Please wait. -- Thanks! Bigul
June 25, 2025 at 6:19 am #17167172
Bigul WPML Supporter since 01/2013 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+02:00)	Hello, We were able to reproduce the bug in our local copy, and the issue persists after following all the troubleshooting steps. Unfortunately, the available workarounds did not resolve the problem. So forwarded the ticket to our second-tier team for expert analysis. We will keep you updated as soon as we have further information. Please wait. -- Thanks! Bigul
June 26, 2025 at 9:38 am #17172563
Bigul WPML Supporter since 01/2013 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Europe/Vienna (GMT+02:00)	Hello, This issue seems to be caused by a corrupt entry in the database. Have you used WPML on this site before? We noticed multiple language folders inside the *wp-content * folder. We were able to get the expected results in our local copy after following some steps. Please try the same steps on your end after taking a full site backup (mandatory) and let us know your feedback. 1) Visit WPML >> Support >> Troubleshooting 2) Select the WPML Reset action 3) Deactivate WPML 4) Log in to your database using a tool like PHPMyAdmin 5) Run the following query and delete all the matching records SELECT * FROM `wp_options` WHERE `option_name` LIKE '%wpml%' 6) Clear all types of caches 7) Activate WPML and configure it Refer to this article for more details: https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/language-setup/deleting-languages-and-plugin-data-by-doing-a-wpml-reset-on-your-site/#step-3-do-the-wpml-reset -- Thanks! Bigul