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

Problem:
You are experiencing a fatal error on your website after the WPML plugin wrote a string instead of an array in one of the wp_options rows, causing the website to go down.
Solution:
First, we need more details about the issue to assist you effectively. Please identify where exactly you see this error and the full content of the error message. Follow the instructions provided in the link to retrieve the debug information from your site and share it with us. Here is the link to guide you on how to provide the necessary information: http://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support/

Please note that the solution provided might be irrelevant if it's outdated or not applicable to your case.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 the issue persists, please open a new support ticket at our support forum.

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This topic contains 1 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by Andrey 4 months, 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
October 22, 2025 at 6:22 pm #17509811

andrewA-19

Background of the issue:
I was trying to keep the customer happy after the WPML plugin took the live website down for 8 hours. The issue can be seen on this page: hidden link.

Symptoms:
The WPML WordPress plugin wrote a string instead of an array in one of the wp_options rows, causing a fatal error. I expected to see a working website, but instead, I got a broken website.

Questions:
Why did the WPML plugin write a string instead of an array in the wp_options rows?
How can I fix the fatal error caused by this issue?

October 22, 2025 at 7:35 pm #17510080

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+02:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

Could you please provide more details about the issue?
Where exactly do you see this error, and what is the full content of the error message?

I checked the link you provided, but I wasn’t able to see the issue on my end.

I’ve enabled debug information for this support ticket. Please follow the instructions in the link below to retrieve the debug information from your site and share it with us:
http://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support/