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

Problem:
The client was experiencing issues with pages disappearing when WPML was activated. After setting up a copy of the site, they encountered an error indicating that the WPML table 'wp_icl_strings' was missing.

Solution:
1. We suggested that the client ensure their site backup includes the WPML tables. If the tables are missing, they should follow the workaround to recreate the missing tables found here: Missing WPML tables documentation.
2. We recommended backing up the database before making any changes.
3. We asked if the original site from where they migrated had the same issue.
4. We advised the client to update their WPML plugin to the latest version and also update all add-ons. The latest versions can be found under "My Account -> Downloads" on the WPML site, and update instructions are available here: WPML update instructions.
5. We reminded the client to back up their database before proceeding with the update, suggesting the use of a plugin like Duplicator.

If the provided solution is not relevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking the related known issues, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 with us.

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.

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This topic contains 12 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Andrey 1 year, 5 months ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
February 5, 2024 at 3:17 pm #15266851

jesperA

Tell us what you are trying to do?
We tried to use WPML to translate a website. Suddenly pages (supposedly translated) just disappeared. Once WPML plugin was deactivated they went back. I then tried to set up a copy of the site but it's missing languages altogether and I get this message:
Table 'usinde_se.bella0_icl_strings' doesn't exist
Array
(
[language] => en
[context] => WPML
[gettext_context] =>
[domain_name_context_md5] => c9203e3110feb389a62b2f341a6c346a
[name] => Text for alternative languages for posts
[value] => This post is also available in: %s
[status] => 0
[translation_priority] => optional
[allow_empty_value] =>
)

Is there any documentation that you are following?
Not yet.

Is there a similar example that we can see?

What is the link to your site?
You can get a link to the copy of the site: hidden link

February 5, 2024 at 7:07 pm #15268189

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

The message indicates that some WPML tables are missing. I assume that the backup of your restores didn't contain WPML tables. You need either to restore a copy that contains those tables or try the following workaround to recreate those tables:

https://wpml.org/errata/missing-_icl_strings-_icl_string_translations-data-tables/

Before proceeding with any changes, please back up your database first.

February 12, 2024 at 8:04 am #15291215

jesperA

The error with missing languages was because of a bad backup/migration from the original site. That's finally corrected so I have a good copy now and the languages are available. However, I do get exactly the same error with missing (or not displaying) pages exactly as on the original site. And when deactivating the WPML main plugin it works again.
On this site I can give you admin access if you need to check something.

February 12, 2024 at 10:11 am #15292113

jesperA

I noticed something new about the error. When the WPML plugin is activated the page that goes missing is only the original language.
So this page is gone: hidden link
While this page works: hidden link (the translated page).

As I said I can give you login if you email me directly.

February 12, 2024 at 1:47 pm #15293458

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Do I correctly understand that there is no such issue on the original site where you migrated from?

Could you please update your WPML plugin to the latest version 4.6.9 and add-ons to benefit from the latest bug fixes and improvements? This may not necessarily resolve your problem, however, in order to troubleshoot the issue best we need to work on the latest code available.

You can check the latest released versions under "My Account -> Downloads" on this site. Instructions to update can be found here: http://wpml.org/faq/install-wpml/

Please remember to backup your database first before you proceed. You can use a plugin for this if you like (example: http://wordpress.org/plugins/duplicator/)

Let me know if the issue persists after an update has been done.

February 12, 2024 at 2:08 pm #15293501

jesperA

No, it's the same on the original site, which I guess is a good thing in this case.
I've already made a backup of the site today.
I've now updated the plugins to the latest (was 4.6.8). No change when it comes to the problem.

February 12, 2024 at 2:21 pm #15293597

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Please update WPML to 4.6.9. You can use the link above to download the version or connect the site to get the update.

I 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. 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.

February 12, 2024 at 2:44 pm #15293721

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thanks for the update. Unfortunately, I am getting the following:

Error: The password you entered for the email address ********* is incorrect. Lost your password?

Could you please check this? The next reply is private.

February 13, 2024 at 8:20 pm #15299442

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

Thank you for providing the details. I have carefully reviewed the website and an example of the page. It appears that when WPML is activated, a default template is being used, which is causing the custom fields not to appear on the front-end. However, when WPML is deactivated, or in the secondary language, the correct template is displayed.

May I confirm if you are using any specific templates for the pages? I have noticed that the page is built using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF).

February 14, 2024 at 7:28 am #15300257

jesperA

OK, that's interesting. ACF are used for custom fields but the pages are built with Beaver Builder. I checked, before buying WPML, that Beaver Builder was supported by WPML.
So, it's good to know it has something to do with templates changing but I still don't understand why or how to fix this.

February 14, 2024 at 2:50 pm #15303024

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

That is right, Beaver Builder is compatible with WPML. In fact, your response about Beaver Builder helped to find a solution. I duplicated the Category & Treatment Pages template to Swedish by going to Beaver Builder → Themer Layouts. You might need to translate it if there are some text to translate.

The page is displayed now: hidden link

Edit-Themer-Layout-“Category-Treatment-Pages”-‹-Bellakliniken-—-WordPress.png
February 14, 2024 at 3:12 pm #15303197

jesperA

That's great news. I'm the one who recommended the company (with the site) to use WPML so it was a crucial problem to solve!
I will continue with the translation now and hopefully solve the remaining untranslated parts myself. Otherwise I'll be back!

February 15, 2024 at 9:10 am #15305591

Andrey
WPML Supporter since 06/2013

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+03:00)

You are always welcome to open a new ticket. I am glad that it is solved now.