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

Problem:
The client reported a critical error on their website that occurred only when WPML was active, specifically when updating, editing, or duplicating pages.
Solution:
We investigated the issue and found that some database tables were not installed correctly during the WPML configuration. We recommended the following steps:
1. Create a full backup of the site.
2. Temporarily disable all other plugins and switch to the WP parent theme.
3. If no translations are done then reset WPML and configure it again following the instructions. Otherwise contact WPML support so we can apply SQL code and fix your database. WPML Reset Guide.
After these steps were completed on a copy of the website, the issue was resolved.

If this solution does not resolve your issue or seems irrelevant due to being outdated or not applicable to your case, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent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 problem persists, please open a new support ticket.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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This topic contains 11 replies, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Dražen 1 month, 2 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Dražen.

Author Posts
January 29, 2026 at 10:40 am

matteoM-4

Hello,

I am experiencing a critical error on my website only when WPML is active.
The issue occurs in certain sections, particularly when editing or creating pages, while the rest of the site appears to function normally.

Could you please advise how to resolve this issue?

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
WEBSITE NAME: TOPSYL.IT
Amina

January 29, 2026 at 11:56 am #17773339

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello,

thank you for your patience.

I checked this further, and it appears that some database tables were not installed correctly during the WPML configuration.

Since you have just started and no translations have been created yet, please follow the steps below to resolve the issue.

Before proceeding, make sure to create a full backup of your site, just in case.

Then temporarily disable all other plugins, switch to the WP parent theme, and reset WPML and configure it again. You can follow the instructions here:
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

I tested this on a copy of your website, and everything worked correctly after completing these steps.

Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions.

Regards,
Drazen

January 29, 2026 at 2:13 pm #17774153

matteoM-4

Hello, Thankyou but

Actually, there are already translations present on the website.
If you check the front end, you can clearly see and access the English version.

For this reason, I would like to understand whether a full WPML reset is still necessary, considering that there are already translated and visible contents.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you

January 30, 2026 at 7:32 am #17775900

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello Amina,

Thank you for getting back to me, and my apologies — I somehow missed this on my local copy.

Yes, I can try an alternative approach. Since this is a live website, please make sure you have a full backup in place and share FTP access with me in your next private reply. This will allow me to safely investigate and fix any corrupted data in the database.

Kind regards,
Drazen

January 30, 2026 at 9:10 am #17776256

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello Amina,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I tried running the SQL command for database to resolve the issue, but it caused the server to time out. It seems that executing this query results in a server overload on your side.

Could you please check this further with your hosting support and see if they can run the SQL command directly on the database? Unfortunately, I’m unable to do so, as it causes the server to overload.

The SQL command can be found here:
https://pastebin.com/raw/KssrFc6Y

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,
Drazen

February 2, 2026 at 1:28 pm #17784005

matteoM-4

Hello,

Thank you for your message.

I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. I have been in contact with the hosting support regarding this issue, and I sent them an email this morning asking if they can run the SQL command directly on the database, as suggested.

At the moment, I am waiting for their response. As soon as I receive an update from them, I will let you know.

Thank you very much for your patience and support.

Kind regards,
Amina

February 2, 2026 at 2:03 pm #17784124

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello Amina,

thank you for the update and for getting in touch with your hosting provider regarding this.

I appreciate you keeping me informed.

Please let me know once you hear back from them and how it goes.

Kind regards,
Dražen

February 2, 2026 at 3:18 pm #17784514

matteoM-4

Hello Dražen,

Thank you for your patience. I received a response from the team that manages the server. They confirmed that the database issue, which was causing slow performance, has been resolved.
They also advised that it would be best if you make the modification yourself, so you can ensure the expected outcome.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.

Kind regards,
Amina

February 3, 2026 at 7:01 am #17785620

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello Amina,

great, thanks for getting back.

I have applied the changes and checked the website and it seems to work fine now and critical error that appeared before is gone.

Please check and let me know if you have any other question or doubt.

Regards,
Drazen

February 3, 2026 at 8:55 am #17786083

matteoM-4

Hello,

Thank you very much for your help and support.
You were very kind, professional, and helpful, and I truly appreciate your assistance.

Now it seems that everything is working correctly.

Thank you again for the excellent service.

Best regards,
Amina

February 3, 2026 at 9:00 am #17786133
matteoM-4

Hello,

Sorry for coming back to you, but I just noticed an issue.
The English flag button is not working correctly: when I click on it, it redirects me back to the Italian home page instead of switching to English.

Thank you again for your help, and sorry for the inconvenience.

Best regards,
Amina

New threads created by Dražen and linked to this one are listed below:

https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-english-flag-button-is-not-working-correctly/

February 3, 2026 at 9:47 am #17786573

Dražen
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: Europe/Zagreb (GMT+01:00)

Hello Amina,

thanks for getting back to me and for the kind words.

No worries at all — let’s take a closer look and see what might be causing this.

To keep things clear and avoid mixing topics, I’ve opened a new ticket so we can continue the discussion there:
- https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-english-flag-button-is-not-working-correctly/

If everything is fine regarding the issue in this ticket, I suggest we close the current one.

Kind regards,
Dražen