Update WPML Multilingual CMS

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

Problem:
You are trying to update the WPML Multilingual CMS plugin and encountered an error: PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) : Invalid archive structure.
Solution:
If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend trying to upload other plugin zip files, such as WooCommerce or Akismet, to check if similar issues occur. This can help determine if the problem is specific to the WPML plugin or a broader issue with your WordPress setup. Additionally, check your WP MEMORY LIMIT under Tools > Site Health > Info. If it's still set to 40M, you might need to increase this limit as it could be affecting the plugin update process.

Please note that this solution might be outdated or not applicable to your specific case.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 at WPML support forum for further assistance.

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: Not WPML issue

This topic contains 9 replies, has 1 voice.

Last updated by Andreas W. 2 months, 3 weeks ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author	Posts
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 pm #17491539
carloC-27	Background of the issue: I am trying to update the WPML Multilingual CMS plugin. Symptoms: I encountered an error: PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) : Invalid archive structure. Questions: How can I resolve the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT error when updating the WPML plugin?
October 16, 2025 at 5:47 pm #17492011
carloC-27	I cannot download WPML CMS translations
October 16, 2025 at 6:08 pm #17492027
Andreas W. WPML Supporter since 12/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	Hello, It seems the minimum requirements on your server are not met: https://wpml.org/en/home/minimum-requirements/ Could you please increase the WordPress memory limit (WP Memory Limit) to at least 256 MB? WPML requires at least 128 MB. Your current values are: PHP Memory Limit 256 MB WP Memory Limit 40 MB To do this, connect to your website's server and open the wp-config.php file in a text editor. The file is located in the WordPress root directory. Add this code to the wp-config.php file to increase WordPress memory: define ('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); Add this just before this comment: // That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. The current values can be viewed under WPML > Support > WordPress. These settings can be restricted directly by your hosting provider. Therefore, I recommend contacting them. If adjusting the limit will not solve the issue, please let me know. Best regards, Andreas
October 16, 2025 at 7:03 pm #17492184
carloC-27	Hello thanks for your answer. So the WP memory limit is already set high (see screenshot). Whily I was following the steps of your ai support and reinstalling wpml the website menu navbar kind of broke (which is actually now the main problem). Thanks Stefano
October 16, 2025 at 8:03 pm #17492305
Andreas W. WPML Supporter since 12/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	Hello, I would like to offer to take a closer look and request temporary access (wp-admin and FTP) to the website to investigate the issue further. The required fields are located below the comments section when you log in to leave the next reply. The information you provide is private, meaning only you and I can see and access it. IMPORTANT Please be sure to back up your website and database before granting us access. If you can't see the "wp-admin / FTP" fields, your post and website credentials will be set to "PUBLIC." DO NOT publish the data unless you see the required wp-admin / FTP fields. The private reply form looks like this: hidden link Click "I still need assistance" the next time you reply. Video: hidden link Please note that we are required to request this information individually on each ticket. We are not permitted to access any credentials that were not specifically submitted on this ticket using the private response form. Best regards, Andreas
October 16, 2025 at 8:39 pm #17492409
Andreas W. WPML Supporter since 12/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	Trying to upload other plugin zip files, like for example WooCommerce or Akismet, causes similar unexpected issues. Also, note that according to Tools > Site Health > Info, the WP MEMORY LIMIT is still set to 40M. You might not have adjusted this correctly, or the hosting is not allowing you to change the limit.
October 16, 2025 at 8:49 pm #17492444
carloC-27	I haven't changed the wp memory limit. I found it like that when I opened the wp-config php file. What should I do? And how can I restore the website as it was before? Thanks for your help.
October 16, 2025 at 9:03 pm #17492463
Andreas W. WPML Supporter since 12/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	There is nothing to roll back. The only change I suggested was adjusting the WP MEMORY LIMIT. I have not made any changes to the site. Note that even trying to install plugins from Plugins > Add new plugins results in errors. This is not a WPML issue. Please contact your hosting support and report the problem there.
October 16, 2025 at 9:08 pm #17492467
carloC-27	OK Thank you very much for your support. Have a great rest of the week!
October 16, 2025 at 9:16 pm #17492474
Andreas W. WPML Supporter since 12/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch ) Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)	You, too - Thank you!