Common OpenCart Errors

White Screen of Death

The white screen is one of the most common problems on OpenCart and is usually caused by a PHP error that prevents loading the page.

How to fix it:

1. Enable PHP error display
   • Add to file config.php OpenCart:
   • ini_set('display_errors', 1);
   • ini_set('display_startup_errors', 1);
   • error_reporting(E_ALL);
2. Check php.ini file
   • Configure display_errors = On
   • Increase it memory_limit at least 128M
   • Configure max_execution_time 300 or more
3. Check log files - Look at him our guide to log files

Errors Linking to the Database

Database connection problems usually occur in the form of messages such as "Error establishing database connection" or "Could not make a database link".

Possible solutions:

• Check connection data - Make sure the data in the file config.php is correct (user name, password, base name, server)
• Confirm the database works - Check if the MySQL/MariaDB server is active
• Check user rights - Make sure the database user has the necessary permissions
• Contact the hosting provider - Maybe there is a problem with the server

Common PHP Errors

1. PHP Notices

PHP alerts do not interrupt the operation of the store, but indicate possible problems in the code.

This means the code is trying to use a variable that has not been defined. Usually it does not affect functionality but it is good practice to correct.

2. PHP Warnings

Warnings are more serious than notifications, but they still do not interrupt the operation of the store.

That means the code is trying to include a file that doesn't exist.

3. PHP Fatal Errors

Critical errors interrupt the script execution and usually cause white screen or partial loading of the page.

That means the code is trying to call a function that doesn't exist. Usually it happens when a PHP extension is missing or the code has been incorrectly modified.

Problems with Extensions and Amendments

1. Errors after installing extension

If you experience problems immediately after installing an extension:

• Remove the extension temporarily to confirm that it causes the problem
• Check the compatibility of the extension with your OpenCart version
• Clear the OpenCart cache (from the management or delete the contents of the cache folder)
• Check the file ocmod.log for possible installation errors

2. Errors with OCMOD/vQmod

OCMOD and vQmod modification systems can cause problems if they are not correctly adjusted:

• Refresh the modifications from the admin (Extensions > Modifications > Refresh)
• Check for conflicts between different changes
• In case of serious problem, disable all modifications and activate one by one

Upgrading Problems

OpenCart upgrades can sometimes cause problems:

Common errors and solutions:

• Missing Files - Make sure you have uploaded all the files of the new version
• Problems with the database - Check if all necessary database updates have been performed
• Conflicts with modified files - If you have made adjustments to the code, you may need to reapply them after the upgrade
• Incompatibilities of extensions - Some extensions may not be compatible with the new version

File Rights Errors

Many problems in OpenCart are due to incorrect file and folder rights:

Folders requiring registration rights:

• system/storage/ And all his subfolders
• image/ And all his subfolders
• config.php (during installation)
• admin/config.php (during installation)

Recommended rights:

• Folders: 755 (or 775 if required by server)
• Files: 644 (or 664 if required by server)

You can change the rights via FTP or by File Manager of your hosting.