Website error logs are records of problems that happen on your website or hosting account.
They can help identify why a website is showing errors, loading incorrectly, or not working as expected.
Error logs are useful for troubleshooting website problems.
What Do Error Logs Show?
Error logs may show technical information about problems such as:
- PHP errors
- Missing files
- Permission problems
- Script errors
- Server errors
- Plugin or theme issues
- Database connection problems
- Fatal errors
- Warnings and notices
The exact information shown depends on the website, hosting setup, and type of error.
Why Are Error Logs Useful?
Error logs help identify the cause of a website problem.
For example, if your website shows a blank page or 500 Internal Server Error, the error log may show which file or script caused the issue.
This information can help your developer or HostworX Support troubleshoot the problem faster.
Common Problems Error Logs Can Help With
Error logs can help troubleshoot:
- 500 Internal Server Error
- White screen or blank page
- Broken WordPress plugins
- Theme errors
- PHP compatibility issues
- Missing files
- Incorrect permissions
- Website scripts not running
- Contact form errors
- Website loading problems
Are Error Logs Easy to Read?
Some error log messages can be technical.
You may see file paths, line numbers, PHP messages, warnings, or fatal errors.
For example, an error log may mention:
- A file name
- A folder path
- A PHP function
- A plugin name
- A theme name
- A line number
This can be useful when identifying the cause of the problem.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open Site Summary or Statistics
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open the statistics or logs area.
Click: System Info & Files
Then click: Site Summary / Statistics / Logs
Step 3 – Open Error Logs
Look for the error log section.
Click: Error Log next to the domain you are having issues with.
You should now see recent website error messages.
Step 4 – Review the Error Messages
Check the most recent error messages first.
Locate: Recent error message, example: PHP Fatal error
Look for useful details such as:
- File name
- Folder path
- Plugin name
- Theme name
- Line number
- Error type
- Date and time
Step 5 – Share the Error With Support or Your Developer
If you are unsure what the error means, copy the error message and send it to your developer or HostworX Support.
Include:
- The website address
- The page showing the problem
- The time the error happened
- The error message from the log
- Any recent changes made to the website
Common Error Log Terms
You may see terms such as:
PHP Fatal error
This usually means a PHP script stopped running because of a serious problem.
PHP Warning
This means PHP noticed a problem, but the website may still continue running.
Permission denied
This may mean a file or folder permission is incorrect.
File not found
This usually means the website tried to load a file that does not exist.
Memory exhausted
This may mean the website needs more memory or a script is using too many resources.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- Error logs can contain technical information.
- Not every warning means the website is broken.
- The most recent errors are usually the most useful.
- Error logs can help identify plugin, theme, or PHP issues.
- Error logs should be shared carefully if they contain private paths or technical details.
- HostworX Support may ask for error log details when troubleshooting.
When Should I Check Error Logs?
You should check error logs if:
- Your website shows a 500 error.
- Your website shows a blank page.
- A WordPress plugin causes problems.
- A contact form stops working.
- Your website works on some pages but not others.
- Your website breaks after an update.
- Your developer asks for error details.
Conclusion
Website error logs help identify technical problems on your website.
They are especially useful when troubleshooting PHP errors, plugin issues, blank pages, and 500 errors.
If you do not understand the error message, send it to HostworX Support or your website developer for assistance.
