The 500 Internal Server Error is a nightmare for any website owner. It can pop up unexpectedly, affecting just one or multiple pages on your website. If you’ve tried everything from logging out and back in, to purging your site and server cache, and the error still persists, WP-Sweep might be the solution you’re looking for.
Prerequisites
Please make sure you have the following installed and activated:
Understanding the 500 Internal Server Error
The 500 Internal Server Error is a server-side issue, meaning the problem is not with your computer or internet connection but rather with the website’s server. This error is a general catch-all message, and it doesn’t provide specific information about what exactly went wrong.
Why WP-Sweep?
WP-Sweep is a plugin that not only helps you resolve the 500 Internal Server Error but also optimizes your WordPress website by cleaning up unnecessary data. This includes revisions, auto drafts, and deleted posts, which can consume valuable server resources.
Installing WP-Sweep
- Navigate to
Plugins > Add New - Search for “WP-Sweep”
- Install and Activate the plugin
Cleaning Up Your Website
- Navigate to
WordPress Tools > Sweep
Here, you’ll see various options to clean up your website, for example:- Revisions
- Auto Drafts
- Deleted Posts
Note: Always take a backup before performing any sweeping actions.
- Select
Revisions - Click
Sweep
This action will remove all the unnecessary revisions that are taking up server resources. You can also sweep away auto drafts and deleted posts.
Additional Tips
- Consider increasing your PHP memory limit to 512MB or 768MB for better performance.
- Always take a backup before making any changes to your website.
Fix 500 Internal Server Error – Conclusion
WP-Sweep is an effective tool for resolving the 500 Internal Server Error and optimizing your WordPress website. By cleaning up unnecessary data, you can free up server resources and ensure smoother website performance.
