What to do if the website reports a Fatal error after installing SiteOrigin Page Builder

Today, a netizen told Naiba that his WordPress website could not be opened and asked for help. When opening his website, it displayed „Fatal error: Call to undefined function wp_doing_ajax() in /home/vgr8rn8v8/wwwroot/wp-content/plugins/siteorigin-panels/siteorigin-panels.php on line 45"

Cause of the problem

From the error cause, the problem lies with the wp_doing_ajax() function file. The wp_doing_ajax() function is a new function added after WordPress 4.7, and it happens that this netizen is using an older version of WordPress. Relevant information can be referred to in the official documentation:https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/wp_doing_ajax/wp_doing_ajax() is used to determine whether the current request is an Ajax request. If it is a WordPress Ajax request, it returns true; otherwise, it returns false.

function wp_doing_ajax() {
    /**
     * Filters whether the current request is a WordPress Ajax request.
     *
     * @since 4.7.0
     *
     * @param bool $wp_doing_ajax Whether the current request is a WordPress Ajax request.
     */
    return apply_filters( 'wp_doing_ajax', defined( 'DOING_AJAX' ) && DOING_AJAX );
}

Solution

From the error message, it is quite clear that the problem lies on line 45 of siteorigin-panels/siteorigin-panels.php. The issue is the plugin's compatibility. To solve the problem is simple: use an FTP tool to go to the website server and delete the siteorigin-panels folder. If you still want to use this plugin, you need to first upgrade WordPress to a newer version and then reinstall it. If you cannot upgrade, you need to check whether your server environment meets the hardware requirements for the new version of WordPress.WordPress Configuration Requirements Hardware Conditions Needed to Install WordPress

Other situations

Sometimes, the website not opening may not be due to plugin issues. Naiba previously shared the Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide for WordPress Website 503 Error, which interested readers can refer to.

Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide for WordPress Website 503 Error