Question: Troubleshooting tips

Answer: Read the error messages carefully

If you get any error messages, please take a moment to actually read them. Most of the time, the error message will either explain what the problem was or at least give you a hint what it might be.

If instead of an error message all you get is a blank page, please see the FAQ entry on blank pages first.


Always start with the first error

If you get more than one error message, always start with the first one. Fix that problem, then try again. More often than not, subsequent error messages will go away when you fix the first listed problem.


File permissions and database permissions

A frequent source of problems are incorrect permissions on files and directories. But not all permission problems you may see reported in an error message are actually about file permissions. The MySQL database also uses permissions (which have nothing to do with file permissions). So read the error message carefully to see which permissions its actually talking about.

For help with file permissions, see the installation instructions. For help with database permissions see this FAQ entry.


Retrace your steps

If you run into a problem step back for a moment and think about what you just did. Bring your last steps in relation to the error message you got. Most of the time, there's a direct connection between the two, which should make it easier for you to locate the source of the problem.


Use the provided resources

Many of the most common problems are listed in the FAQ. If you are in the process of installing Geeklog, also see the section on common installation problems in the installation instructions.


Search for the error message

If you can't figure out what the problem is, try searching for the error message you got. Copy and paste a relevant portion of the error message, but leave out line numbers and file names, as those may change between versions.

Someone else may have run into the same problem before and posted about it on the forum.


Provide as much information as possible

If you need help, feel free to post in one of the forums. But please make it easier for us to help you by providing as much information as possible. It doesn't work is not a very helpful description of your problem ...

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FAQ » Common problems » Troubleshooting tips