Cannot "save" Discussion Settings!

Try downloading WordPress again and delete then replace your copies of everything except the wp-config.php file and the /wp-content/ directory with fresh copies from the download. This will effectively replace all of your core files without damaging your content and settings. Some uploaders tend to be unreliable when overwriting files, so don’t forget to delete the original files before replacing them.

Thank you, James! I have edited my Discussion Settings successfully on a previous occasion – could there be something wrong with the latest version of WordPress?

I don’t think so. Did the reinstall make any difference?

I haven’t done the re-install yet – too petrified! I’m not too familiar with the tech stuff and will need some help. I have just done a site backup so I guess I’m ready. Please could you guide me through the re-installing steps? Must I go into cpanel? I’ve also downloaded WordPress again – now what do I do with the WP zip file?

Now that you have downloaded WordPress again, you’ll need to:

1. Open the Zip file.

2. Access the files on your server via SFTP or your hosting provider’s control panel. (personally, I prefer SFTP) https://codex.www.ads-software.com/FTP_Clients

3. Delete your copies of everything except the wp-config.php file and the /wp-content/ directory on the server.

4. Upload copies of everything except the wp-config.php file and the /wp-content/ directory from the download. Some uploaders tend to be unreliable when overwriting files, so don’t forget to delete the original files before replacing them.

This will effectively replace all of your core files without damaging your content and settings.

Hello James – I followed your instructions meticulously and the transfer went well with Filezilla but unfortunately it did not solve the problem – I still get the same “Not Found” response when trying to save Duscussion Settings. I guess I’ll just have to leave them as they are for now. Many thanks for your help – it is much appreciated!

Hm, that’s very odd.

Try deactivating all plugins. If that resolves the issue, reactivate each one individually until you find the cause.

If that does not resolve the issue, try switching to the Twenty Fourteen theme to rule-out a theme-specific issue (theme functions can interfere like plugins).

Nope – It was not the plugins nor the theme – still getting Not Found when trying to save Discussion Settings. By the way, I’m having the same problem on another site of mine.

Hm, possibly server level security. Copy/paste the contents of your Moderation and Blacklists to a text file, then completely clear them in settings. Does that allow you to save?

Both Moderation and Blacklist spaces are empty on all 6 of my WP sites – and they all won’t save Discussion Settings. I’m now going to contact my Hosting Support and see if they can throw any light on this enigma.

Yes, it’s definitely time for the hosting provider to investigate. The have the logs and tools to maybe pinpoint this.

Hello, James – The problem was fixed by Namecheap Hosting Support! Here’s what they said: “We have whitelisted a mod_security rule” . I am now able to save Discussion Settings on all 5 sites.

Many thanks for your time – it is much appreciated!

You’re welcome!