Fix WordPress Theme editor Scrape key check failed error

  • I created a LAMP server and then I installed WordPress. Everything was working ok, so I created a snapshot of the current state.

    After I migrated the site to the new server, I received a critical error from the website from the “PHP Code Widget” plugin that I had on the original server. So, I removed the plugin, and then the site worked.

    Then I received the error “Scrape key check failed. Please try again” when trying to save a PHP file with the WordPress Theme editor.

    I know it’s not ideal, but it should work nonetheless because then it means that there’s a problem.

    So, I disabled all the plugins, and I still get the same error.

    I changed the theme and I ended up with the same error.

    I have a cache plugin w3 total cache, so I disabled it too and deleted the cache, and I continued with the same error.

    So, then I decided to delete the VPS and create a new VPS, so tried to create another server with the snapshot I created, and now without doing anything I receive the error “Scrape key check failed. Please try again” when trying to save a PHP file with the WordPress Theme editor. So, I don’t get it, if it worked before, why I’m getting the error now when I haven’t even transferred anything from the old server yet.

    So, I created another VPS, but this time, I created another VPS using a clean LAMP image provided by DigitalOcean. Then I installed WordPress, and this is supposed to work, right? Wrong, I haven’t done anything and every VPS I create from this point forward, I will receive the error “Scrape key check failed. Please try again” when trying to save a PHP file with the WordPress Theme editor.

    Also, I’ve been using Chrome and Firefox in incognito mode for this process. I switched computers. and I have even tried a different internet connection with a different computer to end with the same error. The thing is now, I can’t even create a brand new VPS without running into the issue.

    Any ideas on how to fix this problem?

    I’m asking here because DigitalOcean support or forums have no idea what’s going on.

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Moderator t-p

    (@t-p)

    This may be a plugin or theme conflict. Please attempt to disable all plugins, and use one of the default (Twenty*) themes. If the problem goes away, enable them one by one to identify the source of your troubles.

    Thread Starter wpmhweb

    (@wppit)

    @t-p Thanks, but I did all that. Also, if I don’t have any plugins installed, what am I supposed to disable? Thanks,

    Moderator t-p

    (@t-p)

    try switching to one of the default themes.

    Thread Starter wpmhweb

    (@wppit)

    @t-p I did try different themes. I also tried deleting the current theme and installing a new one.

    Moderator t-p

    (@t-p)

    After I migrated the site to the new server

    If this error showed up on new server after migration, then there may be something (setting etc.) on this server causing it. Try contacting your hosting provider of this new server.

    Thread Starter wpmhweb

    (@wppit)

    @t-p The reason why I posted the question here again is that the hosting doesn’t know what’s going on. What should I look for in the etc folder?

    Dion

    (@diondesigns)

    Based on what you wrote, I suspect the new VPS is using a different/newer version of PHP than your old one, and the code you had in the PHP Code Widget plugin (and are likely trying to enter in the theme editor) is incompatible with the newer version of PHP.

    You should check the PHP error log on your VPS to find out the error(s) being generated by the code you are entering. Since you’re using an unmanaged VPS, setting up, maintaining, and inspecting the PHP error log is your responsibility.

    Thread Starter wpmhweb

    (@wppit)

    @diondesigns @t-p I wanted to follow up because I figured out today that the error seems to only happen when the theme is active. For example, if I open the Theme editor with the active theme, and I save a PHP file, then I’ll receive the “Scrape key check failed. Please try again” error. However, while in the Theme editor, I select an inactive theme from the “Select theme to edit:” menu, then I can save PHP files from the other theme that is not active.
    So, the problem is saving PHP files from the active theme. Any other ideas of what could be the problem?
    Thanks,

    Dion

    (@diondesigns)

    WordPress does extra checking when editing an active theme, so unfortunately, that doesn’t change anything. Please check the PHP error log on your VPS to determine the error that is being generated by the code you want to enter.

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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