PHP error notice when updating plug-ins since 3.7 update

All we can really say is that this is invariably server-specific. So you might want to have a word with your hosts about it.

Thanks for such quick reply! Blown away by the speed. ??

I’ll put a support ticket in to Hostgator and see what they say. Since it is SSL related I wonder if the cert might be an issue. Recently renewed it so I’ll have them check that aspect too.

Appreciate your help esmi!

Server-specific? Don’t think so. I am using a dedicated server which I also manage myself. The problem started right after the 3.7 update, and around this time I haven’t changed anything in my server configuration.

I get “/wp-includes/update.php on line 259” and “/wp-includes/update.php on line 399” warnings every time any plugin has been updated.

And since 3.7 is the version where devs introduced “automatic updates” feature, I double doubt that this update-related problem has anything to do with the server.

@ttalbot, You need to create your own thread to discuss that. Unless you’re posting as kmacker on another account?

Seems more widespread than that. I get same error on dedicated server, but in /wp-admin/includes/plugin-install.php on line 77.

Not seeing the error now when updating plug-ins at least. The last 3 went through without getting the PHP error. I don’t know if it is server-specific either. Seems more common than that to me as well.

I am not sure if my host did anything, but I’ve been too busy to fiddle with it much. I’ll keep my eye on this and let you know if I figure out anything. Might be something has been overwritten now and the problem is dealt with too.

Thanks for input. Some comfort in knowing that I’m not alone with the issue. ??

Was able to check with Tech support… they traced my problem to a DNS issue that they “say” was temporary. They sent me some ping tests they did from my root. I’m on a business acct shared server but dedicated IP and SSL so a bit limited in access and resources. HG moved us server wise from TX to UT a couple months ago and some DNS and move gremlins have been obvious.

At least for now, this one might be the issue since the error was a missing ssl connex. SSL is more finicky about connection than open data and if timeout is short or latency above 70 ms it does tend to induce errors or failed handshakes.

We’ll see…

Thanks @ttalbot for your insightful input!

Surely them who understand enough to make such comments should be considered as if anchor points to the system and able to input freely as trusted members of the code! – Just an idea!

Oh, and yes.. umm.. I too have landed here seeking advice about the same secure connection issue..!

if ( $ssl && is_wp_error( $raw_response ) ) {
		trigger_error( __( 'An unexpected error occurred. Something may be wrong with www.ads-software.com or this server’s configuration. If you continue to have problems, please try the <a href="https://www.ads-software.com/support/">support forums</a>.' ) . ' ' . '(WordPress could not establish a secure connection to www.ads-software.com. Please contact your server administrator.)', headers_sent() || WP_DEBUG ? E_USER_WARNING : E_USER_NOTICE );
		$raw_response = wp_remote_post( $http_url, $options );
	}

I found that my tech had tightened up some things in our DNS server and the domain name was not resolving to make the FTP connection. In my 15 years working as a developer, the coincidence of something totally different than what’s anticipated being the culprit has happened many times.

My problems were definitely related to temporary SSL connection issues. Hope others find something similar. Although with updating to 3.8 who knows what we may find?

On WP 3.7.* some of my sites (same host, same config, different IPs) had this problem, and some hadn’t. But after a 3.8 update, I see this error on every single one of them.

@ttalbot – please start your own thread if you are looking for help.

Hi there,
i am receiving the following error.
I deleted the complete installation and made a fresh one.
but still the problem persists.

An unexpected error occurred. Something may be wrong with www.ads-software.com or this server’s configuration. If you continue to have problems, please try the support forums. (WordPress could not establish a secure connection to www.ads-software.com. Please contact your server administrator.) in /home/wisdomin/public_html/helpap.in/wp-admin/includes/theme.php on line 349

I started getting these on two of my three sites, all run on different servers. I contacted my host company and the errors disappeared on one of the sites and still exists on the other one. I have a brand new WP site on that same server which installed at 3.9 with no problems. However, when I just now tried to install a plugin — got the same errors on lines 119, 287, and 435. All of those deal with the $ssl response.

The first two tries by the host company on this company have not worked. I’ll include some of the comments here — now that I know absolutely it is a SERVER error.

Hi Guys,
its a problem at the Server.
you have to open port 80 for http extern
than is fixed.

Sven