Plugin error: Call to undefined function mysql_real_escape_string()

  • fsaccweb

    (@fsaccweb)


    4 weeks ago

    Hello all,

    For some background, I’m working on an old, largely unmaintained website (running a theme from 2015, Canvas Child). My background is mostly in design, and I don’t have much experience working with code or in the back-end of websites.

    The company I’m working for is trying to upgrade their website to look more modern, and I need to know if it’s possible to simply update what we have currently, or if I need to create an entirely new website from the ground up. My task at the moment is to update our SEO since that has never been done. I recently purchased Yoast SEO premium, and upon trying to activate it, came across this error message: Call to undefined function mysql_real_escape_string() . I’ve since learned that this happens whenever I try to activate/deactivate any plugins. I did some background reading and learned that mysql_ has been defunct for some time. Does this mean everything needs to be scrapped since it’s running on an outdated framework? Or is there some way I can update to mysqli_ and render it functional again? I don’t want to spend a bunch of time tweaking the old website if it’d be better to replace it with a new one.

    I made a backup & staging of the website and tried updating the theme/plugins there, but it still didn’t work. I’m at a loss of what to do next. I’d greatly appreciate any insight you may have, and am happy to answer any questions about the state of our website as best I can. Thank you!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • threadi

    (@threadi)

    Check which WordPress version you are using and which PHP version is currently being used. You can find the latter, along with other information, under Tools > Site Health. My guess is that either something is wrong with the PHP settings on the server or a PHP version is being used with which WordPress and/or the plugins you are using are not compatible.

    Thread Starter fsaccweb

    (@fsaccweb)

    Thank you for that suggestion, it appears you’re right. The PHP version we’re running is 7.4.33 and the version of WordPress is 6.6.2. I want to test updating the PHP on my staging site to ensure it doesn’t break anything. Unfortunately, when I go to MultiPHP manager in cPanel, the staging site doesn’t appear. Any suggestions on updating the PHP in a safe environment?

    If you have problems with your hosting settings, it is best to contact your hoster’s support team. Since nobody here knows your hosting environment, it is not possible to give you a specific solution.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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