Seeing this error? “You must upload a .wie file generated by this plugin”

Here are some things to check when you get “You must upload a .wie file generated by this plugin” while attempting an import. This is the most common error and can be caused by different things relating to your WordPress installation or hosting server.

1. Make sure the file you are uploading has a name that ends with .wie.
2. Make sure the file is not empty (open it in a text editor).
3. Make sure you are using the latest version of the plugin, WordPress and that PHP is up to date.
4. Deactivate all plugins except Widget Importer & Exporter then try again in case a plugin is interfering.
5. If you’re on a multisite network, go to its settings and try adding “wie” to “Upload file types”.
6. Temporarily activate https://www.ads-software.com/plugins/disable-real-mime-check/ then import.
7. Test by generating a .wie on current site then importing. If it works, something is wrong with your other .wie file.

If none help, start a new thread and provide the following information:

1. Confirm that you have tried all suggestions above
2. Plugin version
3. PHP version
4. WordPress version
5. Web host name