Error 500

What is an error 500

This is a fairly common and widespread error whenever the server encounters a problem with PHP. PHP is a programming language used by PrestaShop .

 

There are several types of error 500

 

A - Those of PrestaShop which look like this:

 

To identify the error, you need to activate Debug mode. You can do this at 2 , either via FTP or via your store.

 

1 - Activate Debug mode at FTP.

If you cannot activate Debug mode from your store, connect to your server with your FTPsoftware, edit the defines.inc.php file in the /config/ folder and replace the following line:

define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', false);
by
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', true);

then save your file.

 

2 - Activate Debug mode in your store.

To do this:

• Click on Advanced settings in the menu
• Then on Performance
• Set debug mode to Yes

3 - Read error message

The message is often quite explicit for Prestashop errors in the PrestashopException display. For example, in the screenshot below, the message reads "Link to database cannot be established", which means that the server is unable to connect to your database.

4 - Correct the error

To correct the error, there are 2 solutions, either you have a minimum of technical knowledge which  allows you to make the correction yourself, or you will have to call on a specialized service provider:

• the support PrestaShop
• your web agency
• a freelancer

B - The server's

This may look like a blank page or an error page 500 different from PrestaShop.

Generally speaking, a minimum of technical expertise is required to identify the error.

The procedure is in two stages:

1 - View server PHP logs

• If you can access this file, the error will normally be displayed at the bottom and you'll need to correct it.
• If you don't have access to this file, activate debug mode (as explained above).

2 - If the debugmode is activated.

You'll have 2 to choose from: the error will be displayed or not, and if it's not visible, you'll have to dig deeper and call in a technical team.

In 2 cases, we advise you to call in a technical service provider.