Missing Temporary Folder? Fixing This Common WordPress Problem

Having to constantly work and update your WordPress website may be very time consuming. That being said, there are a lot of possible errors you may stumble into during the process. We will review one of them in this article concerning an issue with uploading new images through your Dashboard. The error consists of an unclear message “Missing Temporary Folder”. On first glance it does not give us a direct approach to debug it, but it can be done.

Step 1. Understanding the Error in general.

Before you start debugging your website and clearing any possible errors, you need to understand the issue itself. In this individual case, it is concerning a missing folder where the uploads go and possible permissions to access it. In other words, WordPress searches for that specific folder in order to complete the tasks associated with uploading any kind of images, themes and plugins. 

This also includes updating your current WordPress set up and core files if needed since they all require access to the given temporary folder where new things are stored.

Step 2. Fixing “Missing Temporary Folder” WordPress Error.

To begin the process of debugging this, you would first need to have access to an FTP Client. In our case, you can simply login your WPX Account and use our built-in File Manager:

File Manager

Once logged in, you can simply navigate to the specific “public_html” (1) folder of the website and locate a file named “wp-config.php” (2):

public_html

To enter the file, you simply need to double click on it. Once in, you can add this specific code snippet for a quick fix:

define(‘WP_TEMP_DIR’, dirname(__FILE__) . ‘/wp-content/temp/’);

Once you add the code, you can simple select the Save button in order for the changes to take place:

save

Keep in mind that the code can be added on top of the file by making additional blank fields with the Space button on your keyboard. Another good space to add additional code is the end of the file right before the “That’s all! Stop editing! message. We recommend not adding it on top of already existing code since that may cause a conflict and potential issues with the website.

The purpose of adding the code is to redirect the upload location directory to a different one which you will create in the next step.

Step 3. Creating a folder named “temp” in WP-Content directory.

The final step of the fix would be to create a temporary folder under the name “temp” by using the built-in File Manager for easier access.

That can happen by navigating to your WP-Content (1) folder and choosing the drop-down menu for category File with the option to Create a Folder (2):

create folder

You will need get to a optional menu where you need to type down the name of the folder you wish to create and select the button OK:

Be sure to check your file permissions on the temp folder if you are still receiving the same error after making the needed changes.

That’s it! You should be able to successfully upload images to your WordPress website.

Wrapping up, fixing the “Missing Temporary Folder” error on your WordPress site can seem daunting at first, but with the right steps, it becomes a straightforward process. By understanding the root cause and following the detailed instructions outlined above, you can quickly resolve the issue and get back to managing your website with ease. Remember to always backup your site before making any changes, and if you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance. Keeping your WordPress site running smoothly is essential for maintaining its functionality and ensuring a seamless user experience. Happy blogging!

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Svetlozar Todorov
Svetlozar Todorov

Svetlozar Todorov is a Team Lead in the Support Team at WPX. Having over 7 years of experience with handling various clients issues, fixing and offering solutions has helped him gain a lot of knowledge. Managing different support teams and sharing expertise is essential in order to develop and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.

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