WordPress 404 Error on New Domain with LiteSpeed: A Troubleshooting Guide
Have you recently moved your WordPress site to a new domain and are now greeted with a frustrating 404 error when trying to access it with LiteSpeed? This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from simple configuration errors to more complex server setups. But don't worry, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and solutions to get your site up and running again.
The Scenario:
You've proudly purchased a new domain for your WordPress website. You've updated your domain settings, pointed your DNS records to your hosting provider, and patiently waited for the propagation to complete. But instead of seeing your beloved website, you're met with a blank page or a dreaded 404 error message. This can be incredibly disheartening, especially if you're relying on your website for business or personal purposes.
The Code (If Applicable):
While this issue doesn't involve specific code snippets, let's visualize the situation. Imagine you're trying to access your site using the new domain www.newdomain.com, but the server is still serving content from the old domain www.olddomain.com. This mismatch leads to the 404 error.
Common Causes & Solutions:
1. Incorrect DNS Settings:
- Problem: The most common culprit is misconfigured DNS records. If the DNS settings don't properly point your new domain to your WordPress installation, the server won't know where to find the site's files.
- Solution: Double-check your DNS settings with your domain registrar. Make sure the following records are pointing to the correct IP address or server:
- A record: This points your domain name to your server's IP address.
- CNAME record: This allows you to use a subdomain (like www) to point to your primary domain.
2. LiteSpeed Cache Configuration:
- Problem: LiteSpeed Cache, a popular WordPress caching plugin, can sometimes cause conflicts with domain changes. The plugin might be caching the old domain's content, preventing access to the new domain.
- Solution:
- Clear LiteSpeed Cache: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to LiteSpeed Cache > Tools > Purge Cache. This will clear all cached files, forcing the server to fetch new content from your website.
- Update Domain in LiteSpeed Cache: In the LiteSpeed Cache settings, locate the General tab and verify that your new domain is correctly entered in the Domain field.
3. WordPress Configuration:
- Problem: Your WordPress website might still be configured to use the old domain in its settings.
- Solution:
- Update WordPress Address: Navigate to Settings > General in your WordPress dashboard. Verify that the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields correctly reflect your new domain.
- Update Database: If you've recently migrated your website, you might need to update the database to reflect the new domain. This can be done manually or through a plugin like Search & Replace.
4. Server Configuration:
- Problem: Sometimes, the issue lies within the server's configuration. The server might not be properly configured to handle requests from your new domain.
- Solution: Contact your hosting provider for assistance. They can help verify and troubleshoot server settings to ensure your new domain is correctly recognized.
Additional Tips & Resources:
- Propagation Time: It can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally. Be patient and wait for the changes to fully update before troubleshooting further.
- Use a DNS checker: Tools like https://www.whatsmydns.net/ can help you verify that your DNS records are correctly pointing to your server.
- Check your hosting provider's documentation: Your hosting provider often provides specific instructions on how to configure domain changes and troubleshoot common issues.
By following these steps and consulting the relevant resources, you should be able to successfully resolve the 404 error and access your WordPress site with your new domain. Remember to double-check every setting and don't hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider for support if needed.
