403 for a specific WordPress Page

  • Resolved Schmee

    (@schmee)


    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hello all, I have a mystery concerning 403 access to a specific WordPress page which has correctly functioned until recent. As a 403 is a server error and this is not an actual file (with permissions) I’m assuming this could be a database issue?

    In a nutshell:
    – I can access, edit and save the page via the WP editor
    – I can locate and assign the page to a menu item (which has been the case for several years)
    – Some time in the recent past something changed, producing the 403. I have not made any system changes except upgrades and PHP versions.
    – All my similar “root menu” pages are functioning properly.

    To recreate the issue, double-select the ‘Events’ menu item (and not the ‘Dates’ child item): https://www.cycropia.org/

    The direct link to the page in question is: https://www.cycropia.org/events/

    Any input is appreciated – thank you!

    • This topic was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by Schmee.
Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Moderator t-p

    (@t-p)

    4 years, 3 months ago

    403 forbidden means that your browser isn’t able to load the scripts up because your server isn’t allowing it. This is a hard one to solve. Because anything could be blocking the server. Hence 403 forbidden error is very vague, the error log may give you clue.
    – Most likely this is a server permissions/ownership issue. If its a permission issue, it may tell you which file has incorrect permissions, so ask your host what’s going on. If you are using cPanel, the following tutorial has more information about the error log in cPane: How to view cPanel Error logs
    – If the problem is file permissions, you can follow the steps in the below article to learn how to modify your file permissions: How to change file permissions within cPanel https://codex.ww.wp.xz.cn/Changing_File_Permissions
    – Another possible cause could be a corrupt .htaccess file. Also check your .htaccess files for anything strange.
    – make sure your server settings are not overriding the .htaccess file.
    – Another possible cause could be changes to the server settings (accidental or otherwise). Check with your hosting provider.

    Also see this help guide https://www.wpbeginner.com/common-wordpress-errors-and-how-to-fix-them#403forbidden

    Dion

    (@diondesigns)

    4 years, 3 months ago

    By any chance is there a file or directory named events in the WP root directory?

    You should also check the .htaccess file in the WP root directory. It’s possible something has been added which is causing the 403 Forbidden message.

    Thread Starter Schmee

    (@schmee)

    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thank you all for your input – I’ve learned a few things today and this issue has been resolved.

    Dion – you were correct in checking for an empty ‘Events’ directory in my root.

    Duh. Sometimes it’s the simple things … 😉

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

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