Title: Unexpected server error
Last modified: August 21, 2016

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# Unexpected server error

 *  Resolved [jpope2012](https://wordpress.org/support/users/jpope2012/)
 * (@jpope2012)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/)
 * I’m receiving a “Server Error” message at my website, and I can’t seem to pinpoint
   the reason why. About an hour ago I was deleting some unused (unactivated) plugins,
   without any problems accessing the site. I went away from the page for a bit,
   came back, and received the error. I can’t access my dashboard to make any necessary
   changes. I don’t think it’s my host server, but it could be. Thoughts?
 * [http://groups.northwestern.edu/parc/Wordpress/](http://groups.northwestern.edu/parc/Wordpress/)

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

 *  [kmessinger](https://wordpress.org/support/users/kmessinger/)
 * (@kmessinger)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234630)
 * Using ftp or whatever file manager your host provides rename the plugins folder
   pluginsold.
 *  [esmi](https://wordpress.org/support/users/esmi/)
 * (@esmi)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234645)
 * And try checking your site’s error logs for a more specific error message. Your
   hosts should be able to help you accessing your site’s error logs.
 *  Thread Starter [jpope2012](https://wordpress.org/support/users/jpope2012/)
 * (@jpope2012)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234659)
 * Renaming the plugins folder worked! I have access to the dashboard now. However,
   what will happen if I try to switch it back?
 * What does renaming the plugins folder actually do?
 *  [esmi](https://wordpress.org/support/users/esmi/)
 * (@esmi)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234663)
 * > what will happen if I try to switch it back?
 * You will have a list of **inactive** plugins again.
 * > What does renaming the plugins folder actually do?
 * It deactivates all plugins.
 *  [kmessinger](https://wordpress.org/support/users/kmessinger/)
 * (@kmessinger)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234664)
 * It turned off all the plugins. Create a new plugins folder and add your plugins
   back until wp breaks. Then you will know which plugin caused the problem.
 *  Thread Starter [jpope2012](https://wordpress.org/support/users/jpope2012/)
 * (@jpope2012)
 * [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234666)
 * Great, thanks!

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

The topic ‘Unexpected server error’ is closed to new replies.

 * In: [Fixing WordPress](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/how-to-and-troubleshooting/)
 * 6 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [jpope2012](https://wordpress.org/support/users/jpope2012/)
 * Last activity: [12 years, 7 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unexpected-server-error/#post-4234666)
 * Status: resolved

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