Tech Help

WordPress is usually a very reliable platform. However, I have had some recent issues with my installs due to an upgrade by my hosting provider, Bluehost.

The last thing you want to see when visiting your site is a critical error notice.

PHP Version

I had several sites go down because Bluehost upgraded the php version of their service. They did inform me, but the email went in my spam and I found it after the issues started. The email notice did not say: This update CAN BREAK your site, in large print, so I might not have worried too much if I had seen it.

It turns out that the php version is important. At a certain point, older versions cannot communicate with newer versions. Backwards compatibility is limited at major upgrades.

Our servers support PHP 7.2 and higher. PHP versions 7.2 and higher offer a significant improvement to speed and memory usage over past PHP versions.  — Bluehost

Now I know how to update the php version of my sites if I ever receive a notice like that again. These repairs cannot be done from inside WordPress.

This linked help (above) is specific to Bluehost, however PHP management is similar on any hosting site.  Every hosting company may have a different system, so it is best to contact your host and have them help you. Call Three to Bluehost, described in the previous post was when a helpful tech support technician fixed a couple of sites and then told me how to do the rest. 

However, even after that was done, I still had one site that did not function properly. I called the Bluehost help again. Generally, when I call support for big companies, I find I get faster service when I phone late at night because most of the clients are in North America. I live in PST, and the middle of the night is daytime in India where Bluehost support technicians are located.   

.htaccess file

It turns out that the .htaccess file for that one site needed to be updated manually. I looked it up and this file can definitely break your WordPress.

Again this is a function that cannot be controlled by signing into your WordPress site. These files are located on the host site. Usually in my experience, after the installation, WordPress functions smoothly and I don’t have to re-configure these files manually. 

I am not sure why changing the php version affected the .htaccess file. However, my Bluehost support identified and repaired the issue very quickly.

Regular Updates in WordPress

Once you get back in your site, it is always good to keep your plugins, theme and core wordpress files up to date. There is less chance of a compatibility issue if you are using the latest versions.

If you are using a theme or plugins that have not been updated by the author in a while, you might want to change them. There are always many options with engaged authors who regularly update their work.

Running the latest version of WordPress, theme and plugins also helps keep your site safe. Vulnerabilities in older software do become known over time and can be exploited. Updated versions often repair these vulnerable areas to prevent infection with virus or malware. More on this in future posts as I continue to work to improve these aspects of my sites.

Summary – If your wordpress site goes down make sure that your webhost has not altered your hosting.  I did and maybe still do, have some malware on some sites. However, my core issue was a PhP update that took my sites down.

Advice – Don’t throw money at the problem until you know what it is! Change all your passwords. Read the posting for my story and links to other posts that offer reliable help.

Process of Detection and Repair

My site went down and several of my other sites were affected. I contacted my webhost, Bluehost, immediately. I noticed a major reorganization and new graphic symbolism on their site after sign in. The control panel (cpanel) that I use to control any issues is now under “Advanced” at the bottom of the sidebar. The hosting now opens by default on a page for WordPress management.

Call One – First I asked if my site had been moved by Bluehost. Previously, I had issues when a reorganization moved my hosting to another server location. I also pointed out the redesigned site and asked if there were major upgrades. I was told that Bluehost had not done anything to affect my hosting.

I was informed that I had malware on my site and that a Sitelock scan could identify the issues. I was surprised because when Sitelock was introduced to me, I was told it was a constant scan to identify any malware issues on my sites. If anything was found, I would receive an email.

Now that I have a problem, the Bluehost support told me that the free version is limited. They can run a scan on request, but I would be responsible for removing the malware myself. She offered to email me the scan when it was complete. The tech was not sure if there was a real time scan at all. there was a sales pitch for the paid version. 

I will have to investigate Sitelock, “We secure websites by automatically finding and fixing threats”. So far, they are not inspiring confidence. It makes no sense for me to have to request a scan if they are “automatically finding” and the “fixing” is only in the paid version. I had a false sense of security because Bluehost told me I had Sitelock on my sites.

The scan would be an important tool. but I was still investigating the issues. I wasn’t sure that was the whole story as the sites were affected differently.

Repair One – Changed my hosting password. Noted that all the html pages were loading, but only the WordPress was affected.

Call Two – I contacted Bluehost support again with questions. This support individual apologized and told me that the scan could be found on my hosted files. Support technicians are not allowed to email clients.  Good to know. I found the scan using file manager from the cpanel. This individual advised me to download affected files to my computer and repair them.

No way would I ever do that. I am always careful with downloads and it is not advisable to download possibly inflected files to your computer. 

REPAIR Two – A Under the Advanced>cPanel>File Manager

Oh good it is still there. I found the Sitelock report and opened it, copied the text and pasted it into a text editor on my computer. The report is not in the folder public html so should not be affected. Even so, I am careful.

I saw a lot of PhP errors, but only a few traces of html malware. The ones I knew I could repair were code in html. I found them by using the power of the cPanel File Manager to search the online site for the offending code. I copied the code from the report into search and hit enter. Then I opened the affected file in the File Manager, removed the code and resaved.

Most of these files had been untouched for years according to the date listed. None of the repairs I completed fixed my sites.

REPAIR Two – B Check the internet for help – > The Medium

A super great post on the Medium. They advise having something like Sitelock but say:

A good security plugin would identify and alert you, in real-time, of all the changes made to your website. 

That’s what I thought was happening, but it did not work as advertised.

The Medium article advises to check core wordpress files. They give some methods, but I have Jetpack installed on all my wordpress sites. Jetpack is a plugin made by wordpress and they have a good article with advice on my problem.

Another option is to completely reinstall WordPress to ensure all core files are clean. You can do that via Dashboard > Updates, by clicking ‘Re-install now.’ It sounds scary, but this will only replace the files at the very core of WordPress and will not remove or replace any of your content, media, themes, or plugins.

If you are a member of wordpress.com, you can access your sites and scan them from your account. My site checked out with no malware in core files.

My wordpress core files are good.

Call Three – Late at night, I reached a technician who really knew PhP. She Knew that Bluehost had updated to PhP 8.0 Then she investigated and found my sites were still using older versions. She updated the PhP connection and my site works.

I still have some sites that were not repaired.

Repair Three – I am now changing the admin passwords on all my sites and checking some that I maintain, but do not visit regularly.

A representative of Sitelock contacted me by email and by phone about my malware issues. He told me my personal site has malware that is “phoning home” and causing reinfection, so I need to purchase monitoring and cleaning. 

It seems that any good technician could find the beacon that is contacting the infecting site and remove it.

I am not impressed by their lack of attention while using the free version and their slogan of “automatically finding and fixing issues”. My long experience shows that automatic is not the best. Why should I pay them so much for pressing “scan”, then “repair”?

I was amazed when he informed me that Jetpack and Akismet (now a part of Jetpack) may host malware. Certainly any file on a website can contain malware, but infecting these would be very tricky. As these plugins are made and supported directly by WordPress, it seems unlikely they would be the source of an infection. 

WordPress is constantly monitored by the best in the biz and I trust them. It seems more likely that a plug-in or theme would be the source.

I do not think I will be employing Sitelock as my core problem was PhP related. They saw the scan and most of the issues were PhP not a html infection. They did not suggest that there could be am issue with PhP compatibility. They just talked about signing up and the cost of plans.

They seem a lot more interested in signing up clients than fighting malware.

I did have malware on my site, but I am in the process of changing all my passwords and removing the unused themes and plugins. The individual who phoned me did not even recommend that I do that when it is Step One!

There will be another post as I continue to follow the steps outlined in the article in the Medium and on the Jetpack site.

 

 

 

 

 

A few years later, I was still using my IBM, but I learned to build desktop computers. 

My children were older and wanted to play games and I wanted to experience the wonders of colour on the new websites that were being built.

From this era, I still have a complete set of Microsoft DOS operating system and one of the first anti-virus suites. Viruses were a new threat to computers. Central Point PC Tools was familiar to me from my previous copy of an earlier version that I obtained from Friendlyware Computers. 

 

One of the first internet service providers in the Vancouver area was Mindlink! BBS service.

After my introduction to Peacenet and other Usenet groups, I realized there was a whole world of interesting reading to explore.

In 1991, I became member number 256 on Mindlink! and began to explore. I had a 300 baud modem with dial-up.

I learned to telnet and a bit of Unix was all I needed to navigate mainframe computers. This information allowed me access to computers all over the world in major corporations and universities. There was no security. It was very hit and miss though because often there was nothing that I was interested in reading. 

When I started using computers there was very little help available. So manuals were precious sources of information.

 

 

 

 

 

The BBS was always interesting because there was interesting news about technology and computers on Usenet. We had IRC chat and from the command line I could type SHOUT and send a text to every internet user logged in to the system.

 

 

 

 

There was a culture of respect and politeness. It seems that early internet users were mostly technicians, professors, researchers and other similar, highly educated individuals. I was a rare artist, but there were quite a few writers.

 

In 1987, I worked for a computer store named Friendlyware located on the north side of  Kingsway, near Tyne St., in Vancouver. The owner, John, was an enthusiastic salesman who promoted computers for business use. One of my tasks was to learn all of the business software and teach it to the new owners of the computers. I quit my job just before my oldest son was born in January 1988. 

When I got the IBM Convertible, I finally stopped using my Apple II+. To my surprise, a lot of the software that I had kept from the store worked on this machine. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I always liked to use Professional Write, it only required one disk and it was a very full featured software. This is all DOS software designed to run on XT desktop computers.

 

In the early 1990s this was my computer, an IBM PC Convertible. The operating system was DOS 3 on floppy disk.

It was the first commercial computer to use the 3.25″ floppies – replacing the previous 5.5″ floppies.

This was the first computer of mine that went on the internet with a 300 baud dial-up modem.

I created my first internet art work – a text based piece. In 1990, I was introduced to the internet by a friend named Lynn, who showed me Peacenet and other Usenet groups. I decided to take this laptop to the Stein Valley Festival that was being held in Boundary Bay. Lynn was hosting a table for peace at the event, so I went with her and her Japanese friend. While the Japanese woman made origami cranes to give away and Lynn handed out pamphlets, I collected messages for peace and tried to explain to the participants that the messages would travel to Japan on the internet. As soon as I arrived home, Lynn used her account and I was able to post the messages to the Hiroshima Nagasaki Peace project group.   

There were no websites then as Mosaic, the first browser I used,  was not yet introduced. The internet was completely democratic because my text looked the same as text written by the richest person on my tiny screen. It was all about content, not presentation.

The screen only displays monochrome – not colour.  

 

 

A top view with the handle extended.

 

 

 

 

 

I removed the battery when I put the computer into storage. It fits in the compartment on the back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The charger takes a regular 3 prong plug  that I did not put in the photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was lucky to have the clip on adapter that came in a separate box with instructions. this attachment added weight and size, but allowed use of a regular serial port printer.

 

Even then, few printers worked with a parallel port connection. I realize I should have taken a photo of the other side of the adapter with the serial port!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I still have all the manuals and instructional materials that came with the computer.

The colourful cardboard box is full of DOS information and the small blue manual has several parts.

Finally going through my second box of vintage computer items and I have the manual for the Apple II+ MIDI Interface card from Passport Designs. Even if I am not able to assemble a Syntauri system, this card may work to connect external MIDI synths.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Mountain Computer manual for the Apple II+sound cards

 

After I completed my first post about the Alpha Syntauri system, I started reading the Mountain Computer manual. It reminded me that the Mountain sound cards came in pairs and I only have one. The likelihood of restoring my Syntauri to working condition seems remote at this point. There is a possibility that someone will have Mountain Corporation sound cards, but they are becoming very rare.

There are Apple II computers, with language cards, still running so my hope is not quite extinguished.

Here is a blog article with a picture of a working system  

This seems to be from Germany

Here is a You Tube video

I was able to get so much more out of this system because of the years I spent programming it.

 

In the 1990s my keyboard was stolen out of my basement storage. I kept the computer for years, but at one point I had to let it go. I thought I removed all the cards and kept them. Now I open my storage box to find only one Mountain Computer Card.

The photo on the previous post tells the story. 

I hope to be able to pool my resources with someone who has the parts I lack or be able to buy them at a reasonable price. 

I know how to make this work and I have all the software and manuals. I would love to hear my sounds from 1983-1989 again.

 

 

In 1984, my partner and I purchased the Alpha Syntauri keyboard system and an Apple II+ computer. We were thrilled with this pre-MIDI recording system for synthesizer sounds. The Alpha Syntauri was fully programmable with 16 discrete voices. 

It was an expensive system at the time with the computer and cards purchased separately. Our studio in Toronto in late 1984 was the Alpha Syntauri, a Fostex 8 track tape recorder and an EMU Drumulator. We both played guitar and sang.

I used the system until the 1990s when the keyboard was stolen. I took the cards out of the Apple II when I no longer had room for it and recycled it.

Now I want to find a new home for the parts that I still have. The original price sales notes on the promo item show we paid around $3500 for the system. Then we bought the MIDI update card when General MIDI was finalized.

What is it worth now?

I do not have all the pieces because the keyboard and the Apple II+ are gone.

I list below the things that I do have.

It is important for me to find someone who is interested in making this work. 

 

 

I purchased the mouse much later for the children’s games listed at the end.

Detailed manual for the Syntauri system with chapters on set up, operation and  theory. Chapters are: Version, Quick reference, Metatrak (recording section) alphaPlus (synth section) Performance and Appendix. It is a really complete manual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After I took the photos, I found the Mountain Equipment Manual that was designed to use the cards for creating synth notation. That is why there is a pen on the card.

I really do not know if this will work after all these years, so I will take offers for this package AS IS.

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I also have Children’s games and educational software – I will let these go separately. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Send me a message using this form

 

 

 

 

I will be showing a work in progress called “Share A Tweet” at Aberthau Community Centre in the Point Grey neighbourhood of Vancouver. More information here.

Share a Tweet: A gesture controlled sound and visual installation.

This installation investigates a variety of bird songs accompanied by music and an array of lighting effects. Participants can control bird shapes flying through the branches of the hedge and active birdsong. By controlling the “lights”, bird shaped projections will “tweet”. Victoria has been a stalwart volunteer for LMA during the Queen Elizabeth show last year and has been invited to present work in natural settings.