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Admin suddenly blank page

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8 Jan 2015, 7:47 AM
#1
mjcrabill avatar

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Admin suddenly blank page

The site (MidMichiganCoin.com) had been working fine and then for some reason the admin is no longer accessible. When attempting to access admin there is just a blank page. I have checked for error log entries and all of the other ideas/suggestions without any help. I have a feeling it must be something simple but I am chasing my tail without success and could use some help isolating the problem.
Here is my admin configure.php for review.

<?php
/**
 * @package Configuration Settings circa 1.5.3
 * @copyright Copyright 2003-2014 Zen Cart Development Team
 * @copyright Portions Copyright 2003 osCommerce
 * @license http://www.zen-cart.com/license/2_0.txt GNU Public License V2.0
 * File Built by zc_install on 2014-10-14 01:59:55
 */


/*************** NOTE: This file is similar, but DIFFERENT from the "store" version of configure.php. ***********/
/***************       The 2 files should be kept separate and not used to overwrite each other.      ***********/

/**
 * WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE SSL PROTECTION FOR YOUR ENTIRE ADMIN:
 * To do that, make sure you use a "https:" URL for BOTH the HTTP_SERVER and HTTPS_SERVER entries:
 */
  define('HTTP_SERVER', 'http://midmichigancoin.com');
  define('HTTPS_SERVER', 'http://midmichigancoin.com');
  define('HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER', 'http://midmichigancoin.com');
  define('HTTPS_CATALOG_SERVER', 'http://midmichigancoin.com');

  // secure webserver for admin?  Valid choices are 'true' or 'false' (including quotes).
  define('ENABLE_SSL_ADMIN', 'false');

  // secure webserver for storefront?  Valid choices are 'true' or 'false' (including quotes).
  define('ENABLE_SSL_CATALOG', 'false');

  define('DIR_WS_ADMIN', preg_replace('#^' . str_replace('-', '\-', zen_parse_url(HTTP_SERVER, '/path')) . '#', '', dirname($_SERVER['SCRIPT_NAME'])) . '/');
  define('DIR_WS_CATALOG', '/');
  define('DIR_WS_HTTPS_ADMIN', preg_replace('#^' . str_replace('-', '\-', zen_parse_url(HTTPS_SERVER, '/path')) . '#', '', dirname($_SERVER['SCRIPT_NAME'])) . '/');
  define('DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG', '/');

// NOTE: be sure to leave the trailing '/' at the end of these lines if you make changes!
// * DIR_WS_* = Webserver directories (virtual/URL)
  // these paths are relative to top of your webspace ... (ie: under the public_html or httpdocs folder)
  define('DIR_WS_IMAGES', 'images/');
  define('DIR_WS_ICONS', DIR_WS_IMAGES . 'icons/');
  define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_IMAGES', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'images/');
  define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_TEMPLATE', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'includes/templates/');
  define('DIR_WS_INCLUDES', 'includes/');
  define('DIR_WS_BOXES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'boxes/');
  define('DIR_WS_FUNCTIONS', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'functions/');
  define('DIR_WS_CLASSES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'classes/');
  define('DIR_WS_MODULES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'modules/');
  define('DIR_WS_LANGUAGES', DIR_WS_INCLUDES . 'languages/');
  define('DIR_WS_CATALOG_LANGUAGES', HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER . DIR_WS_CATALOG . 'includes/languages/');

// * DIR_FS_* = Filesystem directories (local/physical)
  define('DIR_FS_ADMIN', preg_replace('#/includes/$#', '/', realpath(dirname(__FILE__) . '/../') . '/'));
  //the following path is a COMPLETE path to your Zen Cart files. eg: /var/www/vhost/accountname/public_html/store/
  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', '/home/midmichi/public_html/);

  //the following path is a COMPLETE path to the /logs/ folder  eg: /var/www/vhost/accountname/public_html/store/logs ... and no trailing slash
  define('DIR_FS_LOGS', '/home/midmichi/public_html/logs');

  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_LANGUAGES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/languages/');
  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_IMAGES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'images/');
  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_MODULES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/modules/');
  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG_TEMPLATES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'includes/templates/');
  define('DIR_FS_BACKUP', DIR_FS_ADMIN . 'backups/');
  define('DIR_FS_EMAIL_TEMPLATES', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'email/');
  define('DIR_FS_DOWNLOAD', DIR_FS_CATALOG . 'download/');

// define our database connection
  define('DB_TYPE', 'mysql');
  define('DB_PREFIX', 'mmc2014');
  define('DB_CHARSET', 'utf8');
  define('DB_SERVER', 'localhost');
  define('DB_SERVER_USERNAME', 'XXXXXXXXXX');
  define('DB_SERVER_PASSWORD', 'XXXXXXXXXX');
  define('DB_DATABASE', 'XXXXXXXXX');

  // The next 2 "defines" are for SQL cache support.
  // For SQL_CACHE_METHOD, you can select from:  none, database, or file
  // If you choose "file", then you need to set the DIR_FS_SQL_CACHE to a directory where your apache 
  // or webserver user has write privileges (chmod 666 or 777). We recommend using the "cache" folder inside the Zen Cart folder
  // ie: /path/to/your/webspace/public_html/zen/cache   -- leave no trailing slash  
  define('SQL_CACHE_METHOD', 'none'); 
  define('DIR_FS_SQL_CACHE', '/home/midmichi/public_html/cache');


// Define the webserver and path parameters
  // Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com - 
  // HTTP_SERVER is your Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com
  // HTTPS_SERVER is your Secure webserver: eg-https://www.your_domain.com
  // HTTP_CATALOG_SERVER is your Main webserver: eg-http://www.your_domain.com
  // HTTPS_CATALOG_SERVER is your Secure webserver: eg-https://www.your_domain.com
  /* 
   * URLs for your site will be built via:  
   *     HTTP_SERVER plus DIR_WS_ADMIN or
   *     HTTPS_SERVER plus DIR_WS_HTTPS_ADMIN or 
   *     HTTP_SERVER plus DIR_WS_CATALOG or 
   *     HTTPS_SERVER plus DIR_WS_HTTPS_CATALOG
   * ...depending on your system configuration settings
   */
// EOF
8 Jan 2015, 8:14 AM
#2
dbltoe avatar

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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Please reply with as many answers to the posting tips as you can.

8 Jan 2015, 6:42 PM
#3
drbyte avatar

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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

dbltoe:

Please reply with as many answers to the posting tips as you can.
Agreed. The more information provided about the affected site, the better our ability to provide useful help.

Due to the lack of provided info, the following basic recommendations are all I can offer:
http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?124-blank-page
http://www.zen-cart.com/wiki/index.php/Troubleshoot_-_Diagnosing_Obscure_Issues

8 Jan 2015, 8:59 PM
#4
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I was going to start a new thread, but I am having this issue after first updating to 1.5.3, and the issue is present with 1.5.4. I was very careful with the upgrade, and merged correctly. I tried last year and got the same thing, so reverted to back up luckily. The thing is, I am also trying to backup my includes/ and admin/ folders and then uploading the stock 1.5.4 includes/ and admin/ folder and it does the same thing.

I have checked requirements and the server people gave me the following:-

Apache - 2.2.27
MySQL - 5.1.73
PHP - 5.3.28

Please see more details in snippet below:

root@server [~]# httpd -v
Server version: Apache/2.2.27 (Unix)
Server built: Jun 8 2014 12:38:17
Cpanel::Easy::Apache v3.24.19 rev9999

root@server [~]# mysql -V
mysql Ver 14.14 Distrib 5.1.73, for unknown-linux-gnu (x86_64) using readline 5.1

root@server []# php -v
PHP 5.3.28 (cli) (built: Jun 8 2014 12:45:38)
Copyright (c) 1997-2013 The PHP Group
Zend Engine v2.3.0, Copyright (c) 1998-2013 Zend Technologies
with eAccelerator v0.9.6.1-ea, Copyright (c) 2004-2012 eAccelerator, by eAccelerator
with the ionCube PHP Loader v4.6.1, Copyright (c) 2002-2014, by ionCube Ltd., and
with Zend Guard Loader v3.3, Copyright (c) 1998-2010, by Zend Technologies
root@server [
]#

Apache Configuration:
AllowOverride All

cURL configuration details with PHP:

curl
cURL support => enabled
cURL Information => 7.24.0


SSL configuration details with PHP

SSL Version => OpenSSL/1.0.0
openssl
OpenSSL support => enabled

I am thinking as I have tried using unmodified 1.5.4 files and getting the same result, maybe as the OP, it could be a server setting that could be to blame. But everything looks okay on the list. I am going crazy with this I really don't know what to try :-(. The live site is perfect, still getting orders.

I did have some issues at one point with admin error redirect error (too many redirects or something?). I can confirm I got this error on 1.5.3 and 1.5.4. Sorry for my input, I just felt if the OP had not done anything then perhaps it is a server issue as it might be with mine.

8 Jan 2015, 9:10 PM
#5
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I did have some issues at one point with admin error redirect error (too many redirects or something?). I can confirm I got this error on 1.5.3 and 1.5.4. Sorry for my input, I just felt if the OP had not done anything then perhaps it is a server issue as it might be with mine.Were you using the same commercial template with 1.5.3? Unless the OP is using a commercial template like yours, I doubt it's the same.

8 Jan 2015, 9:13 PM
#6
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

=====deleted by author=====

8 Jan 2015, 10:08 PM
#7
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Hello there,

I am using a different template, its really strange. I know I have a few modules installed, but I thought it was extra strange when using stock files of 1.5.3 / 1.5.4 and it still had blank admin. I am still tinkering away trying to figure it out. I was extra careful merges, this is my third attempt with 1.5.3 (and now 1.5.4) and it always is the admin that has this issue and I have to keep reverting to backup of previous version.

8 Jan 2015, 10:20 PM
#8
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I am having a developer try to figure it out. If somehow I find the solution I will post it here but appreciate any pointers. As OP said also, can't see any error logs associated.

9 Jan 2015, 4:53 AM
#9
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Sorry about not providing full information. I have included the info that was listed in the "posting tips".

Zen-Cart V153
updated from V150 to V153 October 2014, official upgrade and everything worked correctly after upgrade
Plugins:
Easy Populate 4
Email Archiver
Installed via hosting (Hostgator) one click install
PHP 5.3.27 & PHP 5.4.17 (dual environment)
MySQL 5.5.23 or higher
Problem was noticed about 2 - 3 weeks ago.
there are no debug entries for the problem time
The only customizations made, were in appearance. The changes were made using a custom template and were mainly CSS and verbiage tweaks. There have been no changes made to the site or hosting that we are aware of. We have recently had some problems with other sites (WP) that were caused by the hosting updating PHP to 5.4. I have tried changing the PHP version to earlier versions, 5.3 & 5.2 and that made no change either. When I had problems with the other sites just changing the PHP version got them working again.
I have searched the FAQ's, the forum and internet in general and haven't made any progress yet.

The earlier versions used to specify the admin location in the "admin/includes" folder. Now I don't see where the admin folder name and location are specified. I believe this has something to do with the problem. There were some older errors that specified it couldn't find the old admin folder. That onky showed up a few times though and hasn't been reported lately. Thanks for the help!

9 Jan 2015, 5:02 AM
#10
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

mjcrabill:

The earlier versions used to specify the admin location in the "admin/includes" folder. Now I don't see where the admin folder name and location are specified. I believe this has something to do with the problem. There were some older errors that specified it couldn't find the old admin folder. That onky showed up a few times though and hasn't been reported lately. Thanks for the help!
In v1.5.4 if you're using configure.php files built by zc_install, then there is indeed NOT any specific "admin" path stored in the configure.php files. Instead, there is code to auto-detect the current working directory and use that, so that you don't have to do any file edits if you rename the admin directory.

9 Jan 2015, 8:52 AM
#11
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I tried merging configure files as well, as mine hadn't been touched for a long long time. So it still does the same, but I stripped out the obsolete code.

I am thinking of as I have done once before, undoing each file that has been changed in the upgrade and removing the new ones. Even then I wasn't able to see which file(s) it was. I wonder if there is a file in includes/ and admin/ that are co-dependent on each other somehow? Just a thought. I tried just reverting back a couple of files to original state then reloading admin but no change. Hence my reasoning for thinking the above. If I revert all files back to pre-upgrade state at once or continuously the admin works as normal.

9 Jan 2015, 10:22 AM
#12
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

mjcrabill:

Installed via hosting (Hostgator) one click installThis is never a good idea when upgrading.
Since 1.5.4 is out there, how about trying to solve the problem(s) with an upgrade to 1.5.4 using the steps in http://www.zen-cart.com/entry.php?3-How-do-I-rebuild-my-site-on-the-new-version-instead-of-upgrading.
I know it may seem like a "trash it and start over" method but, it may be the quickest way to fix any problems injected with the one-click installation. You are probably missing some important files (module or otherwise) that would take days or weeks to find.
Make sure you check for the latest versions of your modules when upgrading.
While you're at it, it might be time to look at a responsive template. Not necessary to fix everything but helpful in joining the tablet/smart phone e-commerce world.

Just looked at your site and it looks like you may have done an in-place upgrade.

9 Jan 2015, 3:58 PM
#13
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Just a quick mention, I had this issue on 1.5.3, so when 1.5.4 I saw some of the changes and thought it might be worth a go. But it did the same for me on both versions. Been so busy this week, but am aiming to restore each file to its original state. And admin will work again - just so strange, and of course, hours of upgrade work wasted :-( . But never mind, these things happen. I feel for the OP as he has just experienced this all of a sudden with no alterations done as he knows of, which must be even more strange.

13 Jan 2015, 10:38 PM
#14
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

init_cache_key_check.php seems to be causing me all this trouble, and not sure if for the OP too. I went through individual files, backing up and using old files, seeing where it breaks. As soon as I restored this it gave me the blank page / redirect loop.

It also does it if using stock install of latest release, as in includes/ admin/ contents/. So this file must be referencing something outside these two folders? I don't get it :-( any help is much appreciated

14 Jan 2015, 12:10 AM
#15
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I can see it is something to do with cache folder detection. I have the directory set as always has been, and permissions are enabled. I am using this file from 1.5.4 version

14 Jan 2015, 2:24 PM
#16
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

I used to have that module on a site, and had the exact same thing. I think it was a syntax error in a merge, and when using a less than able winmerge program at the time. I think it would be in the update.php file you mentioned.

I think myself and the OP are having the issue when trying to just login into admin. No login box, it started off as blank, then redirect loop error was showing in browser.

14 Jan 2015, 4:46 PM
#17
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

You know something that might help and appears to be missing from this thread is the process(es) followed to get to this point. What step(s) were performed of whatever process was used, what step(s) were omitted (and why), in addition to the information that appears when responding to this message about posting tips.

There really does not seem to be cohesion on the issue, multiple people indicating that they too have an issue, but without being able to reproduce the issue there is little that can be done to "correct" it as it is not experienced by all that have upgraded as such...

As for the OP... the issue is in the admin/includes/configure.php file:

  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', '/home/midmichi/public_html/);

should be:

  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', '/home/midmichi/public_html/');

Missing an apostrophe after the public_html/......

14 Jan 2015, 9:29 PM
#18
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Agreed. I felt my issue was very similar, and I know it is not common and simply resulted from upgrades to 1.5.3 (blank admin screen) then to 1.5.4 (redirect loop on admin).

Well spotted by the way! I wonder if that has fixed the OP's issue?

mc12345678:

You know something that might help and appears to be missing from this thread is the process(es) followed to get to this point. What step(s) were performed of whatever process was used, what step(s) were omitted (and why), in addition to the information that appears when responding to this message about posting tips.

There really does not seem to be cohesion on the issue, multiple people indicating that they too have an issue, but without being able to reproduce the issue there is little that can be done to "correct" it as it is not experienced by all that have upgraded as such...

As for the OP... the issue is in the admin/includes/configure.php file:

define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', '/home/midmichi/public_html/);

> 
> should be:
> ```
  define('DIR_FS_CATALOG', '/home/midmichi/public_html/');

Missing an apostrophe after the public_html/......

15 Jan 2015, 4:59 AM
#19
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

Thank You! I knew it was something simple, so much time wasted for such a simple dumb mistake. I know I checked that several times and just didn't notice it. It's a matter of the mind seeing what it expects to see and not really focusing and seeing what is really there, duh!

15 Jan 2015, 10:13 AM
#20
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Re: Admin suddenly blank page

mjcrabill:

Thank You! I knew it was something simple, so much time wasted for such a simple dumb mistake. I know I checked that several times and just didn't notice it. It's a matter of the mind seeing what it expects to see and not really focusing and seeing what is really there, duh!

While that issue was something I purposefully sought, which meant I had extreme focus just for matching quotes, a comparison tool ignoring minor things like spacing and non-code factors more than likely would have pointed that one out, and really could have compared against either the previous file of the same location or the opposing file (store or admin) and looked at the differences with a little more scrutiny...

You know and every problem is similar but different. At the time of posting this problem there were errors being identified with the latest distributionn and this looked like one more. Instead of everyone guessing, the request was to provide the information as routinely expected so that the issue could be addressed appropriately. Unfortunately for you, in a way the information necessary was provided in the first post. There are ways to also display some debug information at the time of failure such as that, would just need to search the forum some more to find that answer.

Glad fixed.