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An automated WordPress update has failed to complete

By on June 21, 2010

WordPress 3.0 Upgrade Went Smooth

Wordpress Update Error

With the release of WordPress 3.0, I was excited to upgrade to the latest version. As a PHP (WordPress code) developer, I was prepared to handle issues if any had occurred but overall I didn’t have any problems. Now I also want to make a point that I am only running 5 plugins with my blog and everything else I custom wrote myself. With that said, I had already tested and adjusted my code to be compatible with WordPress 3., hence not having issues when I upgraded.

“An automated WordPress update has failed to complete” : WordPress Error Message

Although I wouldn’t call this an issue and definitely not an error, I did receive a message in my WordPress back office notifying me that an automated WordPress update had failed and to please attempt the updated again. How did this happen?! Well, I typically don’t use the Upgrade tool in my back office and just upgrade everything FTP. It’s just easier for me. However, this time I thought I would just give it a whirl (Of course I performed a full WordPress backup first just in case things went corrupt.) and by no surprise the upgrade failed. Figures.  So I decided to just use my FTP client ‘Filezilla’ and upload the files manually. Success!

When I logged back into my WordPress Dashboard, I noticed the WordPress Message “An automated WordPress update has failed to complete – please attempt the update again now”. So the first thing I did was check the database for a row that may not have been updated. Nothing. So I went into the file system and found a .maintenance file in the public_html directory. Ah Yes! I deleted this file and the message in my WordPress back office was gone.

So, if you happen to experience this message as well, look into you file system for the .maintenance file and remove it. Then be sure the message in your dashboard is gone too.

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Addition by Frederik Hermann: You cannot see this file in your FTP, you can only view it via cPanel’s File Manager or via SSH.


About Clifton Hatfield

He fell in love with the WordPress Publishing Platform and has been creating themes and plugins for it ever since. He is the kind of guy that can read code better than he can read a book. Often, you can find him hunched over a keyboard delivering his magic. He likes cold pizza, walking on moving sidewalks, and Indiana Jones.
View all posts by Clifton Hatfield →

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10 comments
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Chirag
Chirag

Thanks for that simple but so very effective answer. I don't usually try to update any of my plugins from the wordpress account I rather prefer the ftp way. I remember Last time I tried updating a plugin from the wordpress itself I screwed it up and I hat to install the whole wordpress all over again only because it was showing that irritating message and I was not able to figure out a way to remove it. Today again I don't know why but I again did the same mistake of updating a plugin from wordpress. I could not have installed wordpress all over again. So thanks for your quick help ! And I promise I will never EVER update any thing from the wordpress console itself. It's damn risky. Thanks again

Sangram keshari patra
Sangram keshari patra

Hi Clifton, I want help from you.Can you tell me ,if I will found a .maintenance file in wp root directory it will caused the problems like "The page isn't redirecting properly". Actually I have got error at my site like "The page isn't redirecting properly". Then I have gone to admin site and have seen a message like "An automated WordPress update has failed to complete - please attempt the update again now." After getting this message I have reached at you. Please help me. Thanks Sangram

Clifton Hatfield
Clifton Hatfield

First, deactivate all of your plugins. See if that fixes your redirect issue. If not, then, delete your .htaccess file from the root directory using FTP client (or Cpanel). Log into your Dashboard and resave your Permalink settings. That may fix your redirect issues. Also, please join my Support Group on Facebook at http://fb.com/groups/internet.questions/ for additional support. Thanks!

Gary
Gary

I also recieved the message below when upgrading to "3.2.1" but I cannot find the .maintenance file in my main directory. Could it be somewhere else? When I try again as it suggests it crashes my site and I get the this site is under maintenance message "An automated WordPress update has failed to complete - please attempt the update again now." Thanks. Gary

Clifton Hatfield
Clifton Hatfield

Hey Gary, I'm sure it's there somewhere. Make sure you are looking at an refreshed root directory or the directory where your WordPress install is located (e.g. same directory as the wp-config.php file)

Frederik Hermann
Frederik Hermann

Got it, my FTP tool (Transmit) doesn't show the file, maybe you can add a line: "You cannot see this file in your FTP, you can only view it via cPanel’s File Manager or via SSH." Thanks for the post and cheers!

Clifton Hatfield
Clifton Hatfield

Thanks Frederik! I didn't have a problem viewing the file using the FTP client Filezilla. I made an addition as you suggested! Thanks!

Frederik Hermann
Frederik Hermann

Hi Clifton, Thanks for the post and info, I have the same issue but I can't find the .maintenance file anywhere ... I checked the root folders and tons of subfolders but nothing. And the error message is pretty annoying. Any idea what I might be doing wrong? Thanks, Frederik .-= Frederik Hermann´s last blog ..twidroid and news aggregator popurls acquired =-.

Donna Merrill
Donna Merrill

Hey Clifton, I'm one of your clients and I am just loving my blog. Just wanted to send out a note of appreciation of your fabulous work and kindness as a go-giver. Love the bio, It sounds like my relationship. Yes, there is nothing more important as family. You are a genuine human being and I respect not only your work, but who you are. Thanks so much Donna Merrill .-= Donna Merrill´s last blog ..10 TIPS ON BRANDING YOURSELF =-.

Clifton Hatfield
Clifton Hatfield

Thanks Donna! Your welcome about the blog! I am super excited for you! You are right, nothing more important. :)

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