TroubleshootingAll docs
An import stopped part way
The progress bars stopped, and Import says Paused or It stopped. Nothing is lost: Resume carries on from where it got to.
How Import runs
Import works in the background, a few seconds at a time, and remembers how far it got after each batch. It also writes down every member, post, comment and course it brings. So if it stops, pressing Resume picks up after the last finished batch, and anything already brought is skipped. A course that stopped half way is cleared and brought again from the start.
To see where it is, open Settings, then Import. You’ll see a bar for each part, like Members’ profiles or Posts, with how many are in so far.
It says “It stopped”
Under the title, in red, Import says It stopped, then the reason, then Press Resume to try again. The reason is usually one of these.
A course is too big for your host’s time limit
The message names the course and says it is too big to bring in one go on this host. Import tried that course twice, then stopped. Ask your host to raise PHP’s time limit (max_execution_time), then press Resume.
The old plugin’s data changed or went missing
Import reads the old plugin’s tables directly, so keep its data where it is until the import is done. If you deleted or emptied it, put it back from a backup, then press Resume.
Anything else
Press Resume once. If it stops again with the same words, copy the message and email it to us at [email protected], or send it to your host.
It says Importing… but nothing moves
WordPress runs background work only when someone visits the site, and some hosts switch that off. On a quiet site, the import can sit still for a while.
- 1
Keep Import open
While Settings, then Import is open, it checks every few seconds and moves the import along itself, even when WordPress doesn’t.
- 2
Check Site Health
In WordPress admin, open Tools, then Site Health, and look for Community emails can be sent on schedule. If it says scheduled tasks are running late, or the built-in scheduler is turned off, that’s why.
- 3
Ask your host
Ask them to run wp-cron.php every 5 to 15 minutes. Imports, and community emails, then go on by themselves with the page closed.
It says Paused, with no reason
Someone pressed Pause. That’s safe: press Resume, in the same place, and it carries on. The time left shows again once it has moved a little.
Questions
Will Resume bring the same posts or members in twice?
No. Import writes down everything it brings, so it skips anything already here and carries on with what’s left.
Can members use the community while an import is paused?
Yes. Members can use it while an import runs or waits. Courses only show in the Classroom once all their lessons are in, never half-finished.
Can I start a different import while this one is paused?
Not yet. Import says An import is already running. Pause or finish it first. Press Resume and let this one finish.
How do I know when it’s done?
Import emails you at your admin address when it finishes, and Settings, then Import shows Done with what came over.
Stuck, or something not right? Email us and we’ll help.