How to Fix Thesis Options Not Saving

There’s been a problem going around lately regarding some people using Host Gator along with the Thesis WordPress theme. I’ve seen three posts in the forum pop up this week (one of which was made by me) so I figured I should probably put this post up.

Even if you haven’t noticed any problem, I’d recommend testing this out to see if you’re affected. It’s something that doesn’t show on the front end, only the back, and it’d be best to get it fixed now rather than when you’re trying to make an important change to your site.

Anyway, here’s what to do if your Thesis options won’t save.

Note: This might affect other hosts as well; the posts in the forum have all been Host Gator but it could just be because it’s so popular.

The Problem:

When saving Site Options in the Thesis options panel you’re redirected to a 404 page and nothing saves.

The Culprit:

Code being placed in the additional stats is conflicting with what must be new Host Gator mod_security rules.

The Fix:

I recommend a two part plan to fix this, because the proper fix involves contacting Host Gator to have a ticket opened up, so the first step is an in-the-mean-time fix.

1. Place your additional code in a custom function, instead of the box in the Admin options. The function should look like this:

   function additional() {
   ?>
   
   // YOUR SCRIPTS HERE
   
   <?php }
   add_action('thesis_hook_after_html', 'additional);
   

   Make the ‘thesis_hook_after_html’ hook either that or ‘thesis_hook_before_html’ depending on whether the scripts you’re running need to be before or after the rest of the page loads. (Analytic software should be after.)

2. Contact Host Gator and tell them about the problem. Mention your WordPress options aren’t saving because of mod_security rules and they’ll know what you’re talking about, check it out, and open up a ticket for you. The tech support was very knowledgeable about the problem and it took them less than an hour to fix.

Update: Norcross had this to say in the comments: I had the same issue (with HostGator) and fortunately the service person I spoke with gave me the exact info to provide when calling / live chatting in: “White list rule 340163 for domain.com”

Those steps will get anybody affected back on track.If you’ve noticed this with any other host, let me know.

photo by picture perfect pose

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