W3 Total Cache Error: some files appear to be missing or out of place.
“W3 Total Cache Error: some files appear to be missing or out of place.” in WordPress: causes and what to check
W3 Total Cache shows this error when its drop-in files in wp-content (advanced-cache.php, object-cache.php or db.php) do not match the installed plugin, for example after the plugin was removed, moved to another server or only partly updated.
Which of these do you see?
The drop-ins remain in wp-content and keep loading on every request.
The drop-ins and the plugin’s configuration contain paths from the old host.
Common causes
References
Rather not fix it yourself? Let WP119 handle it automatically.
Errors caused by stale cache files or a lost object-cache backend are handled automatically: the system removes the stuck cache files and, when the cache backend is unreachable, removes the leftover configuration. Fixes are made on a copy of your site in the recovery station and written back only after re-verification passes. In your site’s database, the protected tables (members, comments, orders and form submissions) are copied as structure only. In SSH and FTP mode, the system creates a pre-recovery backup on your host before writing back and restores from it if verification after write-back fails. If the recovery cannot be completed, the recovery fee is refunded in full.
- Initial assessment: Site URL entry
- Copy to the recovery station: Work on a copy
- Diagnosis: Item-by-item checks
- Recovery and verification: Home and inner pages
- Write-back or delivery: Only after verification passes
Use WP119 when this error stops the site from loading after the plugin was removed or the site was moved.
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