WordPress site lost after changing PHP version

Domains and Hosting
1

On September 6, 2026 I changed my initial PHP version (7.4) to 8.3.
The reason was the inability for a month to update the WordPress version and the updates of my plugins.
As soon as I did that I lost everything:

  • Access to the WordPress admin panel
  • Access to my Roundcube mailbox (receiving backup files and updates)
  • Internet access to my website
  • Using Filezilla with the correct credentials (the last scary message I received:
    "Unsecured FTP connection
    This server does not support FTP over TLS
    If you continue, your password and files will be sent in clear text over the Internet.
    Host: ftp.cluster...
    Port: 21")
    Since then I have been exchanging messages without success with OVH support and still do not know how to restore my site.
    Consulting all the documentation I am being referred to is too complex for my age. I need simple, step‑by‑step explanations, screen by screen. This forum is my hope.
    Note: after an attempt to revert to the previous PHP version, it is now stuck at 5.4.
2

Hi @DominiqueL61

Don't worry, we'll try to help you :wink:

Can you tell us the domain name? It's important so that the staff can verify the status of your service.

Kind regards,
Sergio Turpín

3

It is possible that the PHP version change and subsequent attempts to roll back have left the configuration in an inconsistent state.

Sometimes the OVHcloud system automatically blocks access to the site or FTP when it detects something that doesn't add up, precisely to protect the service. That's why it is important for Staff to review your case from within.

4

Hello @DominiqueL61

First, restore the PHP 7.4 version of your site "Hosting" and "Database" to a date prior to your issue. E.g., a week earlier.

See the paragraph in my guide: T - OVH restoration of your site to an earlier date

See the paragraph in my guide: T2 – Restoration of your database

You need to set the PHP 7.4 version via the manager and verify it with the bonjourphp script.

Can you install the bonjour.php script and thus check the actual PHP version seen on your site?

See the paragraph in my guide: I3 - SSL Check: Using the bonjour.php script

Next: Disable all plugins:
See the paragraph in my guide: W - PLUGINS in error, PLUGINS folder

Upgrade WordPress and switch back to PHP 8.5

Finally:
Reactivate the plugins one by one.

5

Hello,

My domain name ker-fenwan.fr

6

Hello and thank you for your quick response.

Problem: I can't change the PHP version to an earlier date.
It remains stuck at 5.4, a version never installed.
Consulting your T guide on site restoration, given the bug date of September 6, 2026, it seems doomed.
But I think we need to recover the site AND the database.
As for the bonjourphp script, I don't understand anything because I'm not using SSL but FTP.

7

I just changed the PHP version (0210/2026-16h13) by checking “modify the current version” this time and switching to 8.5.
As always, “Taken into account” but no change...

8

I just sent you a private message.

9

OK, I've replied.

10

Hello @DominiqueL61

Your site --> HTTP ERROR 500

See the paragraph in my guide: P2 - Erreur 500 - Environnement développement

11

Thanks finally for revealing the source of my misery.

However, I can no longer use FileZilla, which first stopped recognizing my password (?) and now shows a scary message I’ve already mentioned to you: “Unsecured FTP connection
This server does not support FTP over TLS
If you continue, your password and files will be sent in clear text over the Internet.
Host: ftp.cluster...
Port: 21”.

13

Bonjour @mubeen2132

Vous êtes la deuxième personne à redescendre à la version PHP 5.4.

Qu'avez-vous exactement déclarer via le manager OVH pour la version de PHP ?
Pouvez-vous faire une copie d'écran et l'insérer dans votre réponse ?

Pouvez-vous aussi, avec le script bonjour.php, tester la version de OVH au niveau du dossier /www

14

As far as I'm concerned, there has been progress after the performed manipulations:
General Information - Configuration
Edit PHP > Edit current configuration
Select 7.4 from the drop‑down list and then the development mode
After a while, PHP has indeed been upgraded to version 7.4
But still everything remains blocked and inaccessible...

15

When your WordPress site is finished and operational, don't forget to back it up on your PC.

________________________________________________________________

Backups of your site at OVH are not eternal.

Excerpt from my guide: T - OVH Restoration of your site to an earlier date

At OVH, restoring your hosting can only go back at most two weeks.

If the hacking of your site dates back three weeks, you are screwed and forced to delete everything and completely rebuild your site.

At OVH, restoring your database can only go back at most two months

Remember to make a backup Hosting and Database on your PC once a month.
See in my guide the paragraph: Ua - Complete backup of your site to your PC

See in my guide the paragraph: Ub - Complete restoration of your site from your PC

16

It's OK now
I'm going to streamline my site by removing automatic backups and follow your guide for a PC backup and its restoration in a more rational way.

17

Glad you got the site working again. The PC backup plan is a good move. Having your own copy gives you more control if anything goes wrong. Monthly backups are worth keeping as a routine.

18

Thank you for your encouragement and the involvement of the entire forum team.
I am also beginning to clean up the unnecessary and heavy extensions. The fact that the OVH backups were "blocked" is alarming.
The "external" backup method should be more strongly encouraged.