Chris Schutte

January 18, 2023

How To Fix “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error in WordPress

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Have you encountered the WordPress error “Missing a Temporary Folder?” Are you scouring the internet for the solution to this error that has been giving you headaches for days? Look no further; you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading below to learn what missing a temporary folder error in WordPress means, what causes it, and how it can be fixed. This step-by-step guide aims to help people both with professional and casual knowledge about website maintenance.

Learning About the Missing a Temporary Folder Error

Incorrect Hypertext preprocessor (commonly known as PHP) settings may cause the error of missing a temporary folder in the WordPress environment. WordPress utilises a folder to store data temporarily before sending it to its desired location — hence the name “temporary folder.”

WordPress needs access to this temporary folder when media — such as photos and videos — are uploaded and when themes and plugins are updated. WordPress will be unable to complete these processes if the location of the temporary folder is inaccurate in the PHP settings. Instead, it will display the missing temporary folder error.

This can be quite frustrating because it essentially disrupts your workflow, especially in web development. It hinders you from uploading files in WordPress such as images, audio, and resources. Other tasks — such as installing themes and plugins — will also be unavailable. The possible causes for this error are accidental deletion of the temporary folder from the server, server breakdown, and restricted folder permissions by the host server.

How To Fix “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error

Now that you have a basic understanding of what this error means, and what causes it, it is time to know the steps to fix it!

Step 1: Log in Through the File Manager in CPanel

Access your server through the File Manager in the cPanel. You can also establish a connection to the website through FTP transfers like Filezilla. For this guide, we will use the cPanel to have the issue fixed.

At the end of the URL, type in and enter /cpanel to log in to your server. Input the login credentials (username and password) provided by your web host. If you have trouble remembering the password, you can check it on the previous welcome email sent to you during the signup process by your web hosting service provider. When you are logged in, you may proceed to open File Manager.

Step 2: Access the wp-config.php File

Locate the root installation folder in WordPress to find the wp-config.php file. It’s usually in the folder named public.html. This file is responsible for handling the settings and configurations of your website.

Step 3: Copy and Paste a Code Snippet

  • Edit the wp-config.php file by pressing the right-click button of your mouse. Choose Edit.
  • Copy this code: define(‘WP_TEMP_DIR’,dirname(_FILE_). ‘/wp-content/temp/’);
  • Paste the code just before you read the line that tells you to stop editing and wishes you happy publishing.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Make sure to save your changes. The directory where the temp folder is located has now been defined. This will be helpful later on when the system tries to locate it. Make another upload of the updated version of the wp-config.php file to your site.

Step 5: Create a Temp Folder

Look for the /wp-content folder when you return to File Manager. You can now make a new Temp folder.

You have fixed the “Missing a temporary folder” error! You can now go to the WordPress admin menu and try to upload an image to check that it is indeed fixed.

What To Do To Prevent “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error

Murphy’s law states that “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Think of this saying when it comes to the missing temporary folder error. This error did not happen because of your inexperience or limited knowledge of web maintenance. Although it’s possible that you may have accidentally deleted the temp folder, this error usually occurs because of server issues.

Since this error is beyond your control, the proactive thing to do is to have a backup file of the latest version of your website’s code. This way, if you try to edit the code on your own when this error eventually reappears, you can restore the code to its previous configuration.

The best advice is still to find a reliable partner when it comes to website maintenance. Going for professional services beats any DIY solution that you can come up with. Do not let website errors get in the way of your business operation and success.

Website Maintenance With Launch Digital

Your business can not afford to have a website that is unresponsive, slow, or often offline. Outdated websites are especially prone to hacking and malware attacks, so it’s imperative to keep your website updated and well-maintained. However, website maintenance can be complex and can take a lot of your time — time that you’re better off using on other aspects of your business.

Let the professionals handle it. Launch Digital is a digital marketing agency that provides small businesses in Johannesburg, South Africa with the tools and solutions they require to grow their enterprise. Launch Digital’s WordPress Care Plans are perfect for small business owners who don’t have the time to maintain their websites. Enjoy unlimited website support and more for a very low fee.

To conclude, fixing the “Missing a temporary folder” error in WordPress is relatively easy. You just need to follow the steps mentioned above, and your WordPress website can be up and running like normal again in just a few minutes. Before you fix this error by yourself, contact your web host first and report the problem — especially if the error persists.

wordpress care plan support

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