Resolving the 'Due to your server or website configuration' Error in Burst Statistics
Content
One of the most common support queries for the 'Burst Statistics – Privacy-Friendly Analytics for WordPress' plugin is the error message: "Due to your server or website configuration it is not possible to track statistics." This alert indicates that the plugin's method for recording visitor data is failing. Based on community reports, this article explains why this happens and outlines the most effective troubleshooting steps to resolve it.
Why This Error Occurs
Burst Statistics uses two primary methods to track page views, listed in order of preference:
- REST API: The preferred, faster method that uses a WordPress core feature.
- Endpoint File Fallback: A reliable fallback method that uses a direct PHP file (
burst-statistics-endpoint.php) if the REST API is unavailable.
The error appears when both methods fail. The causes are diverse but almost always relate to server security configurations, file permissions, or conflicts with other software.
Common Causes and Their Solutions
1. REST API or Endpoint Blocked by Security Software
The Problem: Security plugins (e.g., AIO WP Security, WP Hide & Security Enhancer), web application firewalls (WAFs like ModSecurity), or server-level security rules often block the requests Burst needs to function. This is the most frequent cause.
The Solution:
- ModSecurity/Comodo WAF: Rules like 214930 or 210710 can block requests to the endpoint file. You or your hosting provider may need to whitelist the
/burst-statistics-endpoint.phpfile or the specific rule triggering the block. - Security Plugins: Some features, like the "Salt postfix" in AIO WP Security, can cause conflicts. Try temporarily disabling specific security features to identify the culprit, then create an exception for Burst Statistics.
- False Positives: If a security plugin flags
burst-statistics-endpoint.phpas a threat, this is a false positive. You can safely ignore the alert or report it to the security plugin's developers so they can update their definitions.
2. Endpoint File Missing or Inaccessible
The Problem: The burst-statistics-endpoint.php file may not be in the correct location, may have the wrong file permissions, or may be blocked by server configuration rules (e.g., open_basedir restrictions, client denied by server configuration errors in logs).
The Solution:
- Manual Placement: Ensure the file is in your website's root directory (e.g.,
public_html/). You can manually download it from the plugin's folder (/wp-content/plugins/burst-statistics/) and place it in the root. - File Permissions: Set the file permissions (CHMOD) to 644.
- Subdirectory Installs: If WordPress is installed in a subdirectory (e.g.,
example.com/wp/), the endpoint file path may be incorrect. A fix for this specific issue has been developed on the plugin's GitHub repository.
3. Caching or Optimization Plugin Conflicts
The Problem: Performance plugins that delay, combine, or asynchronously load JavaScript (e.g., WP Rocket, WP-Meteor) can prevent Burst's tracking script from loading correctly.
The Solution: Exclude Burst's core scripts from optimization. The scripts to exclude are typically:
/wp-content/plugins/burst-statistics/helpers/timeme/timeme.min.js/wp-content/plugins/burst-statistics/assets/js/build/burst.min.js
4. Database Table Issues
The Problem: In rare cases, the database tables required by Burst Statistics may not be created properly, especially after an update or migration. This can manifest as a "Table doesn't exist" error in your server logs.
The Solution: Trigger a database update by installing a plugin like "WP Debugging" or by re-saving your permalink structure in Settings > Permalinks.
General Troubleshooting Workflow
- Check the Dashboard: First, verify if data is actually being recorded despite the error message. Sometimes the status check returns a false positive.
- Test with a Clean Slate: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four) and disable all other plugins except Burst Statistics. If the error disappears, reactivate your plugins one by one to find the conflict.
- Inspect Server Logs: Your hosting error logs are the best source of truth. Look for 403, 404, or 500 errors related to
burst-statistics-endpoint.phpor the REST API (/wp-json/burst/). - Wait for Cron: After making changes, note that Burst re-checks the tracking status automatically every hour. You may need to wait for this cycle to complete before the error clears.
When All Else Fails
If you have tried all the steps above and the issue persists, the problem is likely a highly specific server configuration. In this case, the best course of action is to share your website's URL and any relevant error logs from your server on a support forum. The 'Burst Statistics – Privacy-Friendly Analytics for WordPress' team is often active in these communities and can provide guidance for unique edge cases.
Remember, this error is almost always solvable by adjusting permissions, configuring security exceptions, or resolving plugin conflicts.
Related Support Threads Support
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Tracking Errorhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/tracking-error/
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burst-statistics-endpoint.php is a executable php file..https://wordpress.org/support/topic/burst-statistics-endpoint-php-is-a-executable-php-file/
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No statistics since installation WP-Meteorhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/no-statistics-since-installation-wp-meteor/
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Server cron – no resultshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/server-cron-no-results/
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Issue with “Salt postfix” in AIO WP Securityhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/issue-with-salt-postfix-in-aio-wp-security/
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Host blocked IP due to 21,000+ requests in a 25 minute periodhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/host-blocked-ip-due-to-21000-requests-in-a-25-minute-period/
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[Feature request] Add option to disable endpoint testinghttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/feature-request-add-option-to-disable-endpoint-testing/
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burst-statistics-endpoint.phphttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/burst-statistics-endpoint-php/
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Error checking tracking statushttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/error-checking-tracking-status/
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Nope.https://wordpress.org/support/topic/nope-95/
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problem with sending reports by emailhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/problem-with-sending-reports-by-email/
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Exclude IPv6 prefixhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/exclude-ipv6-prefix/
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Tracking error – but endpoint is createdhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/tracking-error-but-endpoint-is-created/
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Not possible to determine statistics due server or website configurationhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/not-possible-to-determine-statistics-due-server-or-website-configuration/
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Website Configuration Errorhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/website-configuration-error/
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client denied by server configurationhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/client-denied-by-server-configuration-7/
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POST to endpoint triggers mod_security rulehttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/post-to-endpoint-triggers-mod_security-rule/
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not possible to track statisticshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/not-possible-to-track-statistics/
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Please check if your REST API is loading correctlyhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/please-check-if-your-rest-api-is-loading-correctly/
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Modsecurity Comodo WAF 210710 blocks IPshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/modsecurity-comodo-waf-210710-blocks-ips/
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Warning about open_basedir restriction and non-existing filehttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/warning-about-open_basedir-restriction-an-non-existing-file/
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Multiple errors when trying to view statshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/multiple-errors-when-trying-to-view-stats/
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Just Stopped Workinghttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/just-stopped-working-12/
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Ga verder met een niet-commerciële licentiehttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/ga-verder-met-een-niet-commerciele-licentie/
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endpoint php file not found when wordpress is installed in a subdirectoryhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/endpoint-php-file-not-found-when-wordpress-is-installed-in-a-subdirectory/
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Pas de suivihttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/pas-de-suivi/
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Unable to track statistics (PHP 8.2)https://wordpress.org/support/topic/unable-to-track-statistics-php-8-2/
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Problems with ModSecurityhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/problemi-with-modsecurity/
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Error with Endpointhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/error-with-endpoint/
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suspicious virus fileshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/suspicious-virus-files/