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Resolving the 'Server Configuration Error' in Converter for Media

30 threads Sep 11, 2025 Plugin → Converter for media – optimize images | convert webp & avif

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If you've encountered a "Server Configuration Error" while using the 'Converter for Media – Optimize images | Convert WebP & AVIF' plugin, you're not alone. This is one of the most common issues users face, and it's almost always related to how a web server is configured to handle image files and .htaccess rules. This guide will explain why this error occurs and walk you through the most effective solutions to get your image optimization back on track.

What Does This Error Mean?

The core of the problem is that requests for common image files (like .jpg, .png, and .gif) are being processed by the server bypassing the Apache module that reads .htaccess rules. The plugin relies on rules written to the .htaccess file to dynamically serve WebP images to supported browsers. If the server ignores these rules, the conversion and redirection process fails, triggering the error.

This often happens on servers using a hybrid setup, such as Apache with an Nginx reverse proxy, or when certain speed optimization features are enabled in a hosting control panel.

Common Solutions to Try

1. Change the Image Loading Mode

This is the quickest and easiest fix to try first. The plugin offers an alternative method for serving images that doesn't rely on .htaccess rules.

  1. Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Converter for Media.
  3. Find the "Image loading mode" option.
  4. Change it from the default to "Pass Thru".
  5. Save your changes and clear any server or plugin cache you might be using.

This mode uses a different PHP-based approach to serve images and often resolves the issue on servers where .htaccess control is limited.

2. Check Hosting-Specific Caching or Optimization Settings

Many hosting providers, especially managed WordPress hosts, have settings that can interfere with .htaccess rules. You may need to contact your hosting provider's support and ask them to check for and disable the following for your account or site:

  • "Smart static files processing"
  • "Serve static files directly by Nginx"
  • "Nginx Direct Delivery"
  • "Nginx Caching" (or ask them to remove .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and .gif from the list of cached file extensions)

As mentioned in the sample threads, one user resolved the issue by having their host "remove from the list of static files .jpg .png .gif. etc." in the site setup.

3. Verify .htaccess File Permissions

The plugin needs to be able to write to the .htaccess file in your wp-content/uploads/ directory. If file permissions are too restrictive, this will fail.

  • Using an FTP client or your hosting provider's file manager, navigate to /wp-content/uploads/.
  • Check if the .htaccess file exists and that its permissions are set to 644.
  • The uploads directory itself should have permissions set to 755.

If the file doesn't exist, the plugin should create it if directory permissions are correct.

4. For Nginx Users: Apply Custom Configuration

If your server runs directly on Nginx (not as a reverse proxy), .htaccess files are not used. You will need to manually add the redirection rules to your server's Nginx configuration file. The 'Converter for Media' team provides the necessary code snippet for this in their official documentation. You will need server administrator access to implement this.

What If Nothing Works?

As seen in the support threads, this error is fundamentally a server-level configuration issue. If you have tried all the common solutions above and the error persists, your next step should be to contact your hosting provider's support team.

You can provide them with the exact error message from the plugin, which contains specific technical details they will understand. Explain that the issue is related to the server bypassing Apache and ignoring .htaccess rules for image files. A competent support technician should be able to identify the specific setting causing the conflict on their platform.

By methodically working through these solutions, you can identify and resolve the server configuration error that is preventing the 'Converter for Media' plugin from functioning correctly.

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