Troubleshooting Common OMGF Database Table Errors: 'Table Does Not Exist' and More

Users of the 'OMGF | GDPR/DSGVO Compliant, Faster Google Fonts. Easy.' plugin sometimes encounter errors related to its database tables. A frequent issue is the error message: Table 'wp_omgf_fonts' does not exist and is necessary for OMGF to function properly. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the most effective solutions.

Why Do These Database Errors Occur?

Based on community reports, these errors typically happen for a few key reasons:

• Plugin Update Glitches: Major updates to OMGF (like the migration to v2.2.2) sometimes involve changes to database structures. If the automatic update process is interrupted or doesn't run correctly, the required tables may not be created or migrated properly.
• Manual Deletion: Manually deleting the plugin's tables or files without using the official uninstall procedure can cause problems if you reinstall later, as the plugin might not automatically recreate everything.
• Multisite Complexity: WordPress Multisite installations add a layer of complexity. The plugin must create tables for each individual site (e.g., wp_5_omgf_fonts), and the activation process differs from a standard WordPress site.
• PHP Version Incompatibility: Older, unsupported versions of PHP (like 5.6) can cause unexpected behavior, including failures when the plugin tries to execute code to create database tables.

How to Fix "Table Does Not Exist" Errors

If you see an error stating that a table like wp_omgf_fonts or wp_caos_webfonts does not exist, follow these steps in order.

Solution 1: The Standard Reactivation Method

This is the first and most common fix, especially after an update.

1. Go to your WordPress Plugins page.
2. Deactivate the OMGF plugin.
3. Activate the OMGF plugin again.
4. Check if the error has been resolved.

Solution 2: For WordPress Multisite Installations

The reactivation process is different on a Multisite network.

1. Go to your WordPress Network Admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Plugins page.
3. Network Deactivate the OMGF plugin.
4. Network Activate the OMGF plugin.
5. Finally, you must go to the dashboard of each individual site on your network, navigate to its Plugins page, and deactivate then reactivate OMGF for that specific site.

Solution 3: Complete Reinstallation

If reactivation doesn't work, a clean reinstall can often solve the problem.

1. Go to Plugins and Deactivate OMGF.
2. Still on the Plugins page, Delete the OMGF plugin. (Note: Ensure you have a record of your settings, as this may remove them).
3. Now, reinstall OMGF from the WordPress plugin repository and activate it anew. This should trigger the plugin's installation script to create all necessary database tables from scratch.

Solution 4: Check Your PHP Version

The 'OMGF | GDPR/DSGVO Compliant, Faster Google Fonts. Easy.' team has stated that older PHP versions are explicitly not supported. Using them can lead to various errors.

• Check your site's PHP version in your hosting control panel or from the WordPress Tools -> Site Health -> Info tab.
• If you are using any version below PHP 7.4, it is highly recommended to update to a supported version (PHP 7.4 or higher). This is a critical security and compatibility measure for your entire website, not just OMGF.

What If These Solutions Don't Work?

If you have tried all the steps above and are still encountering issues, the problem might be more complex. To get further help from the community, be prepared to provide the following information when asking for support:

• Your current PHP version.
• Your WordPress version.
• Whether you are using a single site or Multisite.
• The exact text of any error messages, especially those found in your PHP error logs. Enabling WordPress debugging can help gather this information.

Database errors can be frustrating, but they are often resolved by following a clear reactivation or reinstallation process. Ensuring your hosting environment is up-to-date is the best way to prevent these issues from happening in the first place.