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Troubleshooting Incorrect File Paths and Preview Issues in File Manager

29 threads Sep 9, 2025 Plugin → File manager

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Many users of the File Manager plugin encounter a common issue where file previews fail to work, or the generated file links are incorrect, often resulting in a 404 "Page Not Found" error. This problem is frequently reported after changing the plugin's Public Root Path setting. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps.

Why Do Incorrect File Paths and Preview Errors Occur?

The core of this issue lies in how the plugin handles path overrides. Based on numerous community reports, the plugin's preview and file sharing features often continue to reference the server's default root directory (e.g., /var/www/html/ or public_html) even after a new Public Root Path has been set in the preferences. This creates a mismatch; the file manager can browse the correct directory, but the underlying functions for generating URLs have not been fully updated to match the new path.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

1. Clear All Caches

Caching is a prevalent cause of path-related issues. A cached version of an old path might be served instead of the new, correct one. It is crucial to clear all possible caches:

  • Browser Cache: Clear your browser's cache and cookies or test in a private/incognito window.
  • WordPress Cache: If you use a caching plugin (e.g., W3 Total Cache, WP Rocket), clear its cache.
  • Server Cache: Contact your hosting provider to purge any server-level caches (e.g., Varnish, Object Cache, LiteSpeed).
  • CDN Cache: If you use a Content Delivery Network like Cloudflare, purge its cache.

2. Re-save Plugin Settings

Sometimes, settings may not save correctly due to a transient glitch. Navigate to WP File Manager -> Preferences, double-check your Public Root Path, and click "Save Changes" again. This can re-initialize the configuration.

3. Check for Conflicts

Conflicts with other plugins, themes, or even browser extensions can cause unexpected behavior.

  • Browser Extensions: Disable extensions like Wappalyzer or ad-blockers to see if the issue resolves.
  • Plugins & Themes: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four) and disable all other plugins to see if the problem persists. If it resolves, re-enable them one by one to identify the conflict.

4. Understand Media Library Integration

It's important to understand that moving files within the File Manager interface does not update their location in the WordPress database. If a file (like an image) is linked to a post and you move it, the link in that post will break. This is standard WordPress behavior, not a bug in File Manager.

To ensure files are properly registered in the media library when uploaded through File Manager, verify the setting is enabled: Go to WP File Manager -> Preferences and ensure "Enable Files Upload to Media Library?" is checked.

When These Steps Might Not Be Enough

The threads indicate that problems with the Public Root Path affecting previews and thumbnails are often deeply integrated into the plugin's functionality. The free version of File Manager may not support changing this path for all features. If you have exhaustively tried all troubleshooting steps above and the issue continues, it may be a limitation of the current version you are using.

Community Wisdom

This is a well-documented challenge within the user community. If you are using a pro version of the plugin and experience this problem, the developer's support team has historically requested that users contact them directly for specialized assistance with pro features.

For all users, sharing your experience and solution on community forums can be incredibly valuable for helping others who encounter the same obstacle.

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