Frequently Asked Questions:

When I switched to the ProPhoto theme, I got a blank grey screen that said: “Fatal error: Call to undefined function: is_tag() …”

IF you have this problem, you almost certainly have an old version of WordPress. Due to the advanced features, specifically inline commenting, you need at least WordPress Version 2.3.2 or higher. It is always best to stay up-to-date with the most current version of WordPress.

So, you’ll need to upgrade WordPress. Instructions can be found here:

http://codex.wordpress.org/Upgrading_WordPress

the simple version is:

a) back up your mySQL database (not 100% necessary, but always a good idea)
b) back up your ‘uploads’ folder, located in ‘wp-content’ (again, not necessary, but a good idea) by downloading the whole folder to your computer so you have a copy in case you mess up step C.
b) download the newest version of Wordpress from http://wordpress.org/download
c) unzip the file and REMOVE the “wp-content” folder so that you DO NOT upload it.
d) upload the rest of the whole folder into the same directory where your blog exists. all the files should overwrite the old ones.

If you’re version of WordPress is really old, it may prompt you to upgrade your database once you’ve got the new version installed. (This is why I recommend backing up your database first. i’ve never had a problem in the upgrades I’ve done, but the thought of ‘upgrading my database’ without backing it up gives me the willies.)

Usually you can backup your database fairly simply from within your web host control panel. Look for your mySQL manager and there is probably a button to backup the database. If you’re stuck, call your web host and ask them to talk you through backing up a mySQL database. If you act dumb and happy, they should help you.

Questions? Instead of emailing for support, leave a comment below so everyone can benefit from any clarification.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 1st, 2008 and is filed under Frequently Asked Questions, Installation, Upgrading WordPress. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

12 Responses to “When I switched to the ProPhoto theme, I got a blank grey screen that said: “Fatal error: Call to undefined function: is_tag() …””

  1. On October 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm Sarah said:

    I got this same error message but am using the wordpress download that I just now downloaded from their site. Can it be outdated? Is there something else going on?

  2. On October 12th, 2008 at 1:55 pm Sarah said:

    I have the 2.6.2 version but still get the error message. HELP!

  3. On October 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm Jared said:

    @Sarah: you’ve actually got WordPress 2.2.1 installed, not 2.6.2. Did you download it from the right spot? WordPress.org/download ? I know you’ve got 2.2.1 because i looked at the source of your blog. Did you maybe use an auto-installer?

  4. On October 12th, 2008 at 7:50 pm Sarah said:

    I downloaded it straight from the wordpress front page… I used the auto installer that was recommended (fantastico deluxe). What should I do now to fix?

  5. On October 12th, 2008 at 8:51 pm Sarah said:

    ok, I went and removed it in my cpanel and went to reinstall the 2.6 version that I have downloaded. But when I go to use fantastico, the version that is there for me to install is the 2.2. What should I do?

  6. On October 13th, 2008 at 4:58 am Jared said:

    @Sarah: if your webhosts version of fantastico is that out of date, you should two things:

    1) email your webhost and tell them to get their act together and update fantastico. they are auto-installing a very old version of wordpress with many known security vulnerabilities, which are just begging to be hacked.

    2) don’t wait for them to change fantastico, just do a manual installation yourself. follow the directions in the tutorials for a non-fantastico installation, a manual installation. it’s not that much harder.

  7. On October 13th, 2008 at 7:27 am Sarah said:

    ok. I will give it a try. I host with bludomain along with a million other photographers! I will give them a heads up.

  8. On October 19th, 2008 at 8:50 pm Lori said:

    Hi there,
    I’ve got the new Wordpress (2.6) and have uploaded all the Prophoto files. Now the Prophoto theme shows up in my admin panel BUT when I activate it, it just goes to my existing Bludomain website. So something’s definitely screwy I just haven’t found a similar problem anywhere in the forums or FAQs.

    Any thoughts?
    Thanks!
    Lori

  9. On October 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm Lori said:

    I guess I’m wondering how I get it to be called ‘blog’? Like mywebsite.com/blog?

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