Troubleshooting the 10Web Manager Does Not Have File Permissions Error

The 10Web Manager plugin facilitates the link between your website and the 10Web dashboard. This essential plugin is automatically installed either when you set up a new site through your 10Web dashboard or when you move an existing site to 10Web.

When trying to migrate a site, if you get the message, “10Web Manager plugin does not have file system permissions to install, update, and delete products”

this is most likely because:

1. You don’t have the proper WordPress permissions to alter the files and directories or
2. Your FS_METHOD is not set to direct

WordPress file permissions

Understanding and setting the correct file and folder permissions is crucial for WordPress site security and functionality. File permissions dictate the levels of interaction that users or system processes can have with a file or directory. These interactions can be categorized into three main actions:

• Read - Ability to view the content of a file or see the files listed in a directory.
• Write - Capability to alter a file's content or add or remove files within a directory.
• Execute - Permission to run the file as an executable program or script, or perform operations within a directory.

Every file and directory possesses a unique 3-digit numerical code representing its file permissions. Each digit signifies the level of permission—read, write, and execute—granted.

How to fix WordPress file and folder permissions

The 10Web Manager plugin requires read, write, and execute permissions. To fix the error, you will need to change both file and folder permissions. 

Accessing website files and folders 

To start modification of WordPress permissions, you will need to sign in and connect to your website files and folders. To do this, you can use cPanel, FTP client, etc.

1. Log into your hosting provider account
2. Connect to your website files via your choice of protocol to get started

Modifying folder permissions

Once you have successfully connected, you can now start to modify the permissions. 

1. Locate the root directory of your WordPress website

   Note:

   A Root directory is the main folder where your WordPress files reside, usually named public_html, www, or after your site’s title.

2. Select all folders wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes
3. Right-click and select File Permissions
4. In the pop-up, enter 755 as the Numeric value

   Note:

   Here is a breakdown of what this code means. The owner of the folder can read, write, and execute commands (read, write, execute). Group members and other users can read the contents and enter the directory, but they can't write new files or folders.

5. Check the option Recurse into subdirectories
6. Select Apply to directories only
7. Click Ok

Modifying file permissions

Once you are done changing the folder permissions, you will need to change the file permissions as well.

1. In the root directory, select all files
2. Right-click and choose File Permissions
3. Enter 644 in the Numeric value box

   Note:

   Here is a breakdown of what the file code means. The owner of the file can read it and make changes (read, write). Everyone else, whether they're in your group or not, can only read the file.

4. Check Recurse into subdirectories
5. Select Apply to files only
6. Click Ok

To verify changes, refresh your WordPress site to ensure it's functioning as expected. If any issues persist, consult your hosting provider.

FS_METHOD

The FS_METHOD is a constant used in WordPress to specify the file system method to use when installing updates or performing other file operations. It's generally defined in the wp-config.php file. If your FS_METHOD configuration has been changed, you will get the error message as described at the beginning of the article. 

Here are the method options:

1. Direct ('direct'): Files are written directly without any intermediary steps. This method requires that PHP runs with permissions to write files, which might be a security risk on shared hosting.
2. FTP ('ftp') or FTP SSL ('ftps'): Uses FTP or FTPS (FTP over SSL) protocols for file operations. If you choose this method, you will also need to specify FTP credentials (hostname, username, password) in the wp-config.php file.
3. SSH2 ('ssh2'): Uses SSH for file operations. Like FTP/FTPS, this method requires additional constants to be set for hostname, username, and password.
4. Auto ('auto'): WordPress will choose the method automatically, falling back in the order of Direct, SSH2, FTPS, and FTP.

How to set the FS_METHOD

By default, WordPress will use the direct option of the FS_METHOD. This is the option needed to give the 10Web Manager permissions. 

To change the FS_METHOD option:

1. Log in and connect your website files using your choice of protocol 
2. Once logged in, click on the root directory and find the wp-config.php file
3. Edit the wp-config.php file using your editor of choice
4. In the wp-config.php file, find the line that reads: * That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */
5. Add the following code right above that line:

   define('FS_METHOD', 'direct'); 

   or if you already have the code defined with a different value, change it to 'direct'
6. Save the file and upload it to your server

To confirm that your modifications have taken effect, reload your WordPress website and check for smooth operation.
If problems continue, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.