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Author SHA1 Message Date
b883a222c0 Version 1.4.2: Improved plugin descriptions for better clarity
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2025-04-11 00:19:13 +01:00
8562c311c5 Align README.md FAQ with readme.txt for consistency
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2025-04-10 01:36:03 +01:00
78a911640f Version 1.4.1: Add FAQ about keeping plugin installed
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2025-04-10 01:24:17 +01:00
c45621d896 Version 1.4.0: Rename plugin and update text domain
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2025-04-10 01:13:49 +01:00
7ae1da3775 Rename plugin to 'Fix Plugin file does not exist. Notices' for better SEO 2025-04-10 01:03:23 +01:00
113c4d54da Prepare for WordPress.org plugin repository submission
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2025-04-10 00:54:56 +01:00
11 changed files with 418 additions and 108 deletions

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@ -8,10 +8,14 @@
.distignore
build.sh
build
.drone.yml
.woodpecker.yml
# Documentation
CONTRIBUTING.md
CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
CHANGELOG.md
assets/README.md
# Development files
node_modules
@ -31,6 +35,9 @@ package-lock.json
composer.json
composer.lock
# WordPress.org specific
.wordpress-org
# Miscellaneous
.DS_Store
Thumbs.db
@ -39,4 +46,6 @@ Thumbs.db
*.log
*.bak
*.tmp
*.zip
*.zip
*~
._*

24
.github/workflows/assets.yml vendored Normal file
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@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
name: Plugin Asset Update
on:
push:
branches:
- main
paths:
- '.wordpress-org/**'
- 'assets/**'
jobs:
assets:
name: Push assets to WordPress.org
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- name: Checkout code
uses: actions/checkout@v3
- name: WordPress.org plugin asset/readme update
uses: 10up/action-wordpress-plugin-asset-update@stable
env:
SVN_PASSWORD: ${{ secrets.SVN_PASSWORD }}
SVN_USERNAME: ${{ secrets.SVN_USERNAME }}
SLUG: fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices

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@ -20,19 +20,19 @@ jobs:
run: echo "VERSION=${GITHUB_REF#refs/tags/v}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
- name: Create build directory
run: mkdir -p build/plugin-reference-cleaner
run: mkdir -p build/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
- name: Copy plugin files
run: |
cp plugin-reference-cleaner.php build/plugin-reference-cleaner/
cp readme.txt build/plugin-reference-cleaner/
cp LICENSE build/plugin-reference-cleaner/
cp README.md build/plugin-reference-cleaner/
cp fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices.php build/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/
cp readme.txt build/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/
cp LICENSE build/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/
cp README.md build/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/
- name: Create ZIP file
run: |
cd build
zip -r ../plugin-reference-cleaner-${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}.zip plugin-reference-cleaner
zip -r ../fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices-${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}.zip fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
- name: Create Release
id: create_release
@ -42,8 +42,27 @@ jobs:
draft: false
prerelease: false
files: |
plugin-reference-cleaner-${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}.zip
fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices-${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}.zip
body: |
Plugin Reference Cleaner v${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}
Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices v${{ steps.get_version.outputs.VERSION }}
See [CHANGELOG.md](https://github.com/wpallstars/plugin-reference-cleaner/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md) for details.
See [CHANGELOG.md](https://github.com/wpallstars/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md) for details.
# Deploy to WordPress.org
wordpress:
name: Deploy to WordPress.org
needs: build
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- name: Checkout code
uses: actions/checkout@v3
- name: WordPress Plugin Deploy
id: deploy
uses: 10up/action-wordpress-plugin-deploy@stable
with:
generate-zip: true
env:
SVN_USERNAME: ${{ secrets.SVN_USERNAME }}
SVN_PASSWORD: ${{ secrets.SVN_PASSWORD }}
SLUG: fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices

40
.gitignore vendored
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@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
Thumbs.db
ehthumbs.db
Desktop.ini
._*
.Spotlight-V100
.Trashes
# Editor files
*.swp
@ -12,11 +15,19 @@ Desktop.ini
.vscode/
*.sublime-project
*.sublime-workspace
*.komodoproject
.komodotools
*.tmproj
*.tmproject
.project
.settings/
# Dependency directories
node_modules/
vendor/
bower_components/
composer.lock
package-lock.json
# Build files
build/
@ -38,4 +49,31 @@ debug.log
# Misc
.env
.env.*
!.env.example
!.env.example
# WordPress testing
.phpunit.result.cache
.phpcs.cache
phpunit.xml
phpcs.xml
# Development tools
.git/
.github/
.gitlab/
.gitattributes
.travis.yml
.drone.yml
.woodpecker.yml
codecov.yml
.babelrc
.browserslistrc
.editorconfig
.eslintignore
.eslintrc
.prettierrc
.stylelintrc
webpack.config.js
gulpfile.js
Gruntfile.js
*.zip

20
.wordpress-org/README.md Normal file
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@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
# WordPress.org Plugin Repository Assets
This directory contains assets specific to the WordPress.org plugin repository and is used for automatic deployment via GitHub Actions.
## Directory Contents
- `icon.svg` - Plugin icon displayed in the WordPress.org plugin directory
- `banner-772x250.png` - Standard banner for plugin header
- `banner-1544x500.png` - Retina banner for plugin header
- `screenshot-1.png` - First screenshot displayed on plugin page
- `screenshot-2.png` - Second screenshot displayed on plugin page
- `screenshot-3.png` - Third screenshot displayed on plugin page
## Purpose
When using GitHub Actions for WordPress.org plugin deployments (via the 10up WordPress GitHub Actions), this directory is used to automatically update plugin assets in the WordPress.org repository.
## Naming Conventions
Files must be named exactly as shown above to be properly recognized by the WordPress.org system during the deployment process.

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@ -2,6 +2,15 @@
All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
## [1.4.1] - 2023-11-30
### Added
- FAQ about keeping the plugin installed after notices are cleared
## [1.4.0] - 2023-11-30
### Changed
- Updated plugin name and text domain
- Repository rename from plugin-reference-cleaner to fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
## [1.3.3] - 2023-10-05
### Added
- "Click here to scroll" button to automatically find missing plugins

170
README.md
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@ -1,52 +1,132 @@
# Plugin Reference Cleaner
Author: Marcus Quinn
Author URI: https://www.wpallstars.com
Version: 1.3.3
License: GPL-2.0+
# Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices
[![WordPress Plugin Version](https://img.shields.io/wordpress/plugin/v/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/)
[![WordPress Plugin Rating](https://img.shields.io/wordpress/plugin/rating/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/)
[![WordPress Plugin Downloads](https://img.shields.io/wordpress/plugin/dt/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices/)
[![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-GPL--2.0%2B-blue.svg)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html)
Easily remove references to deleted plugins that cause "Plugin file does not exist" errors in your WordPress admin.
## Description
Have you ever deleted a plugin some other way than through the /wp-admin/plugins.php page? If so, you've probably been stuck with this annoying notification that can't be cleared:
Have you ever deleted a plugin directly from the server or database and then been stuck with annoying error notifications that can't be cleared?
"The plugin folder-name/file-name.php has been deactivated due to an error: Plugin file does not exist."
This small WordPress utility plugin adds a "Remove Reference" button to these plugin deactivation error notices, allowing you to clean up the invalid plugin entries in the database.
This small utility plugin adds missing plugins to your WordPress plugins list and provides a "Remove Reference" link, allowing you to safely clean up invalid plugin entries with one click.
When WordPress detects a plugin file that no longer exists but is still referenced in the database as active, it displays an error notice. This plugin enhances those notices with a button that allows you to safely remove the invalid reference with a single click.
### Key Features
You can find these with `SELECT * FROM wp_options WHERE option_name = 'active_plugins';` — but the cleanup involves removing the rogue entry, and renumbering all others. This plugin can simply do that for you at the click of a button added to that WP standard notification.
* Adds missing plugins directly to your plugins list
* Provides a simple "Remove Reference" action link
* Works with both single site and multisite WordPress installations
* Includes helpful notifications explaining how to fix plugin errors
* One-click auto-scroll to find missing plugins in large sites
* Clean, user-friendly interface following WordPress design patterns
It's probably something that should be added to WP core. If anyone from the core team wants to adopt this solution, it's GPL, so feel free.
### How It Works
Note: This plugin only needs to be installed and active if you have an error notification showing at /wp-admin/plugins.php, like this:
"The plugin folder-name/file-name.php has been deactivated due to an error: Plugin file does not exist."
When WordPress detects a plugin file that no longer exists but is still referenced in the database as active, it displays an error notice. This plugin:
If you don't have this notification perpetually showing on your /wp-admin/plugins.php page, then you don't need this, but you might like to save or bookmark it for if ever you do.
1. Detects all missing plugin references in your database
2. Adds them to your plugins list with "(File Missing)" indicators
3. Provides a "Remove Reference" link to safely remove them
4. Shows clear notifications guiding you through the cleanup process
## Features
### Use Cases
* Adds a "Remove Reference" button to plugin error notices
* Works for both single site and multisite WordPress installations
* Confirms before removing any plugin references
* Simple, lightweight solution with no settings page required
* Secure implementation with proper permissions checking
* Compatible with WordPress 5.0+
* You've accidentally deleted a plugin via FTP
* A plugin was removed by another admin but references remain
* You've migrated from another site and have leftover plugin references
* Your hosting provider removed a plugin but didn't clean the database
## Installation
1. Upload the plugin-reference-cleaner.php file to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
3. No configuration needed - the plugin works automatically
### From WordPress.org:
1. Visit Plugins > Add New in your WordPress admin
2. Search for "Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices"
3. Click "Install Now" and then "Activate"
### Manual Installation:
1. Download the plugin ZIP file
2. Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
3. Upload the ZIP file
4. Activate the plugin
## Usage
1. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
2. If any "Plugin file does not exist" error notices appear, a "Remove Reference" button will be displayed
3. Click the button and confirm to remove the invalid plugin reference
4. The page will refresh with the error notice removed
1. After activation, navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
2. If you have missing plugin errors, you'll see them in your plugins list with "(File Missing)" markers
3. Click the "Remove Reference" link next to any missing plugin
4. The reference will be removed, and the error notification will disappear
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Is it safe to remove plugin references?
Yes, this plugin only removes entries from the WordPress active_plugins option, which is safe to modify when a plugin no longer exists. It doesn't modify any other database tables or settings.
### What happens after I remove a reference?
The plugin entry will be removed from your active plugins list, and the corresponding error notification will no longer appear after you refresh the page.
### Can I use this plugin on a multisite installation?
Yes, the plugin works on both single sites and multisite installations. It properly handles network-activated plugins as well.
### How do I know which plugin references should be removed?
The plugin will only show "Remove Reference" links for plugins that are listed in your database but don't actually exist in your plugins directory. These are safe to remove.
### Will this break my site?
No. Since the plugin is only removing references to plugins that no longer exist, removing these references won't affect your site's functionality. In fact, it's cleaning up remnants that might be causing issues.
### What if I accidentally remove a reference I shouldn't have?
If you remove a reference to a plugin that you later want to reinstall, simply install the plugin again and activate it normally.
### Do I need to keep this plugin installed and active after notices are cleared?
Although this plugin consumes minimal disk space, and doesn't run unless you are on the /wp-admin/plugins.php page, you don't need to keep it active or installed if you don't have this notice to clear — but it is safe to, if you just want it as a part of your overall WordPress stack of enhancements and conveniences.
## Screenshots
1. Error message with explanation notification
2. Missing plugin shown in the plugins list with "Remove Reference" link
3. Auto-scroll feature that highlights the missing plugin
## Developers
### Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch: `git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`
3. Commit your changes: `git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature'`
4. Push to the branch: `git push origin feature/amazing-feature`
5. Submit a pull request
### Technical Details
The plugin works by:
1. Filtering the `all_plugins` array to add missing plugins
2. Adding a custom "Remove Reference" action link via `plugin_action_links`
3. Adding helpful notifications near error messages
4. Providing a secure method to remove plugin references from the database
## Changelog
### 1.4.1
- Added FAQ about keeping the plugin installed after notices are cleared
### 1.4.0
- Updated plugin name and text domain
- Repository rename from plugin-reference-cleaner to fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
### 1.3.3
* Improved notification placement next to WordPress error messages
* Added "Click here to scroll" button that automatically locates missing plugins
@ -70,40 +150,12 @@ If you don't have this notification perpetually showing on your /wp-admin/plugin
* Added "Remove Reference" action link in the plugins list
* Significantly improved reliability across all WordPress configurations
### 1.2.4
* Fixed compatibility with more WordPress admin themes
* Added advanced DOM traversal to find error messages
* Implemented fallback mechanisms to ensure button appears
* Added detailed console logging for troubleshooting
[View full changelog](CHANGELOG.md)
### 1.2.3
* Fixed button not appearing in some WordPress admin themes
* Improved error message detection for greater compatibility
* Enhanced DOM traversal to find notification elements
## License
### 1.2.2
* Fixed timeout issue during plugin activation
* Improved hook management to prevent potential infinite recursion
* Optimized performance by only loading on plugins page
### 1.2.1
* Fixed typos in documentation
* Improved text clarity
* Added question mark to first sentence for better readability
### 1.2
* Improved documentation with detailed explanation
* Added SQL reference for technical users
* Suggested potential inclusion in WordPress core
### 1.1
* Improved error handling
* Added support for multisite installations
* Enhanced security with proper capability checks
### 1.0
* Initial release
This project is licensed under the GPL-2.0+ License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
## Support
For support, please visit https://wpallstars.com
For support, please visit [WP All Stars](https://www.wpallstars.com).

53
assets/README.md Normal file
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@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
# Plugin Assets for WordPress.org
This directory contains assets for the WordPress.org plugin repository.
## Directory Structure
- `banner/` - Banner images for the plugin page header
- `banner-772x250.jpg` - Standard banner (772x250px)
- `banner-1544x500.jpg` - Retina banner (1544x500px)
- `icon/` - Plugin icon images
- `icon-128x128.jpg` - Standard icon (128x128px)
- `icon-256x256.jpg` - Retina icon (256x256px)
- `screenshots/` - Screenshots shown on the plugin page
- `screenshot-1.jpg` - Error message with explanation notification
- `screenshot-2.jpg` - Missing plugin shown in the plugins list with "Remove Reference" link
- `screenshot-3.jpg` - Auto-scroll feature that highlights the missing plugin
## WordPress.org Requirements
### Required Image Dimensions
- **Banner**: 772x250px with 2x retina version at 1544x500px
- **Icon**: 128x128px with 2x retina version at 256x256px
- **Screenshots**: No specific size requirements, but they should be clear and readable
### Image Formats
- All images should be in JPG or PNG format
- Images should be optimized for web (compressed without losing quality)
### Additional Notes
- Screenshots should be numbered sequentially starting with 1
- They should match the descriptions in the `readme.txt` file
- Dark theme versions of banners and icons can be provided by appending `-rtl` to the filename
## Example Filenames
```
assets/
├── banner/
│ ├── banner-772x250.jpg
│ └── banner-1544x500.jpg
├── icon/
│ ├── icon-128x128.jpg
│ └── icon-256x256.jpg
└── screenshots/
├── screenshot-1.jpg
├── screenshot-2.jpg
└── screenshot-3.jpg
```

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@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ if [ -z "$1" ]; then
fi
VERSION=$1
PLUGIN_SLUG="plugin-reference-cleaner"
PLUGIN_SLUG="fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices"
BUILD_DIR="build/$PLUGIN_SLUG"
ZIP_FILE="${PLUGIN_SLUG}-${VERSION}.zip"
@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ mkdir -p $BUILD_DIR
# Copy required files
echo "Copying plugin files..."
cp plugin-reference-cleaner.php $BUILD_DIR/
cp fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices.php $BUILD_DIR/
cp readme.txt $BUILD_DIR/
cp LICENSE $BUILD_DIR/
cp README.md $BUILD_DIR/

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@ -1,11 +1,37 @@
<?php
/*
* Plugin Name: Plugin Reference Cleaner
* Description: Adds a "Remove Reference" button to plugin deactivation error notices, allowing users to clean up invalid plugin entries.
* Version: 1.3.3
/**
* Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices
*
* @package FixPluginDoesNotExistNotices
* @author Marcus Quinn
* @copyright 2023 WP All Stars
* @license GPL-2.0+
*
* @wordpress-plugin
* Plugin Name: Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices
* Description: Adds missing plugins to the plugins list with a "Remove Reference" link so you can permanently clean up invalid plugin entries and remove error notices.
* Version: 1.4.2
* Author: Marcus Quinn
* Author URI: https://www.wpallstars.com
* License: GPL-2.0+
* License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
* Text Domain: fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
* Domain Path: /languages
* Requires at least: 5.0
* Requires PHP: 7.0
*
* This plugin is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
* it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
* the Free Software Foundation, either version 2 of the License, or
* any later version.
*
* This plugin is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
* but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
* MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
* GNU General Public License for more details.
*
* You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
* along with this plugin. If not, see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html.
*/
// Exit if accessed directly
@ -13,7 +39,7 @@ if (!defined('ABSPATH')) {
exit;
}
class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
class Fix_Plugin_Does_Not_Exist_Notices {
public function __construct() {
// Add our plugin to the plugins list
add_filter('all_plugins', array($this, 'add_missing_plugins_references'));
@ -46,7 +72,7 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
$plugin_name = basename($plugin_path);
$plugins[$plugin_path] = array(
'Name' => $plugin_name . ' <span class="error">(File Missing)</span>',
'Description' => 'This plugin file does not exist. You can safely remove this reference.',
'Description' => 'This plugin is still marked as "Active" in your database — but its folder and files can\'t be found in /wp-content/plugins/. Click "Remove Reference" to permanently remove it from your active plugins list and eliminate the error notice.',
'Version' => 'N/A',
'Author' => '',
'PluginURI' => '',
@ -77,7 +103,7 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
// Add our action
$nonce = wp_create_nonce('remove_plugin_reference_' . $plugin_file);
$remove_url = admin_url('plugins.php?action=remove_reference&plugin=' . urlencode($plugin_file) . '&_wpnonce=' . $nonce);
$actions['remove_reference'] = '<a href="' . esc_url($remove_url) . '" class="delete" aria-label="' . esc_attr__('Remove Reference', 'plugin-reference-cleaner') . '">Remove Reference</a>';
$actions['remove_reference'] = '<a href="' . esc_url($remove_url) . '" class="delete" aria-label="' . esc_attr__('Remove Reference', 'fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices') . '">Remove Reference</a>';
}
return $actions;
@ -94,7 +120,7 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
// Verify permissions
if (!current_user_can('activate_plugins')) {
wp_die(__('You do not have sufficient permissions to perform this action.', 'plugin-reference-cleaner'));
wp_die(__('You do not have sufficient permissions to perform this action.', 'fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices'));
}
// Get the plugin file
@ -205,7 +231,7 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
ourNotice.className = 'prc-notice';
// Add content
ourNotice.innerHTML = '<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#826200;">👉 Plugin Reference Cleaner Can Fix This</h3>' +
ourNotice.innerHTML = '<h3 style="margin-top:0;color:#826200;">👉 Fix Plugin Does Not Exist Notices Can Fix This</h3>' +
'<p>To remove the above error notification, scroll down to find the plugin marked with "<strong style="color:red">(File Missing)</strong>" and click its "<strong>Remove Reference</strong>" link.</p>' +
'<p>This will permanently remove the missing plugin reference from your database.</p>' +
'<p><a href="#" id="prc-scroll-to-plugin" style="font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;color:#826200;">Click here to scroll to the missing plugin</a></p>';
@ -262,7 +288,7 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
// Also display our standard info notice with more details
echo '<div class="notice notice-info is-dismissible">';
echo '<h3>Plugin Reference Cleaner</h3>';
echo '<h3>Fix Plugin Does Not Exist Notices</h3>';
echo '<p><strong>Missing plugin files detected:</strong> The plugins listed below with <span style="color:red;">(File Missing)</span> tag no longer exist but are still referenced in your database.</p>';
echo '<p><strong>How to fix:</strong> Click the "Remove Reference" link next to each missing plugin to safely remove it from your active plugins list.</p>';
echo '<p>This will clean up your database and remove the error notifications.</p>';
@ -314,4 +340,4 @@ class Plugin_Reference_Cleaner {
}
// Initialize the plugin
new Plugin_Reference_Cleaner();
new Fix_Plugin_Does_Not_Exist_Notices();

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@ -1,52 +1,101 @@
=== Plugin Reference Cleaner ===
Author: Marcus Quinn
Author URI: https://www.wpallstars.com
Version: 1.3.3
=== Fix 'Plugin file does not exist.' Notices ===
Contributors: marcusquinn
Donate link: https://www.wpallstars.com
Tags: plugins, missing plugins, cleanup, error fix, admin tools, plugin file does not exist
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.4
Requires PHP: 7.0
Stable tag: 1.4.1
License: GPL-2.0+
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Easily remove references to deleted plugins that cause "Plugin file does not exist" errors in your WordPress admin.
== Description ==
Have you ever deleted a plugin some other way than through the /wp-admin/plugins.php page? If so, you've probably been stuck with this annoying notification that can't be cleared:
Have you ever deleted a plugin directly from the server or database and then been stuck with annoying error notifications that can't be cleared?
"The plugin folder-name/file-name.php has been deactivated due to an error: Plugin file does not exist."
This small WordPress utility plugin adds a "Remove Reference" button to these plugin deactivation error notices, allowing you to clean up the invalid plugin entries in the database.
This small utility plugin adds missing plugins to your WordPress plugins list and provides a "Remove Reference" link, allowing you to safely clean up invalid plugin entries with one click.
When WordPress detects a plugin file that no longer exists but is still referenced in the database as active, it displays an error notice. This plugin enhances those notices with a button that allows you to safely remove the invalid reference with a single click.
= Key Features =
You can find these with `SELECT * FROM wp_options WHERE option_name = 'active_plugins';` — but the cleanup involves removing the rogue entry, and renumbering all others. This plugin can simply do that for you at the click of a button added to that WP standard notification.
* Adds missing plugins directly to your plugins list
* Provides a simple "Remove Reference" action link
* Works with both single site and multisite WordPress installations
* Includes helpful notifications explaining how to fix plugin errors
* One-click auto-scroll to find missing plugins in large sites
* Clean, user-friendly interface following WordPress design patterns
It's probably something that should be added to WP core. If anyone from the core team wants to adopt this solution, it's GPL, so feel free.
= How It Works =
Note: This plugin only needs to be installed and active if you have an error notification showing at /wp-admin/plugins.php, like this:
"The plugin folder-name/file-name.php has been deactivated due to an error: Plugin file does not exist."
When WordPress detects a plugin file that no longer exists but is still referenced in the database as active, it displays an error notice. This plugin:
If you don't have this notification perpetually showing on your /wp-admin/plugins.php page, then you don't need this, but you might like to save or bookmark it for if ever you do.
1. Detects all missing plugin references in your database
2. Adds them to your plugins list with "(File Missing)" indicators
3. Provides a "Remove Reference" link to safely remove them
4. Shows clear notifications guiding you through the cleanup process
== Features ==
= Use Cases =
* Adds a "Remove Reference" button to plugin error notices
* Works for both single site and multisite WordPress installations
* Confirms before removing any plugin references
* Simple, lightweight solution with no settings page required
* Secure implementation with proper permissions checking
* Compatible with WordPress 5.0+
* You've accidentally deleted a plugin via FTP
* A plugin was removed by another admin but references remain
* You've migrated from another site and have leftover plugin references
* Your hosting provider removed a plugin but didn't clean the database
== Installation ==
1. Upload the plugin-reference-cleaner.php file to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory
1. Upload the `fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
3. No configuration needed - the plugin works automatically
4. If you have missing plugin errors, you'll immediately see them in your plugins list with "Remove Reference" links
== Usage ==
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
1. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
2. If any "Plugin file does not exist" error notices appear, a "Remove Reference" button will be displayed
3. Click the button and confirm to remove the invalid plugin reference
4. The page will refresh with the error notice removed
= Is it safe to remove plugin references? =
Yes, this plugin only removes entries from the WordPress active_plugins option, which is safe to modify when a plugin no longer exists. It doesn't modify any other database tables or settings.
= What happens after I remove a reference? =
The plugin entry will be removed from your active plugins list, and the corresponding error notification will no longer appear after you refresh the page.
= Can I use this plugin on a multisite installation? =
Yes, the plugin works on both single sites and multisite installations. It properly handles network-activated plugins as well.
= How do I know which plugin references should be removed? =
The plugin will only show "Remove Reference" links for plugins that are listed in your database but don't actually exist in your plugins directory. These are safe to remove.
= Will this break my site? =
No. Since the plugin is only removing references to plugins that no longer exist, removing these references won't affect your site's functionality. In fact, it's cleaning up remnants that might be causing issues.
= What if I accidentally remove a reference I shouldn't have? =
If you remove a reference to a plugin that you later want to reinstall, simply install the plugin again and activate it normally.
= Do I need to keep this plugin installed and active after notices are cleared? =
Although this plugin consumes minimal disk space, and doesn't run unless you are on the /wp-admin/plugins.php page, you don't need to keep it active or installed if you don't have this notice to clear — but it is safe to, if you just want it as a part of your overall WordPress stack of enhancements and conveniences.
== Screenshots ==
1. Error message with explanation notification
2. Missing plugin shown in the plugins list with "Remove Reference" link
3. Auto-scroll feature that highlights the missing plugin
== Changelog ==
= 1.4.1 =
* Added FAQ about keeping the plugin installed after notices are cleared
= 1.4.0 =
* Updated plugin name and text domain
* Repository rename from plugin-reference-cleaner to fix-plugin-does-not-exist-notices
= 1.3.3 =
* Improved notification placement next to WordPress error messages
* Added "Click here to scroll" button that automatically locates missing plugins
@ -104,6 +153,17 @@ If you don't have this notification perpetually showing on your /wp-admin/plugin
= 1.0 =
* Initial release
== Upgrade Notice ==
= 1.3.3 =
Major usability improvement with auto-scroll feature to help find missing plugins in your list!
= 1.3.0 =
Completely redesigned for better compatibility with all WordPress themes - now works with any WordPress installation!
= 1.2.2 =
Important stability fix - resolves timeout issues during plugin activation!
== Support ==
For support, please visit https://wpallstars.com