Fix Critical & Fatal Errors in WooCommerce (Dotstore Plugins)

If your website suddenly crashes, shows a white screen, or displays a “Critical Error” message, don’t panic.

This guide will help you safely identify and fix the most common fatal errors related to WooCommerce and Dotstore plugins.

What Is a Fatal or Critical Error?

A fatal error means WordPress stopped running due to a serious PHP issue.

You may see:

• “There has been a critical error on this website.”
• White screen (blank page)
• Admin dashboard inaccessible
• Error message in debug log

• Error like:

  Call to a member function on bool  

  Uncaught Error  

  Allowed memory size exhausted  

  Undefined function  

Step 1: Enable WordPress Debug Mode

This helps identify the real issue.

Open your wp-config.php   file and add:

define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Then reproduce the issue.

Now check:

/wp-content/debug.log  

This file will show which plugin or file is causing the error.

Step 2: Clear WooCommerce Sessions

Many login or cart-related fatal errors happen due to corrupted session data.

Go to: WooCommerce → Status → Tools

Click: Clear customer sessions, then test again.

This often resolves login-related crashes.

Step 3: Check for Deleted or Missing Products

Errors like:

Call to a member function is_shipped_individually() on bool  

Usually means:

• A product was deleted
• But it still exists in the cart/session
• The system expects a product object, but receives false

Solution:

• Restore deleted products
• Clear sessions (see Step 2)

Step 4: Check for Plugin Conflicts

Most fatal errors are caused by conflicts.

Temporarily:

1. Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce
2. Test the issue
3. Reactivate plugins one by one
4. Identify which plugin triggers the crash

If the issue appears when a specific plugin is activated, that plugin is likely causing the conflict.

Step 5: Update Everything

Outdated versions are the #1 cause of fatal errors.

Make sure:

• WordPress is updated
• WooCommerce is updated
• Dotstore plugin is updated
• PHP version is supported (8.0+ recommended)

Check the PHP version from:

Tools → Site Health → Info → Server

Step 6: Increase PHP Memory Limit

If you see:

Allowed memory size exhausted  

Add this in wp-config.php  :

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Or ask your hosting provider to increase memory.

Step 7: Check PHP Version Compatibility

Fatal errors may occur if:

• PHP is too old
• Or too new and incompatible with outdated plugins

Recommended PHP version:

8.0 or higher (check plugin compatibility notes)

Step 8: Disable Custom Code

If you recently added:

• Custom snippets
• Theme modifications
• Custom functions
• Child theme changes

Temporarily remove them and test again.

Custom code often triggers fatal errors.

Plugin Prevents Successful Checkout in WooCommerce

If your checkout stops working when a Dotstore plugin is active, follow this guide to safely identify and resolve the issue.

This issue typically appears as:

• Checkout button does nothing
• “Place Order” spins forever
• Order fails to complete
• AJAX error
• Payment not processed
• Generic checkout error message

If the plugin worked before and suddenly stopped working, the most common reasons are:

1. WooCommerce update
2. WordPress update
3. PHP version change
4. Theme update
5. Plugin conflict
6. Payment gateway update
7. Corrupted session or cache

Most checkout issues are caused by conflicts, not permanent plugin failure.

Most Common Fatal Error Messages Explained

1. Call a Member Function on a Bool

Meaning: The system expected a valid object but received false.

Common causes:

• Deleted products
• Corrupted cart data
• Plugin conflict

Fix:

• Clear sessions
• Check deleted products
• Debug log review

2. Uncaught Error / Undefined Function

Meaning: The plugin function is missing or not loaded properly.

Common causes:

• Incomplete plugin update
• Corrupted files
• Plugin deactivated

Fix:

• Reinstall plugin
• Update plugin
• Check compatibility

3. Allowed Memory Size Exhausted

Meaning: The server ran out of memory.

Fix:

• Increase PHP memory limit
• Optimize plugins
• Upgrade hosting plan if needed

4. There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website

Meaning: Generic WordPress fatal error.

Fix:

• Enable debug mode
• Check debug.log
• Follow the steps above

When to Contact Dotstore Support

If the issue continues, please send:

• Screenshot of the error
• Full error message from debug.log
• WooCommerce version
• Dotstore plugin version
• PHP version
• Steps to reproduce

Send to: hello@thedotstore.com

This helps us resolve your issue faster.

Preventing Fatal Errors in the Future

• Always update WooCommerce before major releases
• Update plugins regularly
• Use compatible PHP versions
• Avoid installing multiple plugins that modify checkout or cart logic
• Test updates on the staging site before production