Two days ago, I (along with some visitors) encountered an error on the comments section of this blog. The error appeared this way:

WordPress database error: [Can't open file: 'wp_comments.MYI' (errno: 144)]
SELECT * FROM wp_comments WHERE comment_post_ID = '331' AND comment_approved = '1' ORDER BY comment_date

And because I’m actually very ignorant when it comes to WordPress codes and databases, I sort of panicked and started re-uploading some files. Then I stopped trying before I’ll completely ruined my blog and went to bed. Fortunately, Lisa, THE ULTIMATE WORDPRESS GURU, was kind enough to lend me a hand. She helped me fix my database (well, actually I did nothing except give her an access to my cpanel, lol) and ta-dah! She got it fixed!

I don’t know how she did it exactly, but she successfully repaired the comments table in my database. Apparently, she already discussed this database problem before on her blog. She enumerated recommendations for WordPress users to avoid this kind of problem:

  • Use Akismet for spam protection. Use it in conjunction with other spam protection plugins if you don’t feel like putting all your comment spam fighting eggs in one basket. Akismet has proven to be a phenomenal tool at killing spam….dead
  • Manage your spam. If you’re not using Akismet (Akismet automatically deletes spam comments every 15 days) – then make sure you’re not ignoring those comment/trackback spams that are sitting in your moderation queue or whatever queue you may be using for comment spam control. Don’t let them build up and fester in your database. Make it a habit to get rid of them on a regular basis to avoid database bloat
  • Make it regular habit to make a backup of your WordPress database. Doing this couldn’t be easier – especially if you use The WordPress Database Backup Plugin – - for which you can find the support forums for right here. If you have CPanel, or whatever website admin. tool your web host gives you, you can create database, and full account, backups there. You can also create a backup if your web host gives you access to phpMyAdmin – - some good instructions on how to do that can be found in the WordPress Codex.

The problem that occured is a bit strange because I have Akismet installed on my blog and I don’t have comments awaiting moderation (I think). But there’s definitely something that I failed to do, I just don’t know what it is. Haha.

Click to read more about this Wordpress database error.

So, what are you waiting for? Install Akismet, moderate those comments, and perform a Wordpress database backup today you lazy dog! :p

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