SugarCRM Troubleshooting Simplified - Part II

Expanding on my previous post covering some troubleshooting tips for SugarCRM, this article will focus on potential configuration hazards.

A number of problems relating to SugarCRM can be directly attributed to improper PHP configurations. These problems tend to manifest themselves in a variety of ways, but a few common scenarios include:

• Blank page when using Module Loader, Upgrade Wizard or Installer
• Blank page after System Check or after accepting license at install time
• Inability to upload files, i.e. Notes attachments, module or patch install packages, etc.

If you are experiencing any of the above described problems, you should first confirm that you are using a version of PHP that is supported for use with your version of SugarCRM.

Perhaps the most helpful tool for not only obtaining the version number of your PHP install, but other information as well, is to use the built-in phpinf0() function.

In order to use it, create a PHP file with the following text in it:

phpinfo();

Place the file in the root directory of your SugarCRM install and then view it in your browser. The output will display the configuration settings of your PHP installation.

A page detailing your PHP version number and configuration settings will be generated when you view the PHP file in your browser. If it does not, the likely source of the problem is that PHP is not enabled for your site or directory, which likely also explains why your SugarCRM system may not be functioning.

Once you have the version number for PHP, you can verify it is a supported one by matching it up against the official SugarCRM supported platforms matrix. Make sure that you match it up against the matrix that corresponds with your version of SugarCRM as different versions have differing requirements.

Other important PHP settings relating to SugarCRM include:

(Recommended settings specified in parantheses)

• memory_limit (64M)
• session.save_path
• upload_max_filesize (30M)

Remember, if you make a change to your PHP.INI to adjust any of these or other settings, you must restart your web service in order to apply the changes.