Have you tried:
– deactivating all plugins to see if this resolves the problem. If this works, re-activate the plugins one by one until you find the problematic plugin(s).
– switching to the default theme to rule out any theme-specific problems.
– resetting the plugins folder by FTP or PhpMyAdmin. Sometimes, an apparently inactive plugin can still cause problems.
Why are you using an old copy of WordPress? Were you aware that your site is currently running a very real risk of being hacked? You need to upgrade WordPress asap. As you have such an old version of WordPress, you will need to carry out a series of smaller manual upgrades. See Upgrading_WordPress_Extended for the full details.
Thread Starter
j9coll
(@j9coll)
Hi. I’ve tried the plugin deactivation (manually and using File Manager) but the ads still appeared on the home page.
I tried a default theme but then couldn’t see the ads (or menus) at all.
Since I first logged the question, the seller has finally replied to me and suggested:
‘You can check in the hooks may be there is a plugin simple hook using which we have put or on the header.’ I think he is reliant on other team members to tell him how it was done and I’ve now changed my password so they can’t access the admin panel. I’m reluctant to change it back again.
I don’t know anything about hooks. Is that a clue that might allow you to help me? Thanks again.
Thread Starter
j9coll
(@j9coll)
Just realised that you wouldn’t have got my earlier reply:
Thanks so much for the quick response. I only bought the site last week and it came in the state it is in. I’m reviewing it and getting my head around it before I start changing anything but WP upgrade is on the top of the list. It also seems to have a lot of redundant stuff that needs culling. I’m looking forward to a tidier, more robust site. However, first priority is to stop it making money for the previous owner! I’ll look into your suggestions thanks.
j9coll
Without access to the actual theme, there’s no way anybody could help you about where to find the code for the ads.
If it is not the plugin, you need to check into your theme files manually. Most commonly the functions.php and single.php files. But the ad code can be anywhere and can easily be called through shortcodes. So you really need to dig deeper if you can’t find them in the files that i noted.
Thread Starter
j9coll
(@j9coll)
Thanks. I’ve already checked Ad Management in the Theme Options. I’ll check the files you suggest and then I might have to open it back up to the seller again.
