Maybe the image uploader has exceeded the amount of memory (RAM) your web host has provided. Who is your host?
If you’re seeing this error either suddenly (no specific task was done to cause the error) or frequently, try deactivating all plugins to rule-out a plugin-specific issue and try switching themes to rule-out a theme-specific issue.
Otherwise, here are four ways to increase PHP’s memory allocation:
1. If you’re using WordPress 2.9.2 or lower, try adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to your wp-config.php file. If you’re using WordPress 3.0 or higher, WordPress automatically does this for a variety of tasks, so there’s really no reason to try it in this case.
2. If you can edit or override the system php.ini file, increase the memory limit. For example, memory_limit = 256M
3. If you cannot edit or override the system php.ini file, add php_value memory_limit 256M to your .htaccess file.
4. If neither of these work, it’s time to ask your hosting provider to temporarily increase PHP’s memory allocation on your account. Keep in mind that most decent hosting providers allocate 32 MB to PHP under each account, and most decent hosting providers allow users to temporarily increase the memory allocation. If your hosting provider won’t accommodate you, perhaps it’s time to find a new hosting provider.
Hey, I appreciate the feedback, but you are communicating with a very-non-geek here.
I have very little idea what you wrote, much less how to do any of it.
Could you explain this a little more in non-geek and walk me through what you are asking me to do.
Also, am I understanding you correctly? I thought that the WordPress media library was where the media was stored. Is it really the “host” (in this case HostGator) that has the memory?
If that is true, do I need to contact HostGator about this issue?
This error occurs every time after attempting to upload anything to the library. The upload completes and the error message comes up.
If I “try switching themes to rule-out a theme-specific issue”, will I loose all of the work I have invested in this already? I am using Socrates for all of this.
Is there only 32mb of memory for a media library or is that for each upload? I thought the library would hold thousands of media (pictures, videos, audios, and data).
Thanks again for the help.
Could you explain this a little more in non-geek and walk me through what you are asking me to do.
Sorry, I really can’t make it clearer than that. Adjusting the memory allocation is a very technical process. Maybe ask your hosting provider for help?
Also, am I understanding you correctly? I thought that the WordPress media library was where the media was stored. Is it really the “host” (in this case HostGator) that has the memory? . . . Is there only 32mb of memory for a media library or is that for each upload? I thought the library would hold thousands of media (pictures, videos, audios, and data).
Your hosting account probably has a few gigs of space, which should hold a couple thousand images, but most hosting providers limit each account to 32MB of memory (RAM). It’s the same as the difference between hard drive space and memory on your home computer. In this case, your account is running out of memory while processing the upload, just like your computer would run out of memory if you ran too many applications simultaneously.
If I “try switching themes to rule-out a theme-specific issue”, will I loose all of the work I have invested in this already?
No, your current theme will be just fine. You’re just temporarily activating a different one.
