Trying to make a local copy of an existing wordpress site

Question

I'm using WAMP to try and make a local copy of a rather large wordpress site. After some struggle with the database i moved all the files from the ftp: to my www/ wamp folder.

Now when i try to open the pages i get:

localhost is currently unable to handle this request. HTTP ERROR 500

BUT i can open my localhost/wp-admin and see my wordpress dashboard.

Answer 1

Generally, it can happen for many reasons but you can debug it step by step!

1. Check .htaccess file.

Delete this file or replace it with a fresh one! Some plugins like wp-cache alters .htaccess file to achieve its purpose. So updating this file may solve your problem.

2. Update Permalinks to default from WordPress settings.

3. Replace all WordPress files with fresh WordPress files except wp-content folder. you need to update database again.

4. Set another theme and check if works and again set your default theme. Sometimes theme also causes this error!