This site utilizes JavaScript to function correctly. Looks like it's disabled on your browser. Please enable it for your best experience.

For instructions on enabling JavaScript, click here

Skip to main content

Just Host Web Hosting Help

Core Files Warning In WordPress Tools

Overview

This article will explain why you see the message:

Your core files have been modified.

What are Core Files?

Core files are the files that make up the WordPress platform. Core files are created by the WordPress developers and are required for WordPress to run. This does not include Themes or Plugins which may be added on to your site.

Why You See This Message

The message will appear when the core files for your WordPress site differ in any way from the core files that come with WordPress normally. Even slight changes like an extra blank line will cause this error. It doesn't matter if the functionality of the file changes. The core files in WordPress can be modified for many reasons.

You may see this message because:

  • You or a developer have customized the core files of WordPress so that they differ from the default core files.
  • A plugin or theme has changed the core files of WordPress.
  • Malware has infected your site and changed the core files.

If you haven't installed any plugins or themes recently, and haven't modified the core files yourself it is possible the site may be infected with malware. Keep in mind seeing this message is not proof of Malware in your site.

If You Think Your Site Is Infected

When you see this message, you will be given the option to click the update button. If you click the update button it will replace the core files with the latest version of the files from WordPress. This will undo any changes made by malware the core files. Don't do this if you have made your own customizations to the file as this will undo those changes as well.

Knowledgebase Article 188,368 views bookmark tags: malware wordpress wordpresstools


Was this resource helpful?

Did this resolve your issue?


Please add any other comments or suggestions about this content:





Recommended Help Content

This article will explain how to change the Site URL or Home URL setting in WordPress. This may be useful if you have moved your WordPress site or are planning to move your WordPress site.
Knowledgebase Article 262,228 views tags: home site url wordpress wordpresstools

This article will explain how to login to a WordPress site using WordPress tools.
Knowledgebase Article 194,428 views tags: login wordpress wordpresstools

How to update your WordPress site, using the WordPress tools
Knowledgebase Article 112,790 views tags: upgrade wordpresstools

Related Help Content

This article will explain how to login to a website created with WordPress.
Knowledgebase Article 616,080 views tags: access admin change dashboard edit login site wordpress

How to change the name of your WordPress site without WP Tools
Knowledgebase Article 220,917 views tags: change domain update wordpress

This article will explain how to use WordPress Tools to backup or restore your WordPress site
Knowledgebase Article 184,231 views tags: backup restore wordpresstools

There are multiple different ways you can install a theme you have purchased for your WordPress site. This article will explain our two recommended methods for installation.
Knowledgebase Article 97,961 views tags: auto automatic certified download install manual premium themes update upload wordpress

How to remove the "This site may harm your computer" warning in Google search results.
Knowledgebase Article 352,461 views tags: block blocking google malware

What you need to know about the WordPress 5.0 update
Knowledgebase Article 86,817 views tags: classic editor gutenberg release rollout tinymce update wordpress

Our updated 'Rock' user interface offers a fresh new look, along with several useful tools and helpful features. One such feature is the My Sites tab, where you can easily manage your websites.

We are offering free website migrations for qualifying WordPress websites within the first 30 days after signup. The offer includes the transfer of one WordPress website and the ability to review the site before it goes live.
Knowledgebase Article 64,722 views tags: detail migrate migration offer site website wordpress wp

** Google ad credits are only available to customers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom at this time.

¹ VAT (Value Added Tax) is not included in our advertised price and will be charged separately and itemized on invoices and billing information. Standard VAT rates based on EU Member State regulations may apply. Learn more.