How to Fix PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) Error

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You might encounter the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) while updating the plugin/theme on your WordPress site.

Common Causes of PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) Error

Both known issues can cause the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error.

  1. The issue with Zip you are Uploading
  2. Memory Shortage on the Web Server

The most common causes of this error are a corrupted zip file or an invalid format. It’s possible that the plugin zip file got corrupted when it was downloaded or that you tried to upload a file that was not in the correct format. Other reasons include insufficient memory limits, corrupt files, incompatible themes or plugins, and other website-related issues.

To fix this issue, you will need to take a few steps, which we will discuss in the following sections.

1. An issue with the plugin Zip File Fix:

  • Download the file again
  • Download the file from the trusted source
  • Refresh the page before uploading
  • Purge the URL cache

Hopefully, you’ll be able to install the theme or plugin without seeing this issue. If this does not work, the issue is not with the file but with the available space.

2. Memory Shortage on your Web Server Fix:

You have to contact your hosting provider to increase your space. If you are on Cloud storage, then it will be quick.

How to Fix PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) Error

If your website is showing the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error message, you can try a few solutions to fix the issue. Before trying any solutions, it’s recommended to back up your website if something goes wrong. Once the backup is ready, you can try the following solutions to fix the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error.

Solution 1: Get a Fresh Copy of the File

If the plugin zip file has become corrupted or damaged, then the only way to fix the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error is to get a fresh copy of the file. To do this, download it again and try to re-upload it. It’s possible that the plugin zip file became corrupted when downloaded, so download it from a reliable source. Additionally, you can convert your theme into a .zip file and upload it to your website; right-click on your theme’s folder, select ‘Send To,’ and then select ‘Compressed (zipped) Folder.’ Once you have the new .zip file, you can upload it to your website.

Solution 2: Increase the Memory Limit

If a lack of memory causes the issue, the solution is to increase the PHP memory limit on the plugin. The first step is to try and increase the memory allocated to WordPress by editing your wp-config.php file. You can also contact your hosting provider to increase the memory limit. If you don’t have access to the file or if it doesn’t solve the issue, another option is to try and increase the PHP memory limit within your hosting control panel.

Solution 3: Check for Corrupt Files

The next step to resolving the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error is to check for corrupt files. Sometimes, the zip file may have become corrupted when downloaded, which can cause the error message to appear. You can use an online tool or a file repair program to check for corrupt files. Once you’ve identified any corrupt files, you can delete them and try downloading the zip file again.

Solution 4: Disable Plugins & Themes

Another possible solution for fixing the PCLZIP_ERR_BAD_FORMAT (-10) error is to disable your plugins and themes. This can be done by going to the WordPress admin dashboard and navigating to Plugins > Installed Plugins. From here, you can deactivate all plugins and themes one by one. After making this change, try installing the plugin or theme again. If the error persists, then there may be another underlying issue causing the error.

 

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