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How to fix RSS feed error in WordPress

BYLi Du
September 23, 2015

rss feed error 640x320

 

Recently I came across a technical problem in my site powered by WordPress. The problem is that my blog’s http://www.firstsitesolutions.com/rss is not working. It gives this validation error:

XML Parsing Error: xml declaration not at start of external entity
Location: http://www.firstsitesolutions.com/rss
Line Number 2, Column 1: <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

This has happened for no apparent reason I can think of. It just stopped working suddenly one day.

I tried to workaround by deactivating my plugins, but that didn’t work.

When I tried switching themes to default WordPress theme-Twenty Fourteen, the error was gone. Thus, I believed that it had to be something wrong in my customized theme.

After I searched for this problem from Internet, and I found that many people who run a WordPress site have the similar problem.

Finally I found out reason for this problem.

This rss feed error indicates that our rss page includes a blank line in its code before the opening of php marker or after the closing of php marker.

It looks like this:

<! - - blank line - ->;
;
<! - - blank line - ->;

There are two ways that you can fix this error.

Do it manually

You can go through all the cited files and delete every blank line in the code on those pages. However, this method is time consuming. Also, if you neglect to delete one blank line, this will yield no change in the rss failure.

Use a plugin

If your site is powered by WordPress, a plugin named Fix My Feed Repair is the one that comes for the rescue. This plugin is simple and powerful. I installed this plugin and my error of rss failure is gone.

To install this plugin:

  1. Upload the package to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  2. Active the plugin through the Plugin menu in the dashboard of WordPress.

 

Li Du

BY

Building and running First Site Solutions make my dream come true! Over the years of pursuing my dream, I saw the amazing opportunities in online business world, acquired valuable experience and a great wealth of skills and knowledge on building, growing and developing a business online.

I am growing with my company and in the field of my interest. We are turning our website into an online business platform and community where you can start and grow your own business too!

When I endeavored to develop our business with my passion and faith, I wanted to share all I've learned (good and bad) with you, and wish that it can benefit you and your business, help you find what you need to reach your business goals and achieve your successes.

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