[Fixed] 1and1-wordpress-assistant Uncaught ValueError: Missing format specifier

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Uncaught ValueError: Missing format specifier: Understanding the Error

Before delving into the solution, it’s essential to comprehend the nature of the error. The “1and1-wordpress-assistant Uncaught ValueError” typically arises in WordPress environments hosted on 1&1 hosting platforms. It indicates a problem in the WordPress Assistant plugin, where a specific format specifier in the code is either missing or incorrectly implemented. This issue can lead to a range of malfunctions, from minor inconveniences to significant website downtime.

Troubleshooting Steps

Initial Diagnosis: Check your website’s error logs. This step is crucial for confirming that the “Missing format specifier” is the root cause of your website’s issues.
Plugin Conflict Check: Deactivate all plugins except the 1and1 WordPress Assistant. If the error disappears, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the conflicting plugin.
Theme Compatibility: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to rule out theme-related issues.
Updating WordPress and Plugins: Ensure that both your WordPress installation and all plugins, especially the 1and1 WordPress Assistant, are up to date.
Code Inspection: For advanced users, inspect the code of the 1and1 WordPress Assistant plugin. Look for any formatting issues or missing specifiers in the PHP files, particularly where variables are passed into functions.
Contact 1&1 Support: If the problem persists, contacting 1&1 support can provide more personalized assistance.

Preventive Measures

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To avoid similar errors in the future, consider implementing the following practices:

Regularly update WordPress and all plugins.
Use a staging environment for testing updates before applying them to your live site.
Implement regular backups.
Consider using a child theme to prevent updates from overriding custom code.

When trying to access my dashboard or plug-ins page, I had this simple error message :

(FR original) Une erreur critique est survenue sur ce site. Veuillez consulter la boite de réception de l’e-mail d’administration de votre site pour plus d’informations.

(EN translation) A critical error has occurred on this site. Please check your site’s admin email inbox for more information.

I activated wordpress debug and found this in my logs :

PHP Fatal error: Uncaught ValueError: Missing format specifier at end of string in /homepages/37/d740822920/htdocs/clickandbuilds/AbbayedeCornilly/wp-content/plugins/1and1-wordpress-assistant/inc/views/dashboard/branded-wp-column.php:6

Which led me to this code in the 1and1 (ionos) plugin :

<?php
    $main_color = One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'color1', 'branding' );
    $logo_src = One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'logo_default', 'branding' );
    $logo_alt = sprintf(
        __( 'by %' ),
        One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'name', 'branding' )
    );
?>

It was discreet, but there is a missing “s” after “by %” in the sprintf function

Here is the fixed code :

<?php
    $main_color = One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'color1', 'branding' );
    $logo_src = One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'logo_default', 'branding' );
    $logo_alt = sprintf(
        __( 'by %s' ),
        One_And_One_Assistant_Config::get( 'name', 'branding' )
    );
?>

And it fixed the problem.
I found a similar topic on this forum, but with a more brutal fix : disabling the plugin. I thought I would share this solution as well.
If anyone has a way of contacting the devs of this plugin, feel free to share them this issue, or send me their coordinates in private.