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Troubleshooting Data Loss

If you're experiencing data loss or missing data in QA ZERO, this guide will help you identify and resolve common causes.

Types of Data Loss​

Complete Data Loss​

Complete data loss occurs when all historical data disappears from your QA ZERO dashboard.

Possible causes:

  1. Database Reset: Accidental use of the "Reset Data" function
  2. Plugin Reinstallation: Uninstalling and reinstalling the plugin without proper backup
  3. Database Corruption: Server issues affecting the WordPress database

Partial Data Loss​

Partial data loss occurs when some data is missing for specific time periods or pages.

Possible causes:

  1. Tracking Interruption: Temporary issues with the tracking script
  2. Data Processing Errors: Background processing failures
  3. Data Retention Settings: Automatic deletion of older data
  4. Content Filtering: Exclusion rules preventing data collection

Diagnosing Data Loss Issues​

Check Data Collection Status​

  1. Navigate to QA ZERO > Dashboard
  2. Check the dashboard for recent data
  3. If recent data is visible, data collection is currently working

Verify Recent Data​

  1. Navigate to QA ZERO > User
  2. Set the date range to "Today" or "Yesterday"
  3. Check if recent data is being recorded
  4. If recent data exists but historical data is missing, the issue is likely with stored data rather than collection

Check WordPress Database​

  1. Use a database management tool like phpMyAdmin
  2. Check the WordPress database tables related to QA ZERO
  3. Verify that the tables exist and contain data

Database Check

Review WordPress Error Logs​

  1. Check your WordPress error logs
  2. Look for errors related to QA ZERO
  3. Note the timestamps of any relevant errors

Common Causes and Solutions​

Data Retention Settings​

QA ZERO automatically removes old data based on your retention settings:

  1. Navigate to QA ZERO > Settings
  2. Select the Site Management tab
  3. Check the Data Retention Period setting
  4. If set to a short period (e.g., 30 days), older data will be automatically deleted
  5. Adjust the setting to a longer period if needed
  6. Note that changing this setting will not restore already deleted data

Database Issues​

Database corruption can cause data loss:

  1. Use a database management tool like phpMyAdmin
  2. Check the WordPress database tables related to QA ZERO
  3. Repair or optimize the database tables if needed

For severe database issues:

  1. Check your server's error logs for database-related errors
  2. Contact your hosting provider for assistance with database repair
  3. Restore from a backup if available

Tracking Script Issues​

If the tracking script was temporarily disabled or broken:

  1. Navigate to QA ZERO > Tag
  2. Verify that the tracking code is properly installed
  3. If using a caching plugin, clear your cache
  4. Check your site again to see if tracking is working

Plugin Conflicts​

Other plugins may interfere with QA ZERO's data collection or storage:

  1. Temporarily deactivate other plugins one by one
  2. After each deactivation, check if QA ZERO data collection works
  3. If you identify a conflicting plugin, check the Plugin Compatibility section for specific guidance

Server Resource Limitations​

Limited server resources can prevent data processing:

  1. Check your server's PHP memory limit and execution time
  2. Ensure your server meets the minimum requirements (PHP 5.6+, 64MB memory)
  3. If resources are limited, contact your hosting provider about upgrading

Recovering Lost Data​

From Backup​

If you have a backup of your WordPress database:

  1. Restore the database from backup
  2. Verify that QA ZERO tables are included in the backup
  3. Reactivate the plugin if necessary

Using WordPress Database Tools​

If you need to recover data from a corrupted database:

  1. Use a database management tool like phpMyAdmin
  2. Check the WordPress database tables related to QA ZERO
  3. Repair or optimize the database tables if needed
  4. If necessary, consult with a database administrator

Database Tools

From Browser Cache​

In some cases, limited data may still exist in visitors' browsers:

  1. Note that QA ZERO uses localStorage for some temporary data
  2. This data is limited and may not represent a complete recovery solution
  3. For reliable data recovery, always maintain regular database backups

Preventing Future Data Loss​

Regular Backups​

Set up regular database backups:

  1. Use a WordPress backup plugin or your hosting provider's backup tools
  2. Ensure that database backups include QA ZERO tables
  3. Configure backup frequency and retention
  4. Store backups in a secure location (local or cloud)

Backup Settings

Optimize Server Resources​

Reduce the risk of data processing failures:

  1. Ensure your server meets the minimum requirements (PHP 5.6+, 64MB memory)
  2. Consider upgrading your hosting plan if you have a high-traffic site
  3. Regularly check server logs for errors or warnings
  4. Keep WordPress and all plugins updated

Monitor Site Performance​

Monitor your site's performance:

  1. Regularly check the QA ZERO dashboard for any anomalies
  2. Use WordPress health check tools to monitor overall site health
  3. Set up uptime monitoring for your website
  4. Regularly check for plugin conflicts

Getting Support​

If you've tried the troubleshooting steps above and still have issues:

  1. Gather information about your system:
    • WordPress version
    • PHP version
    • Server environment
    • QA ZERO plugin version
  2. Contact QA ZERO support with:
    • Your system information
    • Description of the data loss
    • Time period affected
    • Steps you've already taken to troubleshoot