Wordpress: "you do not have sufficient permissions to view this page"

I thought I'd upgrade security on some of my sites last week.
I installed a plugin called "wp-security-scan", which made some sensible suggestions:
1. Change the table prefixes from "wp_" to something else (and update wp-config)
2. Rename the admin user

It the offered a button that said "rename now.."
So I did.
The plugin then reported that it couldn't update wp-config. So I did that manually.

*BANG* - The sound of the door slamming on the admin panel.

I couldn't log in "you do not have sufficient permissions to view this page"..

Looks like a file rights issue, right? Wrong. Nothing odd about the file rights or ownership (according to Jab Web Support).

So I set about rolling back the changes. Rather than use my database backup, I decided to find out exactly what that plugin had done..

So, I manually renamed all the tables back to "wp_"
till no login.

Looking inside the tables, though, I found that the plugin had renamed all FIELDS starting with "wp_" as well..

Things like "wp-user_roles". Fairly crucial.

Anyway, the solution was to browse wp-user and wp-user-meta for any fields starting with the new prefix, and rename them back to "wp_"..

Et voila. Access granted. :)

All would have been well, except that some IDIOT at Jab Web wrecked the DNS settings for the site, and it disappeared off the web. Thanks Guys!

Fortunately, I spotted the error, and corrected it. And fired off an email at Jab Web. No response even now...

More Troubles at Jab Web

One of my sites has been up and down all weekend. "Internal Server Error", and humungous load times.
It's hosted on Jab Web who have been having some "server problems".

GA stats say that these problems have killed traffic stone dead on that site. Nobody contacted me to say there was a problem. Would I ever have known if I hadn't checked the site? :(

Backup Problems at Jab Web Solutions

Prior to upgrading Wordpress, I always back-up my files and databases.
My last backup was Monday, so I thought I'd take a backup before the upgrade.

However, the backup at Jab Web ran extremely slowly, and then stalled at 85%.

So I made the decision to just "go for it", knowing that I had a complete backup from Monday, and could easily restore anything posted since then.

Fortunately, all went well. No Thanks to Jab Web Solutions (again)..

Wordpress Upgrade

Upgraded all my sites to Wordpress 3.0.5 today.
No problems encountered, either at Jab Web, or Unlimited.

Took the opportunity to have a tidy-up on the plugins as well.
Deleted all useless inactive stuff, and upgraded everything apart from Wordbay.

The wordbay version on Wordpress.org is NOT the latest. The latest is only available to members of www.thewordbay.com

Looking for New Web Hosting..

I have 6 domains, 3 of which are hosted with jab web solutions..
two of the others were hosted with 000webhost until they CANCELLED MY ACCOUNT without explanation or warning.. probably because I was monitoring their downtime - it's appalling!
The other is parked.

So, the mission: find a deal which will host:

• At least 6 Domains
• At least 1 mysql database per domain
• At least 600MB / domain diskspace
• Sensible bandwidth allocation (prefer no restriction)
• Possible upgrade to Reseller at low/no cost

The contenders:

• Upgrade Existing Jab Web Account.
• es-hosting.co.uk (I went to lunch with the owner last week)
• Unlimited Web Hosting

Jab Web have come back with their R25 package, which has only 2GB diskspace allowance. Which was huge 5 years ago.. And it's £10 a month! A shame, as I've always rated Jab Web Support.

es-hosting suggested basing my package on their £5/month student deal (hmm.. ) Not actually the best deal, but I live in the same town as the owner. I could bang on his door if my sites go down..

Unlimited have offered me £2.75/Month Unlimited everything deal... REALLY Tempted.. Their datacentre looks awesome.. and there's the option to upgrade to an Unlimited Reseller account for £10/Month. Take THAT, Jab Web!

Looking like a no-brainer..

Jab Web - Update - Domains back up..

Turns out it was a result of "Spammers" affecting the server. DDOS attack?
The support person was deffo the new lot. (Simon)
Would I have been informed if I hadn't raised a support ticket?

Everything is down! | Jab Web Solutions | Gamma Server

All three of my core sites (hosted with Jab Web Solutions) on their "Gamma" server are down, and have been since at least 12:15PM..
Jab Web Solutions recently changed hands.. I hope this isn't a taste of things to come..
(I already have a couple of contingency plans..)

Jab Web Solutions - SOLD!

I have my main (paid) hosting account with Jab Web Solutions. They've been excellent over the years. Really on the ball. :)
Unfortunately, the guys who run and own the firm have decided it's time to move on. So they've sold the company.. :(

Hopefully, the new owners will be just as good.
My current hosting deal is due for renewal in a few months, so we'll see what they quote me. I've already had a look around, and I can see at least FIVE excellent deals. Two of which are cheaper than my current one. (Blue and Hostgator)

(Blue has already been recommended by a fellow web developer..)