Can’t Edit Themes in WordPress 2.9 – This May Be Why!
Posted by Karen in blogging tips, wordpress, tags: WordPress 2.9, wordpress theme editor, wordpress tipsWhat’s this another blog post about WordPress 2.9, yes that’s right I’m bringing you some more blogging tips in the hope that I can help out fellow WordPress users that may be getting that awful message “Sorry, that file cannot be edited” when trying to edit a theme file with the WordPress 2.9 built in theme editor.
So what is the solution to the problem?
I hunted high and low across the internet trying to find the solution, checking out the WordPress support forums trying to find a solution to why this would be happening and even though I spent a good few hours looking I didn’t seem to find much help.
So back to WordPress and into the theme editor and used the drop down box for theme to try to edit other themes:
Changing this to other themes and trying to edit them had the same problem, it had me stumped why!
When then I got a reply to a tweet I made from my good friend @digitalbeat666 and it was so simple it was obvious, why didn’t I think of it!
Yes folks it was that simple! So I tried activating another theme from the selection of themes I have on the blog, then went back into the WordPress 2.9 theme editor and it worked, fan-bloody-tastic, so yes it was that simple!
If you are having the same problems with your installation of WordPress 2.9 then simply change your theme, it could be as simple as your theme isn’t compatible with the latest version of WordPress.
So a big thanks to @digitalbeat666 for pointing out the obvious, cheers 
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Can’t Edit Themes in WordPress 2.9 – This May Be Why!…
What’s this another blog post about WordPress 2.9, yes that’s right I’m bringing you some more blogging tips in the hope that I can help out fellow WordPress users that may be getting that awful message “Sorry, that file cannot be edited” when trying t…
Twitter: archondigital
(1 comments) says:
I don’t really use the theme editor, I prefer to edit themes offline using tools like Notepad++ or Dreamweaver’s as code editor.
Jonathan @ Archon Digital´s last blog ..Entrecard Dropped
[Reply]
element321
Twitter: element321
(16 comments) Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Jonathan,
I would have to agree, I have seen what happens when you update from the editor, while still online. I generally use dreamweaver to make updates or test code to make sure I coded it right.
But there are times when I have to use the editor. Such as, when I am on a public system, work (on lunch break) or at the parent’s place, where they do not have access to an editor. When I do use theme editor, I always backup EVERYTHING before making any changes.
element321´s last blog ..How to fix WordPress Ping Once it Stops Working.
[Reply]
Twitter: jronaldlee
(6 comments) says:
Yet another reason to be careful when upgrading. Let the dust settle, figure out where the (new) bugs are, and proceed cautiously…
James´s last blog ..Fork Reflections
[Reply]
Twitter: element321
(16 comments) says:
Thanks for the tip. I think I might wait a little longer to update.
element321´s last blog ..How to fix WordPress Ping Once it Stops Working.
[Reply]
Twitter: iWoodpecker
(8 comments) says:
Hmm.. in order to edit theme you use built-in editor? Why?
Why don’t you try Dreamweaver for example?
And again, useful post
The second per this day:) Awesome speed 
iWoodpecker´s last blog ..Insane List of 140 Do Follow & Nofollow Blogs with CommentLuv 2010
[Reply]
Karen
Twitter: Blazing_Minds
(1093 comments) Reply:
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
As @element321 mentioned sometimes there is a point when using the theme editor is the only option, such as been on another computer, but the majority of the time I do use DreamWeaver, but mainly I was posting this to help those out that only use the theme editor
[Reply]
Twitter: ShotOfCoffee
(63 comments) says:
I’ve been using wordpress since it was 1.something. I’ve never had this many problems with an update. That’s all I’m going to say.
Mike´s last blog ..N.O. Brew Review
[Reply]
john
Twitter: catalinadrian
(103 comments) Reply:
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:07 pm
You should thank Karen for resolving all the issues
@Karen: Wordpress should hire a tester like you
[Reply]
Twitter: Frumph
(1 comments) says:
It’s never a solution to suggest changing your theme, there’s something WITH the theme itself that needs to be fixed and that needs to be addressed.
Philip M. Hofer (Frumph)´s last blog ..ComicPress 2.9 Changelog & Features
[Reply]
Twitter: arifur1
(1 comments) says:
Hmm.. in order to edit theme you use built-in editor? Why?
Why don’t you try Dreamweaver for example?
[Reply]
Twitter: extremejohn
(165 comments) says:
You are on fire this week, I love the post frequency! I’m still testing the 2.9 before taking things there.
Extreme John´s last blog ..Cheddar Bob the Blogger
[Reply]
Simple perhaps, and thank you for the update, but having to change themes might really suck for some people; simple or not.
I’ll wait as well.
Dennis Edell´s last blog ..The Final “Official” Post For DSWM!
[Reply]