core.* dump files being generated

I have a server that is running a variety of websites including serveral Wordpress sites. The Modx 2.0 sites are suddenly generating core.xxxx files at a pretty constant rate. Each file is about 23MB to 25MB in size. I only see this on the Modx sites so I have a feeling there is something that Modx is trying to do that the server doesn’t like.

Also a few days ago I began to run out of space which has now been resolved but I was running in to issues writing to the disk at one point. I have plenty of space now, but still same issue with the core.xxx files.

OS is Redhat Fedora Linux. This is a GoDaddy Virtual Dedicated Server.
Any ideas? What more info can I provide to help?

Thanks!
Tom

Hi,
Funny you should mention Wordpress and MODx, my two faves. I’m not a server expert, but I at least have something that’s easy to check and has worked for me.

First stop: php.ini’s memory_limit setting. If you can’t get your hands on it, talk to your host tech support about raising it.

For WP specifically: in wp-config.php, put a bigger value in WP_MEMORY_LIMIT.

If those help, then you can delete those core dumps and go on your merry way. Your tech support (if they are any good) may be able to give you details about what’s going wrong, too.

Good luck, Dave

Wordpress sites are working great so I didn’t make any changes to those config files. I did double the memory_limit in the PHP config to 256mb just to see if that helps. However, the sites were working fine a few days ago so I don’t think it’s a memory issue.

It appears to be an issue with writing sessions to the disk. I’m not sure exactly how to verify this or how to check for certain but that seems to be what’s going on. Sessions are still being maintained so I could be wrong there as well.

Thanks!
Tom

I just tried a graceful restart of the server and so far no new core.* files. I’m hoping that was the simple fix!

256M! Wow! The highest I’ve set that was about 30M, and I’ve never had trouble running anything I want when I have that setting. So it must be something else.

Sessions and all that... you’re getting above my paygrade there, bro!

And I always say a little prayer for anyone using Godummy, er, Godaddy. Even I end up working on sites there for people who buy hosting there before talking to me. Now that they have changed their silly admin interface and made it EVEN MORE cluttered, I did notice a few more canned installs, notably WP, and I’ve seen a concurrent massive increase in Godaddy people begging for help in their support forum! Hilarious, really.

And yes, if your WP is working fine, I know some people are doing OK with it there, so no need to chime in.

Good luck.

I’ll be honest, if core dump files are being caused by even the worst PHP code on your server, it points to a mis-configuration of PHP on that machine.