how to fix critical error in wordpress

That error:

Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Failed opening required 'zip://_(:з」#∠)_'
/public_html/wp-content/db.php

usually means your WordPress site has been hacked or corrupted. The zip://_(:з」#∠)_ path is not valid WordPress code — it’s a common sign of injected malware.

Since the error is coming from:

/wp-content/db.php

that file is the problem.


✅ Step-by-Step Fix

1️⃣ Delete the infected db.php

  1. Connect via cPanel File Manager or FTP.
  2. Go to:
    /public_html/wp-content/
    
  3. Delete:
    db.php
    

⚠️ Important:
WordPress does NOT normally include wp-content/db.php.
If it exists and you didn’t intentionally install a database plugin (like HyperDB), it’s malicious.


2️⃣ Check if Site Loads

After deleting db.php, refresh your site.

If it works → malware was removed successfully.
If not → continue below.


3️⃣ Replace Core WordPress Files

Download a fresh copy of WordPress from:

  • WordPress.org

Then:

  • Delete everything except:
    • wp-content/
    • wp-config.php
  • Upload fresh WordPress core files.

This removes hidden backdoors in:

  • wp-admin/
  • wp-includes/

4️⃣ Scan for More Malware

Check these locations manually:

  • /wp-content/uploads/ → look for .php files (should NOT be there)
  • Root folder → weird files like:
    • wp-login.php.suspected
    • random 6–10 character PHP files
  • .htaccess → check for strange redirect code

If possible, install security plugin after cleanup:

  • Wordfence

5️⃣ Change All Passwords

Very important:

  • Hosting account
  • FTP
  • WordPress admin
  • Database
  • cPanel

🔍 Why This Happened

Common causes:

  • Outdated plugins
  • Nulled/pirated themes
  • Weak passwords
  • Old WordPress version

🚨 If It Keeps Coming Back

That means:

  • There is another hidden backdoor
  • Or your hosting account is compromised

In that case:

  • Contact hosting support
  • Ask for malware scan
  • Or restore from clean backup