“This does not appear to be a WXR file, missing/invalid WXR version number” error

Sometimes when you are trying to import content using the WordPress importer (i.e. – demo content import), you may face an error like this:

This does not appear to be a WXR file, missing/invalid WXR version number.

There are several possible reasons for this error, but in most cases it’s missing php function on your server configuration.

Whenever you get this error, first thing to do would be contacting your hosting support and ask if the SimpleXML PHP module is active for your server.

Other Possible Reasons and Solutions

There are other possible reasons for that error, but these are really rare cases.

The first would require to manualy check your XML file and, near the top part, add the line “<wp:wxr_version>1.1</wp:wxr_version>” (without quotes) right after the language declaration part. You can find more information in the WordPress Support Forums.

Another rare possibility is that PHP safe_mode might be turned on for your hosting server. The safe_mode options being “ON” does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of the issue, but it’s worth checking this too. Like in the first (and most probable) case, you will need to contact your hosting support and ask if safe_mode is turned on.

If you know for other possible reasons and solutions, we’d be happy to discuss in comments.