> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kaliumtheme.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kaliumtheme.com/troubleshooting/starter-site-imports.md).

# Starter Site Import Problems

The list won't load, the import stops partway, images are missing, or the result doesn't match the demo.

Importing a starter site asks a lot of a server in one go, it creates hundreds of pages, downloads hundreds of images and installs several plugins. Almost every problem comes down to one of three things: **server limits**, **an inactive license**, or **a theme version older than the fix**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Before anything else, make sure Kalium is up to date.** Importer problems have been fixed in several releases, and on recent versions of WordPress an out-of-date theme cannot import at all.
{% endhint %}

***

### The starter sites list is empty or won't load

The list is fetched from Laborator when you open the screen, so it needs two things to work.

**Check first:**

1. **Kalium -> Status**, is your license active? The list needs one.
2. Can your server reach the internet? The Status screen runs connection tests and will tell you.

**The fix:** activate your license, then reload the page. If the connection tests fail, ask your host to allow outbound HTTPS connections.

{% content-ref url="/pages/IPFCDzhvawSw2I9Nl6zv" %}
[License and Activation Problems](/troubleshooting/license-and-activation.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### The import stops partway

This is nearly always PHP memory or execution time running out.

**Check first:** open **Kalium -> Status** and look at your memory limit. It should be **at least 128 MB**, and image-heavy starter sites need more, some sites have needed 756 MB before the import would finish.

**The fix:**

1. Ask your host to raise the PHP memory limit, and `max_execution_time` along with it
2. Run the import again: **it resumes rather than starting over**, so nothing is repeated
3. If it keeps stalling, import the media separately. It's by far the slowest step.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Don't run a second import on top of a half-finished one.** Remove the starter site content first, then import again cleanly. Layering imports leaves duplicated content that's tedious to untangle.
{% endhint %}

***

### A fatal error during import

Errors like `TypeError in in_array()`, a missing `Import_Type` class, or a JSON error from the options file are **version bugs, not configuration problems**.

Update Kalium to the latest version and try again. The importer was fixed in several releases, and running an old version against a newer WordPress is the usual cause.

***

### Images are missing after the import

Media is imported last and takes the longest, so a stall during that step leaves you with all the content and none of the pictures.

**Check first:** did the import report that it completed? If it stopped during media, that's your answer.

**The fix:** run the import again, selecting only the media step.

If images still fail, your server may be unable to reach Laborator's media server, some hosts and some regions block it. Contact support and they can supply the files for a manual import.

***

### The import worked but the site doesn't match the demo

**Check first:**

1. **Is the right page builder active?** Each starter site is built for one (WPBakery, Elementor or the block editor) and the demo won't look right without it.
2. **Did every plugin install?** The importer installs and activates the plugins a starter site needs, including bundled ones like Slider Revolution. A plugin missing afterwards means its task failed, not that you missed a step.

**The fix:** run the import again. Steps that completed are skipped, and the failed plugin is retried.

If the plugin fails again, check **Kalium -> Status**. **Bundled premium plugins can't download without an active license**, and that's usually what stops the task.

{% content-ref url="/pages/70pH7V9szS209Wp8uoZ4" %}
[Importing a Starter Site](/getting-started/installation/importing-a-starter-site.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### Importing settings exported from another site fails

The options file carries a version number, and **an export from a newer Kalium won't import into an older one**.

Update both sites to the same version, then export and import again.

{% content-ref url="/pages/OKeDxhDx7hv96DJuu2az" %}
[Manage Options in Customizer](/troubleshooting/manage-options-in-customizer.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### Giving the import the best chance

If you're about to import and want it to go smoothly:

* **Import into a fresh WordPress install** where possible. Starter sites are designed for that, and it avoids clashing with content you already have.
* **Ask your host to raise the memory limit** to 256 MB before you start.
* **Make sure your license is active**: several steps depend on it.
* **Don't close the tab** while it runs.
* **Import on a staging site first** if you have one, especially on a live site with real content.

{% content-ref url="/pages/CkG9ORGpizFSlkGughZL" %}
[Starter Sites](/wp-cli-api/starter-sites.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}