"Files of this type can not be uploaded" error

Software Support
,
6

Hi @jiri

The Most Likely Cause: PHP [fileinfo] Extension
OJS 3.3 relies on a PHP extension called fileinfo to determine the real MIME type of a file (e.g., to confirm a .tar.gz file is actually application/x-gzip).

If the fileinfo extension is disabled on your server, OJS cannot verify any uploaded file. It rejects the file because it cannot confirm it’s safe. This also explains why the Plugin Gallery fails: OJS downloads the .tar.gz file from the PKP server, tries to validate it using fileinfo, fails, and gives you the exact same error.

Manual Installation - New Installation Plugin

If you still can’t get the uploader to work, you can always install the plugin manually. This method bypasses the upload check entirely.

  1. On your local computer, unzip the .tar.gz file. You should get a folder (e.g., quickSubmit, googleAnalytics, etc.).

  2. Using an FTP/SFTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting cPanel File Manager, connect to your server.

  3. Navigate to your OJS plugins/ directory.

  4. Inside the plugins/ directory, find the correct sub-directory for your plugin type. (e.g., generic/, themes/, importexport/). The plugin’s documentation will tell you which one.

  5. Upload the entire plugin folder (from Step 1) into that directory.

    • Example: Upload the orcidProfile folder to plugins/generic/ so the final path is plugins/generic/orcidProfile/.

  6. Go back to your OJS admin dashboard: Site settings > Plugins.

  7. Find the new plugin in the list. It will be disabled.

  8. Click the Enable checkbox next to it.

Manual Installation - Upgrade Plugins

*Warning: Always backup your database and files, before this progress

  1. After Replace Plugin Files
  2. Run Database Upgrade: You must update the database to match the new code.

    • Recommended Method (SSH): Access your server via command line and run:

      Bash

      php tools/upgrade.php upgrade

      This is a safe command. It checks all plugin versions and runs the necessary database scripts for the plugin you just updated.

    • Alternative Method: Set installed = Off in config.inc.php and execute run upgrade. back to installed = On if finished.

For the second time I remind you to always backup the database and files before this process is carried out.

As a further consideration, always update your OJS to the latest version (from 3.3.0.8 to 3.3.0.21), See: MEMO: Keeping your OJS Installation Secure with Upgrades and more