The HTTP status code for the 404 error indicates that the requested page was not available on the server hosting the website.
To provide clarity, the error signifies that although the server is accessible, the particular page that is displaying the error is inaccessible.
404 Page Not Found Error messages are frequently tailored to specific websites. The error may manifest in virtually any manner possible, contingent upon the website from which it originates.
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404 Errors You Might See
The HTTP 404 error is occasionally presented in the following standard formats:
- 404 Error
- 404 Not Found
- Error 404
- The requested URL [URL] was not found on this server
- HTTP 404
- Error 404 Not Found
- 404 File or Directory Not Found
- HTTP 404 Not Found
- 404 Page Not Found
- Error 404. The page you’re looking for can’t be found.
These error messages are compatible with all web browsers and operating systems. Most appear within the browser window, similar to how web pages do.
When URLs are opened via Microsoft Office applications and 404 errors are encountered, the site informs the user that the requested item cannot be located (HTTP/1.0 404) within the Microsoft Office application.
Windows Update generates this error code: 0x80244019 or WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_NOT_FOUND.
Read More: How to Insert a Line in Google Docs: 3 Easy Ways
Causes of HTTP 404 Errors
Error 404 is a client-side error, which signifies that you have erred, either by entering an incorrect URL or by the page being removed or relocated from the website; you ought to have been aware.
A website that has relocated a page or resource without redirecting the previous URL to the new one is an additional possibility. You will receive a 404 error rather than being automatically redirected to the new page in such a case.
How to Fix the 404 Page Not Found Error
- 1. To reload the page, either tap F5, select the refresh/reload button or enter the URL into the address bar multiple times. The 404 Not Found error may manifest for various reasons, notwithstanding the absence of a substantive problem. In such cases, a mere page refresh may suffice to retrieve the desired page.
- 2. Conduct a URL error check. Frequently, this error occurs due to an incorrectly entered URL or a link that directs to an incorrect URL.
- 3. Proceed with the URL one directory level at a time until you locate the desired content.
Note: Move to www.web.com/a/b/ if the 404 Not Found error occurred at www.web.com/a/b/c.htm. If you encounter an error or nothing at this location, proceed to www.web.com/a/. This should either direct you to the desired resource or indicate that it is currently unavailable. |
- 4. Attempt to locate the document using a widely used search engine. If you are certain that you are using the incorrect URL, a fast search on Google or Bing should lead you to the desired location.
- 5. In order to prevent future occurrences of the HTTP 404 error, update your bookmark or favorite if you manage to locate the desired page.
- 6. If there is any hint that the 404 error message could be yours, clear the cache of your browser. For instance, if the URL is accessible on your smartphone but not on your tablet, deleting the store on the browser of your tablet may be of assistance.
- If erasing the browser’s cache failed, you could also attempt to delete the cookies associated with the specific website in question, or at least those associated with the browser.
- 7. Changing the DNS servers utilized by your computer is generally not necessary unless the entire site returns a 404 error; however, this becomes particularly important if the site is accessible from other networks, such as a friend in another city or your mobile phone network.
- 8. 404 errors that affect the entire site are uncommon unless your ISP or government censors or filters websites. Regardless of the cause, attempting to access the site through an alternative set of DNS servers is a prudent course of action. Refer to our list of free and public DNS servers for alternative options and directions on how to accomplish this.
- 9. Directly contact the website. They ought to be able to inform you that the 404 error is entirely valid if the desired page has been removed. If the page has been relocated and is producing errors rather than redirecting visitors to the new page, they would appreciate your feedback so they can rectify the issue.
- 10. Lastly, delay if all else fails. Although it may not be enjoyable, it could be your only option if you are certain the 404 error is not occurring at the location where the page should be. Others are experiencing the same issue and finding it equally peculiar as you do.
Tip: Using tools such as ATOMSEO and DeadLinkChecker.com, one can detect 404 errors on their website. |
Similar Errors to Error 404
Additional error messages that the client may encounter in relation to the 404 Not Found error comprise 408 Request Timeout, 400 Bad Request, 401 Unauthorized, and 403 Forbidden.
Existing server-side HTTP status codes include the well-known 500 Internal Server Error. All of them are listed in our collection of HTTP status code errors.
FAQ
- How do I fix error 404 messages on my website?
If you are aware of any pages on your website that contain faulty links, rectify or redirect them. If a 404 error occurs as a result of a deleted page, you may wish to redirect the user to fresh and relevant content instead.
- How do I fix error 404 on WordPress?
404 errors frequently manifest in WordPress due to redirect conflicts or permalink complications. Correct corrupted links that lead to specific pages or posts. In the case of a site-wide issue, alter the permalink settings via the WordPress dashboard.