In the vast landscape of the internet, encountering a 404 error is a common occurrence. Whether browsing websites, clicking links, or exploring online resources, you’ve likely stumbled upon the infamous “404 – Page Not Found” error message. Our article clarifies the meaning of a 404 error, the reasons behind its occurrence, and effective strategies for managing it.
What Is 404 Error?
An HTTP status code known as a “404 error” or “404 Not Found” signifies that the server could not locate the requested resource. This error arises when a client, typically a browser, requests a web server, but the server cannot find the page, file, or other resource being sought.
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The client is usually notified by a server returning a 404 error that the requested resource cannot be found. The specific message conveyed in this error may differ based on the server and the requested resource type.
What Are the Causes of 404 Errors on Search Engines
The causes of the 404 error can vary, but some common reasons include:
- The web page was removed or renamed: When you click on a broken link, you might encounter a 404 error if the web page you’re attempting to visit has been taken down or given a different name.
- Incorrect URL: If the URL you entered is incorrect or misspelled, you will receive a 404 error.
- Server issues: If the web server hosting the page is experiencing issues or is offline, you may receive a 404 error.
- Connectivity issues: If you have a poor internet connection or are experiencing network issues, you may receive a 404 error.
- Firewall or antivirus software: In some cases, firewalls or antivirus software may block website access, resulting in a 404 error.
- Browser cache issues: Sometimes, your browser cache is outdated; you can clear it to resolve the 404 error.
What Are The 404 Error Message Variations?
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Here are some variations of the 404 error message:
- 404 Not Found:This error is frequently encountered among the various variations of the 404 error message. It signifies that the server could not locate the requested resource or page.
- 404 Error: File Not Found: This is yet another prevalent version of the 404 error message, indicating that the server could not locate the requested file.”
- 404 Page Not Found: This form of the 404 error message is frequently observed on websites containing malfunctioning internal links, indicating that the requested page is unavailable on the server.
- Error 404: Not Found: This variation of the 404 error message is similar to the first one but more concise.
- HTTP 404: File Not Found: This variation of the 404 error message includes the HTTP status code in the message.
- The requested URL was not found: This variation of the 404 error message provides more specific information about the requested URL.
- 404 Not Found: This variation of the 404 error message suggests that the requested resource may be available.
- 404 Not Found Error Message: Sorry, the page you requested could not be found: This variation of the 404 error message is often used on websites to provide a more personalized message to the user.
Ways to Resolve the 404 Error Page
So, how do you fix an Error 404? Start by:
1. Check the URL
The first step in resolving a 404 error is verifying that you have entered the correct URL. Sometimes, a simple typo or mistake in the URL can cause a 404 error.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache
Clearing your browser cache can help resolve 404 errors by forcing the browser to fetch the latest version of the webpage from the server instead of using a cached version. Caching allows web browsers to store frequently accessed web resources, such as images and scripts, locally on a user’s computer.
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However, if a website updates its content or URLs, the cached version may become outdated, resulting in a 404 error.
3. Check the Server
Checking the server cache can be a way to solve the error code, so identify and resolve issues with cached web resources on the server side. Server caching is a technique that allows frequently accessed web resources to be stored on the server itself rather than being regenerated each time they are requested. However, if the cached resource is outdated or corrupted, it can lead to a 404 error.
Checking the server cache involves examining the configuration and settings to ensure the resources are up-to-date and properly cached. If any issues are found, you can address them by clearing the server cache or adjusting the cache settings, which can help resolve the 404 error.
4. Check for Broken Links
Checking for broken links can help solve 404 errors by identifying and correcting links that no longer work or point to non-existent web pages. Broken links can occur when a webpage is moved, renamed, or deleted or when a website changes its domain name or URL structure. By scanning for broken links, website owners and administrators can identify the links causing the 404 errors and update them with the correct URL or redirect them to a relevant page.
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This can help ensure that visitors to the website can access the desired content without encountering 404 errors. Several Google webmaster tools are available that can automatically scan for broken links on a website, making the process quicker and more efficient.
5. Use a Search Engine
Using a search engine can be a way to solve 404 errors by finding the correct URL or alternative resources for the desired content. When encountering a 404 error, users can try searching for the content using a search engine, such as Google or Bing. Search engines can help identify the correct URL or provide alternative links to related content.
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In cases where the user is uncertain about the correct URL or when the original page has been deleted or relocated, this feature becomes particularly beneficial.
6. Customize the 404 Error Page
Using custom error pages can be a way to solve 404 errors by providing users with helpful information and alternative resources when they encounter a missing or unavailable page. By default, when a server returns a 404 error, the user is presented with a generic error page that may not provide useful information or guidance.
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However, by creating a custom 404 error page, website owners and administrators can provide users with a more personalized and informative experience. The custom page can include information about why the page is unavailable, suggestions for alternative pages or resources, and links to other parts of the website. The custom 404 error page can help reduce frustration and improve the overall user experience by providing users with helpful information and guidance.
Do 404 Error Messages Affect SEO, and How?
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Yes, 404 error messages can have an impact on SEO. If a user tries to open a no longer available webpage or has been relocated, the server responds with a 404 error message. This can happen when a page is deleted or an SEO URL structure is changed without implementing proper redirects.
If search engines encounter a 404 error, they could perceive it as indicating poor website maintenance or a lack of satisfactory user experience. Consequently, the website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) might be adversely affected.
Additionally, if there are many 404 errors on a website, it can signal to search engines that the website has low-quality or outdated content, which can further impact its ranking. If you are constantly experiencing the 404 error not found on your site, you can look at the best SEO practices that improve rankings.
To lessen the impact of not found errors on SEO, website owners should regularly monitor their website for broken links and 404 errors and implement redirects where necessary to ensure that users and search engines can access the correct content. By doing so, they can improve the user experience, reduce the likelihood of losing potential traffic, and help maintain a strong SEO position.
How Can One Create Their Own 404 Error Not Found Page?
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Creating a custom 404 error page is a straightforward process, and it will help visitors find what they’re looking for on your website, even if they’ve landed on broken external links or non-existent URLs. Here are the steps:
- Start by creating a new HTML file and naming it “404.html” (without quotes).
- Open the 404.html file in a text editor and add the content you want to display on the error page. This can include text, images, links, and anything else you want to show to visitors who land on the page.
- It’s important to let visitors know they’ve landed on an error page and provide a message that directs them back to your website’s homepage or another relevant page. You can add a message such as “The page you’re looking for can not be found. You can visit our homepage to find what you’re looking for.”
- Once satisfied with your custom 404 page, save it and upload it to your website’s root directory. This will ensure the page is displayed whenever a visitor lands on a broken or non-existent URL.
- You must configure your web server accordingly to ensure that your new error page is recognized. To understand the steps involved in this process, refer to your server documentation or contact your web host for guidance.
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Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of Indexsy, Far & Away, Laurel & Wolf, a couple FBA businesses , and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes, Oberlo and GoDaddy.
