How to Fix the 404 Error

A 404 error occurs when a web page is not found on the server. It typically happens when the requested URL is incorrect, the page has been removed, or the server is unable to locate the requested resource. Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.

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Common Causes of a 404 Error #

1. Incorrect URL:
   • The user entered the wrong URL or clicked a broken link.
2. Deleted or Moved Pages:
   • The page was deleted or its URL changed without proper redirection.
3. Broken Links:
   • Links on your website pointing to non-existent pages.
4. DNS or Server Issues:
   • The domain is not properly pointing to the server or the server is misconfigured.
5. Missing Files:
   • The requested file (e.g., HTML, PHP) is missing from the server.
6. Incorrect Rewrite Rules:
   • Misconfigured .htaccess files or CMS settings (e.g., WordPress permalinks).

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Steps to Fix a 404 Error #

Step 1: Verify the URL #

1. Double-check the URL for typos or extra characters.
2. Test the URL in a browser to see if the error persists.

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Step 2: Check for Broken Links #

1. Use tools like Google Search Console, Broken Link Checker, or Screaming Frog to find broken links on your website.
2. Update or remove any links pointing to non-existent pages.

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Step 3: Restore Deleted or Moved Pages #

1. If a page was deleted:
   • Recreate the missing page, or
   • Redirect the URL to another relevant page (see Step 4).
2. If the URL has changed:
   • Update the link to reflect the new URL.

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Step 4: Implement 301 Redirects #

1. Use 301 redirects to direct users from the old URL to a new or alternative page.
2. Add the redirect to your .htaccess file (if using Apache):plaintextCopy codeRedirect 301 /old-page /new-page
3. For NGINX servers, update the configuration file:plaintextCopy coderewrite ^/old-page$ /new-page permanent;

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Step 5: Check File Structure #

1. Ensure the requested files exist in the correct directory on the server.
2. Verify that file permissions allow access to the content.

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Step 6: Fix CMS-Specific Issues #

1. For WordPress:
   • Re-save permalinks by navigating to:
     • Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes.
   • Disable plugins temporarily to identify if one is causing the issue.
2. For other CMSs:
   • Check URL settings and routing configurations.

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Step 7: Diagnose Server Configuration #

1. Inspect your .htaccess file for incorrect rewrite rules.
2. Ensure your server is properly routing requests to the correct files.
3. Contact your hosting provider for assistance if the error is server-related.

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Step 8: Monitor Google Search Console #

1. Log in to Google Search Console and navigate to the Coverage Report.
2. Look for 404 Not Found errors under excluded pages.
3. Fix the URLs and request indexing of updated pages.

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Best Practices to Prevent 404 Errors #

1. Create a Custom 404 Page:
   • Add helpful links, a search bar, or contact information to guide users.
   • Example .htaccess rule to set a custom 404 page:plaintextCopy codeErrorDocument 404 /404.html
2. Use Redirects:
   • Always set up 301 redirects when removing or moving pages.
3. Regularly Check for Broken Links:
   • Periodically audit your website for dead links and outdated URLs.
4. Maintain Consistent URLs:
   • Avoid unnecessary changes to URL structures.
5. Enable Monitoring Tools:
   • Use analytics tools to track 404 errors and fix them promptly.