Let’s create a scenario.
Error 404: You want to download a movie and, for that, you are thinking about visiting a torrent website, like The Pirate Bay. However, whenever you are clicking on the site, it shows an “error: 404” message.
Sounds pretty annoying, right?
Creating a website can be a pretty tricky task. Therefore, sometimes, while working on it, we tend to miss out on various minor details here and there. However, unfortunately, these insignificant issues can lead to something much more impactful.
The issue of “error:404 page not found” is one of them.
But, what does this mean? Why does it occur?
We will explore and address both of these concerns through our article. Make sure to stay with us till the end. Also, don’t forget to reach out in the comment section below if you still have any questions.
Why Do You See An “Error 404” Message?
Technically, an “error: 404” occurs when a server, which serves a website, doesn’t show the availability of the same. Meaning – the website owner has somehow removed the available content from the website while forgetting to relocate the server alongside it.
Why Does An “Error 404” Message Occur?
It usually happens when you mistype a page URL while surfing. However, sometimes, some other more critical issues can lead to this problem as well. The following are a few of them –
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Mistyping Your URL
Mistyping the URL is probably the most common issue that prompts the “error: 404” text to occur whilst opening a web page. Hence, before you get too worried, try to double-check whatever you have written in the “search” section.
Solution: If you have done a type there, fix it and try again. If it’s still showing the same result, then it might be something else that’s causing this problem.
Relocating A Page
Sometimes, when we move a web page on our website, we tend to place the same in the wrong folder. It, in turn, empties the source location and shows the “error: 404” message whenever someone clicks on the same.
Solution: If you have placed the page in the wrong folder, moving it to the correct location will resolve the matter instantly. In case it doesn’t solve the issue, you’ll have to check the page’s pathway and check your content management system. Find whatever’s wrong with the page, fix it, and your website should be in a proper working condition again.
Moving The Whole Website
In case you have rehosted or moved your website recently, it may sometimes show an “error: 404” message. It’s a pretty common scenario and, therefore, occurs to almost everyone who has relocated their site from HTTP to HTTPS.
Solution: In this scenario, you will have two different options. Firstly, you can wait for a little while and let the website adjust to the new server properly. However, if your site’s still down, you’ll have to reach out to your new host and ask them to make the platform operational.
Switching The Directory Of A Web Page
Your web page isn’t going to be responsible for the “error: 404” issue all the time. In some cases, it can be caused by the containing folder, also known as the “page directory.” When you move such a folder that consists of pages, the URL of the same will alter too. Otherwise, you’ll have to access your web pages by typing their new URL.
Solution: Make sure to check if the available folders in the URL match your CMS or FTP. For that, you have to keep the correct web pages in the right folder. Sometimes, retyping the URL also works like magic if the folders and URLs don’t match.
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Not Remembering About 301 Redirects
Another common problem that occurs while moving a page or website is not putting proper 301 redirects in the right place. Fortunately, you can take care of this issue by yourself.
Solution: Make sure to take the same 301 redirects from your old website and paste the same for the new one. This should solve the issue right away.
Final Thoughts
Getting an “error 404” message on your website can affect its ranking and web traffic to some extent. Therefore, you should always check if your web pages have been deleted or not.
If that’s not the case, make sure to keep an eye on the links of your website and check if they are broken or not. There are several free tools available out there for that.