Six Ways to Fix ‘Error 404: The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server’

When you enter a webpage address and see the message ‘Error 404: The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server,’ it can be a bit frustrating. From the site owner and developer’s perspective, it’s even worse, as you need to address the issue immediately.

But don’t worry. This guide will help you understand the reasons behind the “Error 404: The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server” error and outline many strategies for resolving it.

Addressing error 404 is crucial not only from a technical standpoint but also for a good user experience.

By the way, in case you’d rather watch a step-by-step video guide on solving the 404 not found error, here it is:

But if you’re more of a reader, let’s continue.

What does “Error 404: The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server” Mean?

So what is a 404 error?

“The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server” error is also known as a 404 error, which is an HTTP status code that says that the server is operational and accessible, but a specific page or resource you’re attempting to reach cannot be found based on the URL provided. 

This is a common HTTP status code that most users encounter at some point during web browsing. Ensuring proper URL structure and server configuration is key to avoiding such errors in eCommerce environments like those powered by Magento hosting.

This type of situation can occur for many reasons, such as the resource doesn’t exist at the specified location, possibly because it was moved, deleted, or never existed. It could also be due to a typo or error in the URL or an issue with the website’s configuration that prevents the server from correctly identifying and serving the requested resource. 

Understanding the error is important for both web developers and users. Here, we will discuss some common causes of the error first. 

Also Read: Common Server Problems

Why You’re Seeing ‘The Requested URL Was Not Found on This Server’ 

1. Incorrect or Typo in URL

The most common issue for this error is simply an incorrectly typed URL. This encompasses human errors such as typos, misplaced characters, or incorrect spellings, which can all lead to the problem. 

Mistakes like an additional symbol, space, or incorrect case sensitivity in the URL could direct you to a non-existent resource. It’s essential to scrutinize the URL for any discrepancies, including the protocol (http or https), domain name, path, and any specific file names or extensions.

2. Missing Page or Resource

The absence of the requested page or resource on the server constitutes another significant cause for this problem. This scenario might unfold if the content has been relocated to a new URL or removed from the server. 

As websites evolve through redesigns or updates, pages may be shifted without proper redirection, or outdated content might be eliminated, potentially leading to dead links. 

3. Server Misconfigurations

Server misconfigurations are a more technical cause of this error. Servers are configured to handle URLs in specific ways, and any changes or errors in these settings can block access to the intended resources.

Misconfigurations can arise from errors in the .htaccess file on Apache servers, mistakes in server software settings, or problems with how Content Management Systems (CMS) create URLs.

4. DNS Issues

DNS (Domain Name System) issues can also lead to this error. Indirectly, if a domain’s DNS settings are improperly configured or have not fully propagated, it leads to an incorrect server where the desired resource is unavailable. 

This is especially common following recent updates to a domain’s DNS records, such as during a change in hosting providers or after modifying DNS configurations. DNS propagation delays, which can last up to 48 hours, might necessitate waiting or clearing the DNS cache for resolution.

5. Content Restriction and Permissions

Sometimes, the resource or page exists but is inaccessible due to restrictions based on user permissions or geographic location, leading to the ‘The Requested URL Was Not Found On this Server’ error. 

Servers configured to restrict access to specific resources based on criteria such as the user’s IP address or login status might return this error to prevent unauthorized access, even if the denial is not explicitly stated.

6. Case Sensitivity in URLs

On some servers, particularly Unix and Linux-based servers, URLs are case-sensitive. In such environments, a resource identified by a URL with uppercase letters is considered distinct from another with the same name in lowercase. 

The lack of awareness regarding this case sensitivity could result in ‘The Requested URL Was Not Found On this Server’ errors for users who enter a URL with the incorrect case.

The above-mentioned points are the potential causes of the error. We will now address how to resolve this error with the solutions given below.

6 Ways To Fix “The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server” Error

1. Reload the Webpage

If you encounter the “The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server” error, a quick and effective first step is to refresh the webpage. Temporary issues with the server or errors in how the page was initially loaded can often be resolved with a simple refresh. 

For Windows users, you can refresh the page by pressing Ctrl + R, while Mac users would need to press Cmd + R. This action prompts your browser to request the page from the server again, which can often bypass temporary glitches or loading errors.

2. Check the URL for any Typo

Another crucial step in troubleshooting the error 404 involves checking the URL for any mistakes. Typing errors are a common reason for users seeing ‘The Requested URL Was Not Found On this Server ‘ error message. 

Carefully review the URL in your browser’s address bar. Look for any incorrect spellings, misplaced characters, or unnecessary punctuation. Ensuring the URL is entered correctly is a simple yet effective way to avoid the 404 page not found error.

3. Clear the Browser Cache

If refreshing the webpage doesn’t eliminate the error, consider clearing your browser’s cache. This action deletes temporary files your browser has stored, which might be contributing to the issue.

For Chrome users, navigate to the Chrome settings by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner.

After that, choose the ‘Clear browsing data‘ option from the drop-down menu. 

A new dialog box will appear where you will find the option named “Cached images and files”. Check mark it and press the key “Clear data.”

Once you’ve cleared the cache, go back to the website to check if the error has been fixed. If you’re still encountering “The Requested URL Was Not Found On This Server,” it’s time to move on to the next step in troubleshooting.

4. Update Your Site’s Permalinks

Updating your website’s permalinks is often a solution for ‘404 error: The Requested URL Was Not Found On this Server’ errors, which are frequently caused by broken permalinks.

To update the permalink first, log in to your WordPress admin panel. Then, navigate to the Settings option on the left-side menu, and click on ‘Permalinks‘ from the submenu.

Once you’re on the next page, review the post name to check for and correct any typing errors in your address bar.

5. Configuring 301 Redirects for Moved or Renamed Website Content

As a developer or site owner, if you’ve recently relocated or modified your web pages, it’s crucial to establish a 301 redirect that guides users to the new URL on your WordPress site. If it’s not redirected properly, then users can see ‘The Requested URL Was Not Found On this Server’ error.

This step is essential for ensuring search engines can efficiently crawl your site and accurately index your pages. To implement this, you can utilize a redirection plugin within WordPress or manage the redirects through your hosting provider’s control panel. If you encounter any difficulties in setting up the redirects, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

6. Manually Reset the .htaccess File

This approach involves navigating to the backend of your WordPress site to alter a concealed file located in the root directory named “.htaccess.”There are several methods to access this file, including FTP, cPanel, or a WordPress plugin such as WP File Manager.

Begin by opening the file manager via any of the mentioned tools. For illustration purposes, let’s use WP File Manager as an example. Navigate to the Root directory and select the .htaccess file.

Before doing this, take a backup by right-clicking it and selecting “Duplicate”.  

After that, right-click again and select “Open.”

In the new window, you will see the .htaccess file codes.

Now, remove the previously written codes and paste these fresh rules into it:

# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress

After applying these modifications, click the “Save” button. Then, attempt to access the targeted page to check whether the issue has been resolved.

Note: If you’re uncertain about deleting the .htaccess file, it’s advisable to seek assistance from your web hosting provider.

Never See a “404 Page Not Found” Error Again

‘The Requested URL was not found on this server’ or the 404 Page Not Found error is one of those frustrating crossroads where you’re left scratching your head trying to figure out what’s going on. But after the suggestions above, we’re sure you’ll not let any of your visitors see the 404 error page again.

The causes for this error range from typos to misconfigurations on your server, and our guide provided solutions to address URL issues, restore missing pages, and ensure server configurations.

We’ve also highlighted the importance of maintaining well-configured servers and websites through regular audits and diligent health checks.

A well-optimized server and website are your constant companions, providing a great experience for you and your audience. By implementing these practices, you not only solve immediate issues but also protect your online presence from potential pitfalls.

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