A “404 Page Not Found” error is a message you get when a website can’t find the page you’re looking for. It’s like going to a library to find a book, but the book isn’t on the shelf where it should be.
What It Means:
When you see a 404 error, it means the server (the computer hosting the website) is working, but it can’t find the specific page you want. The rest of the website is still there; it’s just that one page that’s missing.
Why It Happens:
Broken Links:
The link you clicked goes to a page that doesn’t exist anymore.
Mistyped URL:
You might have typed the web address incorrectly.
Moved or Deleted Content:
The page has been moved or deleted without updating the links.
Server Configuration Issues:
Sometimes, settings on the server can cause 404 errors.
Why It’s Important:
User Experience:
Too many 404 errors can annoy visitors and make them leave your site.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
Search engines like Google don’t like websites with lots of broken links. It can hurt your site’s ranking.
Credibility:
A website with many 404 errors looks unprofessional and unreliable.
Ways to Fix a 404 Error:
Check and Correct URLs:
Make sure the URL is typed correctly.
Redirects:
Set up 301 redirects to send users from the old URL to a new one.
Fix Broken Links:
Regularly check your website for broken links and update them.
Custom 404 Page:
Design a helpful 404 page with links to important parts of your site to help users find what they’re looking for.
Fixing 404 Errors in cPanel:
First, Log in to cPanel & Access your cPanel account.
Redirects:
Go to the “Domains” section and click on “Redirects.”
Choose a permanent 301 redirect.
Enter the old URL and the new URL.
Click “Add” to create the redirect.
Choose a permanent 301 redirect.
Enter the old URL and the new URL.
Click “Add” to create the redirect.
Check Error Logs:
In the “Metrics” section, click on “Errors.”
This shows recent errors, including 404 errors.
Find and fix the source of these errors by updating links or restoring missing pages.
This shows recent errors, including 404 errors.
Find and fix the source of these errors by updating links or restoring missing pages.
File Manager:
If a page was deleted, go to the “File Manager” in cPanel.
Navigate to the folder where the page was.
Upload a backup or a new version of the missing file if you have it.
Navigate to the folder where the page was.
Upload a backup or a new version of the missing file if you have it.
Custom 404 Pages in cPanel:
Create a Custom 404 Page:
Design an HTML page with helpful links and information.
Save this file as 404.html.
Save this file as 404.html.
Upload the Custom Page:
Use the “File Manager” to upload 404.html to your website’s main folder.
Edit .htaccess File:
In the “File Manager,” find and edit the .htaccess file in your main folder.
Add this line: ErrorDocument 404 /404.html.
Save the changes.
Add this line: ErrorDocument 404 /404.html.
Save the changes.
Conclusion:
‘404 Page Not Found’ error occurs when a webpage can’t be found, often due to broken links, mistyped URLs, or moved/deleted pages. Fixing these errors is crucial to keep visitors happy, improve your site’s search engine ranking, and maintain credibility. You can fix 404 errors by correcting URLs, setting up redirects, and creating a custom 404 page. Using cPanel, you can manage redirects, check error logs, and upload missing files. Addressing these errors makes your website more user-friendly and reliable.