The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error: How To Detect And Solve It.
Numerous HTTP status codes are adopted by programmers and developers to support users of computer software to recognize when a request fails. The server error http code 500 is a standard code encountered by regular users of the internet.
We can say that it is a non-proprietary error acknowledgment, meaning that the server faced an unexpected obstacle that prevented it from fulfilling your request. It is, however, unable to point out the exact issue.
What Is An HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?
Imagine logging into an website only for the screen to turn white, seeing that you cannot enter the web pages. Or worse yet, visiting your e-commerce site to upload more content only to encounter the same white screen. This is what server error 500 means.
Your online request was unsuccessful. The good news is, the concern lies with the server and not with your computer, browser, or internet connection. Some standard messages you may notice on the clear screen are:
- HTTP 500 Internal Error
- 500 Error Internal Server
- Error 500 Internal Server
Usually, this type of error is never a cause of worry. The probability is, the web company is already aware of the issue and is working to fix it. The biggest downside, however, of this particular server error is that your activity is disrupted. Let’s say you were shopping on an e-commerce site. But when you try to check-out, you get redirected to a plain screen with a message. You have to accept the inconvenience. And if the problem persists, the online business is bound to lose substantial revenue. An example of how 500 server error will affect e-commerce businesses.
Before we go into the nitty-gritty of possible 500 internal server error fix remedies you can try, we need to know how to identify these types of error code. If you do not understand how the error may appear on different platforms, you may be unable to fix the issue.
How to Fix the Error
If you Google ‘server error how to fix’, you will discover that it depends on whether you are just a regular user or run the website. As a visitor on the site, your options are limited. There isn’t much you can do.
We will highlight below a few simple hacks you can try. On the flip side, if you are the website operator, you first have to try and point out the exact issue before resolving it. Let’s take a look.
As The Website Operator:
Incorrect configuration in .htaccess
The code in a .htaccess file could be the problem. You will have to locate this misconfiguration in the file to fix this issue.
An external resource timeout
When a script attempts to access a server upstream and experiences a timeout, you get a 500 error code. Resolve this issue by modifying the timeout settings, so the server has more time to wait for the response.
A permission error
Incorrect permission in a file or folder may result in a server error http 500. Try resetting them to the appropriate configuration.
Incompatible plugins
If the server error list begins displaying codes after installing a new plugin, it may be the cause. Uninstall the plugin to remedy the issue.
PHP memory limit
A process surpasses memory, so the request fails to be processed. You can request your hosting provider to help resolve the issue from their end.
From The Client Side:
Try reloading the website
In case the malfunction with the server is brief, you can try refreshing the page. You will either press F5, CTRL + R, refresh/reload button, or click on the website’s URL.
Delete cookies and clear cache
Although the 500 server error issue has no link to the cache and cookies on the browser, getting rid of them may help solve it.
Approach as for 504 Gateway Timeout error
The web server may return an HTTP 500 internal server error message instead of a 504 Gateway Timeout error message. An HTTP 504 error status code signifies slow communication between two servers. If your attempt to load a web page and your web server fails to respond from another server upstream, you typically get server error code 504.
If the preceding methods prove ineffective, you can report the issue to the website. The website operator may have already begun fixing the problem on the server. But if they were unaware of the hitch, you not only assist them to get back on track, you also will be helping other people who are trying to log onto the web pages.
Final Word
Nothing beats the impediment of receiving a server error code while attempting to log onto a browser. The situation is an inconvenience to both the visitor and the owner of the site. The server error code 500 code is frowned upon because it often consumes a lot of energy and time to track down the root cause.
Troubleshooting may take minutes, hours, and even days. Now you have an idea of how to resolve the HTTP 500 internal server error the next time you confront it. Do you have any more tips and tricks you would like to share? Let us know in the comments.
