404 Error

The 404 error or Not Found error message is an HTTP normal reply code signifying that even though the client was able to connect with the server, the server either failed to find what was requested, or it was configured in a way that the request was not fulfilled and the reason was not revealed either. A 404 error is not similar to "server not found" or related errors, in which a link to the required server cannot be made at all.

The first number ‘4’ specifies a client error. The server is trying to convey the message that you have done something incorrect, like misspelling the URL or requesting for a page that no longer exists. On the other hand, a 5xx error specifies a server-side trouble. It is also a sign of an error, which may be temporary. If you try once more, it might just work.

The center number ‘0’ refers to a common syntax error. This could designate a spelling mistake.

The last number ‘4’ just points out to the precise error in the group of 40xHTTP's. The use of three-digit codes is related to the use of such codes in former code of behavior such as FTP and NNTP. A general legend holds that the error code was identified after a room numbered 404 in the CERN laboratories, where the World Wide Web was found. This is not true as there is no room 404 in CERN.

Creating Your Own 404 Error Page

Every surfer has come upon the terrible 404-error page at some time or the other. The general error page is awful to look at. In fact it discourages the user from exploring more of your site.

What if you could set up a customized error message page that looked pleasant, informed the visitor about the nature of the error and then recommended some other optional links to other places on your site.

The 404 Error page, essentially informs the user that the server is unable to find the file they are searching for. However, you do not have to use the default 404 Error page. You can create your own.

For that first of all, you need your. Htaccess file, which is located in your web site directory. If you fail to find it, you will have to create it. For this, you need to contact your host and ask what you need to do to create and/or edit this file. You might just have to use a text editor and then upload it. Alternatively, you can also use a PICO editor and create and/or edit the file on the server.

Once you have access to the htaccess file, you need to add the following line to it: Error Document 404 http://www.yourdomain.com/404page.html

You need to keep this line, online as this is where the 404 Error page is stored. Once the .htaccess file is changed, you need to create the page which is a simple HTML document. Once the HTML document is created, you need to save it in the name of 404page.html. This page is then uploaded along with the .htaccess file and turned on. You can turn it on by setting the CHMOD feature to 644 via telnet or some FTP programs.

Once you have followed all the steps, you need to check if the page is working or not. You can go to a page that does not exist on your server to check whether the new 404 error page is visible or not. If not, then you need to set the CHMOD correctly. You can also call your hosting company for help if required.