Introduction

A 404 error is one of the most common errors users encounter when browsing the web. It usually indicates that the webpage you are trying to access cannot be found on the server. This error can occur for several reasons, such as broken links, incorrect URLs, or missing files. In this guide, we'll explain why you might be getting a 404 error and how to troubleshoot and resolve it using cPanel. This guide is designed for beginners with limited technical knowledge, using simple and clear instructions. If you need further assistance, our support team at AlpineHost is here to help at support@alpinehost.ch or info@alpinehost.ch.

What Is a 404 Error?

A 404 error occurs when a web server cannot find the page or resource requested by the user. Instead of displaying the requested page, the server returns a “404 Not Found” message. This typically means that the URL is incorrect or the file or page no longer exists.

Common Causes of a 404 Error

Several factors can cause a 404 error. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Incorrect URL: The URL entered might be incorrect or misspelled.
2. Moved or Deleted Pages: The page or file might have been moved to a different location or deleted.
3. Broken Links: Links to your site or within your site might be broken or outdated.
4. Missing Files: Files like images, scripts, or documents that are referenced in your website might be missing.

Troubleshooting 404 Errors in cPanel

If you're encountering a 404 error on your website, here’s how you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue using cPanel.

1. Check the URL

The first step is to double-check the URL that is producing the 404 error.

1. Verify the URL:
• Ensure the URL is spelled correctly and that the correct domain name is used.
• Make sure there are no unnecessary spaces or special characters in the URL.

2. Check for Broken Links

Broken links are a common cause of 404 errors. You can use tools in cPanel or third-party tools to find and fix broken links.

1. Use an Online Broken Link Checker:
• Use tools like Broken Link Checker to scan your site for broken links.
• Correct any broken links identified by the tool.
2. Check Links in cPanel:
• Log into cPanel and go to File Manager.
• Review your HTML or PHP files to ensure that all internal links are correctly pointed to the right pages or files.

3. Verify File and Directory Names

A common cause of 404 errors is that the file or directory name in the URL doesn't match the name on the server.

1. Log into cPanel:
• Access your cPanel account and navigate to File Manager.
2. Check the File or Directory Name:
• Navigate to the folder where the missing file should be located.
• Ensure that the file or directory name is spelled exactly as it is in the URL, including case sensitivity (e.g., "Page.html" is different from "page.html").

4. Restore Missing Files

If the file is missing or was accidentally deleted, you may need to restore it from a backup.

1. Restore from Backup:
• In cPanel, go to the Backup section.
• Select the backup file from a date before the issue occurred and restore the missing files.
2. Upload the Missing File:
• If you have the missing file on your computer, you can upload it directly to the correct directory using File Manager.

5. Redirect Users with a 301 Redirect

If a page has been moved or its URL has changed, setting up a 301 redirect will automatically send users to the new location without causing a 404 error.

1. Set Up a 301 Redirect:
• In cPanel, go to Redirects under the Domains section.
• Choose 301 Permanent Redirect and enter the old URL and the new URL.
• Click Add to save the redirect.

6. Check .htaccess File for Errors

The .htaccess file can sometimes cause 404 errors if there are incorrect rules or configurations.

1. Locate the .htaccess File:
• In File Manager, navigate to the root directory (public_html) of your website.
2. Edit the .htaccess File:
• Right-click the .htaccess file and select Edit.
• Look for any incorrect redirects or rules that might be causing the 404 error. Correct or remove them as necessary.
3. Restore Default .htaccess:
• If you are unsure of the changes, you can restore the default WordPress .htaccess file (if using WordPress) to resolve the issue.

Contacting Support

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and are still encountering 404 errors, our support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us at support@alpinehost.ch or info@alpinehost.ch.

Conclusion

A 404 error can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the most common causes. By checking your URLs, fixing broken links, verifying file names, and setting up redirects, you can ensure your website remains accessible to visitors. If you need further help, AlpineHost's support team is ready to assist you.