500 Internal...
500 Internal Server Error

500 Internal Server Error: What is it & How to Fix It

Hosting
Antony Atkins
October 20, 2024





A 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most frustrating issues that website owners and developers face. It not only impacts the user experience but also affects SEO rankings and reputation. This article will walk you through what the 500 HTTP Error is, its variations, causes, how to fix and prevent it, and how it compares to other internal server errors like 504 Bad Gateway.

If you're encountering more server-related problems, take a look at our comprehensive guide on common server errors to ensure your site operates smoothly.




A 500 Internal Server Error is a general server-side error, meaning something has gone wrong on the website's server, but the server isn't able to provide specific details about the exact issue. This type of error is typically presented when the server cannot fulfill the user’s request, leaving both the user and the website owner in the dark about what went wrong.




Though 500 errors can appear in multiple forms, all of them point to server-side issues. Here are some common variations:

  • HTTP Error 500.31 – Failed to load ASP.NET Core runtime
  • HTTP Error 500.19 – Internal Server Error, indicating a configuration issue on IIS
  • HTTP Error 500.30 – ANCM In-Process Start Failure
  • HTTP Error 500.21 – Internal Server Error (Module not supported)
  • HTTP/1.1 500 – Generic Internal Server Error

Each error code can provide clues on the root cause, which we will discuss later.

Impact of the 500 Error - SEO / UX / Reputation

When your website returns a 500 Internal Server Error, it affects your business in the following ways:
  1. SEO Impact: Google and other search engines penalize websites with frequent server errors. A prolonged 500 status code can lead to lower rankings, as the site is deemed unreliable.
  2. User Experience (UX): Users encountering a 500 error are left frustrated and confused, often abandoning the site. This can increase bounce rates and reduce conversions.
  3. Reputation: Regular server errors, such as 500 HTTP errors, make your site seem unstable. Over time, this can erode trust in your brand and push users towards competitors.
There are several possible reasons for a 500 Internal Server Error:

  • Corrupt .htaccess File: Issues with your .htaccess file, especially in Apache servers, can trigger 500 errors.
  • Permission Issues: Incorrect file or folder permissions can block access to certain resources, causing the server to respond with an error.
  • Script Timeout: If a script runs too long or hits memory limits, the server may time out and return a 500 error.
  • Bad Code or Bugs: Poorly written code or unhandled exceptions in backend scripts (PHP, Python, etc.) can result in the server failing to execute properly.
  • Server Overload: High traffic or resource-demanding processes can overload the server, causing it to fail.




Here are some actionable steps to fix the 500 Internal Server Error:

  1. Check Server Logs: Review your server error logs to pinpoint what caused the error.
  2. Correct File Permissions: Ensure that the correct file permissions are set (e.g., 755 for directories, 644 for files).
  3. Fix the .htaccess File: If you use Apache, review the .htaccess file for any misconfigurations.
  4. Increase PHP Memory Limit: If the error is related to PHP scripts, try increasing the PHP memory limit in your php.ini file.
  5. Check for Coding Errors: Review your code for unhandled exceptions, syntax errors, or bugs that may be causing the server to fail.
  6. Reinstall Software or Modules: Sometimes, corrupt or misconfigured software (like PHP or Apache) needs to be reinstalled.
What is a 500 Internal Server Error?
It’s a generic server error indicating that something has gone wrong on the server, but the exact cause isn’t clear.

What causes HTTP Error 500?
Common causes include server overload, permission issues, and coding errors.

How can I fix HTTP 500 errors?
You can fix it by checking server logs, fixing file permissions, reviewing the .htaccess file, or addressing coding bugs.

How can I prevent future 500 Internal Server Errors?
Regular server maintenance, error handling in code, and server monitoring tools can help prevent 500 errors.

What’s the difference between a 500 error and a 504 error?
A 500 error is a generic server error, while a 504 error means a gateway server timed out while waiting for a response from another server.




To prevent future 500 HTTP errors, follow these best practices:
  1. Use Proper Error Handling in Code: Implement proper error handling mechanisms in your backend code to catch exceptions and handle them gracefully.
  2. Monitor Server Resources: Use server monitoring tools to track CPU and memory usage. If you detect spikes, consider upgrading your server resources.
  3. Optimize Database Queries: Poorly optimized queries can overload the server, leading to timeouts and 500 errors.
  4. Use Caching: Caching can reduce the load on your server by serving static content to users, which helps prevent errors caused by high traffic.
  5. Regularly Update Software: Keep your server software, CMS (like WordPress), and plugins up to date to minimize vulnerabilities.


Frequent 500 Internal Server Errors can severely affect user experience, damage your SEO rankings, and tarnish your brand’s reputation. By understanding the causes and solutions, you can reduce their impact. However, if you find that server errors persist and your current provider isn’t resolving them promptly, it might be time to consider a change.
Scalesta offers robust hosting solutions tailored for high-traffic websites, designed to prevent common server issues and ensure reliable performance. Plus, we offer free migration services to make the switch smooth and stress-free. Let us keep your site running seamlessly!
The 500 Internal Server Error is not the only server-side error you might encounter. Here are some related errors:

  • 502 Bad Gateway: Indicates that one server acting as a gateway received an invalid response from an upstream server.
  • 503 Service Unavailable: Typically occurs when the server is overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
  • 504 Gateway Timeout: Occurs when a server acting as a gateway times out waiting for a response from another server.

Each of these errors has different causes and solutions, but they share similarities with the 500 error in terms of impact and troubleshooting.



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