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 oncommon server errorsto 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!