Introduction
Server Error 500, more popularly known as Internal Server Error, is a generic error message indicating that server is not able to fulfil the user access request, but the exact reason cannot be identified and provided for the error.
This error can be frustrating for both website administrators and visitors. This is because you know there is problem but not the reason behind the problem.
Regular occurrence of this error can severely impact the reputation of your website and ultimate the search engine rankings.
Through this blog, we will help you understand what causes Server Error 500 and suggest some action steps to troubleshoot this error. We will also help you with best practices to help you avoid this error in future.
What is Server Error 500?
Server Error 500 is a generic status code returned by your website server to the user when it encounters an unexpected condition that prevents it from fulfilling the access request of people trying to access your website.
The error message on your website may read something like one’s listed below –
- The server encountered an error and could not complete your request.
- There is a problem with the resource you are looking for, and it cannot be displayed.
- This page isn’t working. ____ is unable to receive your request.
Common Causes of Server Error 500
- Server Misconfigurations – Incorrect setup of settings in server configuration files can lead to this error.
- File Permissions – Incorrect file or directory permissions can prevent the server from accessing necessary files required by server to function properly.
- Script Errors – Syntax errors or runtime errors in server-side scripts can cause the server to fail and fulfil the user access request.
- Resource Limitations – Insufficient memory or CPU resources or spam attack will result in server overload, and this may cause generic server error 500.
- Software Bugs – Bugs in server software or third-party applications, plugins and themes installed and integrated with your website can also trigger this error.
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Check Server Logs
Server logs are the first place to look for clues about what might be causing the error on your website. You can reach out to your web hosting server support team or use tools like cPanel to access the server logs.
Server logs can help you with detailed error messages and stack traces that will assist you to identify the root cause of the error.
- Apache – Check the error_log file, usually located in /var/log/apache2/ or /var/log/httpd/.
- Nginx – Check the error.log file, usually located in /var/log/nginx/.
Step 2: Verify File Permissions
Check the file permissions to confirm that the server has correct permissions to access the files and directories it needs.
- Files – In general, the files should have permissions set to 644.
- Directories – Directories should have permissions set to 755.
You can access the file permissions for your website with an FTP client.
Step 3: Check for Syntax Errors in Scripts
Syntax errors in server-side scripts (e.g., PHP, Python) can cause Server Error 500.
Use a code editor or an integrated development environment (IDE) to check for syntax errors.
- PHP: Use php -l filename.php to check for syntax errors.
- Python: Use python -m py_compile filename.py to check for syntax errors.
Step 4: Inspect .htaccess File
The .htaccess file is used to configure server settings on a per-directory basis.
Errors in this file can cause Server Error 500.
- Check for syntax errors or unsupported directives in the .htaccess file.
- Temporarily rename the .htaccess file to see if the error resolves.
- If the issue persists, Go to File Manager > public_html folder > .htaccess file. Disable the file by renaming it. Create a new .htaccess file, edit it and update it with default .htaccess code.
Step 5: Increase PHP Memory Limit
Server Error 500 might occur when scripts fail due to insufficient memory. Thus, if you increase the PHP memory limit, it can help resolve the Server Error 500.
- Edit the php.ini file and increase the memory_limit directive, e.g., memory_limit = 256M.
- If you don’t have access to php.ini, you can increase the memory limit in the .htaccess file: php_value memory_limit 256M.
Step 6: Check for Software Updates
Outdated server software or applications can have bugs that cause Server Error 500. Ensure that all software is up to date.
- Web Server: Update Apache or Nginx to the latest version.
- Programming Languages: Update PHP, Python, or other languages to the latest version.
- CMS: If you are using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, ensure it is updated to the latest version.
Step 7: Check for Database Problems
If your website data is corrupted or there are database misconfigurations, you can encounter a Server Error 500.
You can make use of tools such as phpMyAdmin and MySQL Workbench to identify the issues.
Step 8: Contact Hosting Provider
If you have tried all the above steps and still not able to identify the cause of error, it is possible that the error is at web hosting provider’s end. Reach out to the technical support team of your hosting provider for assistance.
Best Practices to Avoid Server Error 500 in Future
A. Regularly Update Software – Keep your third-party applications, plugins, themes, and core software up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues with your website and web server.
B. Monitor Server Resources – Ensure you have sufficient webserver resources (CPU, memory, disk space) to handle unusual traffic spikes.
C. Use Debugging Tools – You can make use of plugins like WP Debugging for WordPress sites to identify issues early.
D. Maintain Error Logs – Regularly conduct checks and maintain error logs to identify potential problems before they escalate into server error.
E. Implement Security Measures – Secure your webserver with adequate safety configurations and SSL certificates to prevent security-related errors.
Conclusion
Server Error 500 can be challenging because you will have to first diagnose the problem and the work on the solutions. However, by following the troubleshooting steps we have outlined for you in this blog, you can easily identify and resolve the underlying issues causing the error.
Once resolved, implement the best practices we have listed to ensure the error does not reoccur.
