HTTP Internal server error 500 often indicates that something is wrong with the website server, but it is challenging to find out the exact cause of the error. 500 Internal Server Error is a general catch-all error message, which is shown when the server is unable to process the request from the client.
Following are the specific error list:
- 501 Not Implemented
- 502 Bad Gateway
- 503 Service Unavailable
- 504 Gateway Timeout
- 505 HTTP Version Not Supported
- 506 Variant Also Negotiates
- 507 Insufficient Storage
- 508 Loop Detected
- 510 Not Extended
- 511 Network Authentication Required
Following are the error formats:
- 500 Internal Server Error
- HTTP 500 – Internal Server Error
- Temporary Error (500)
- Internal Server Error
- HTTP 500 Internal Error
- 500 Error
- HTTP Error 500
- 500. That’s an error
Following we mention a few ways to troubleshoot 500 internal server error for users. If you’re looking for a troubleshooting guide for site admins, scroll down to the second half of the article.
Also read: What is 404 not found error? 5 simple ways you can fix the error
Clear the browser cache
It is also possible that due to an error in your browser’s cache, the site isn’t loading properly. To tackle that, you can clear your browser cache. Follow the steps mentioned below for respective browsers.
Google Chrome
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete or Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data > Cached Imaged and Files and choose Clear Cache.
Firefox
Press Ctrl+ Shift+ Delete or Go to Menu > Options > Privacy and History > Clear History.
Safari
The easiest way is to use the Option Command E or Go to Develop > Empty Caches
Opera
Ctrl+ Shift + Delete is the easiest way. Another way is Settings > Advanced > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data > Cached Images and Files > Clear data.
Also read: Internet Safety: Should you trust HTTPS? HTTP vs HTTPS
Deleting the cookies
Deleting the cookies might also resolve the error. Cookies are tiny files that are stored by the browser on the computer. Cookie file remembers information like the passwords or the previously answered questions. Here is the way to delete cookies on your web browsers.Google Chrome
To open the clear browsing window press Ctrl+ Shift + Delete or Go to Menu > More tools > Clear browsing data.
Firefox
The clear cookie window will be opened by Ctrl+Shift+Delete or go to Menu>Options>Privacy and Security > Clear Data and make sure you check the Cookies and Site Databox. Then click Clear data.
Internet Explorer
Go to Tools (Alt + X)> Internet Options>Browsing History>Delete. Ensure that the Cookies and Website box is checked.
Safari
At the top left corner go to Safari>Preferences>Privacy>Manage Website Data. Here, you will have two options. Either select individual cookies and then click Remove or use Remove All, which clears all data.
Reload the webpage
If the error is temporary, this might solve the problem. For reloading press F5 or Ctrl + R or click on the URL once and press Enter.
Contacting the website
Site administrators might be working to resolve the problem. You can contact them by mail or through other mediums mentioned on the website contact information.
Wait it out
You can try again later if you have done the above procedures. The site administrators might be working out on the issue.
Treat it as a 504 error
A 504 error occurs when the connection is not made between the browser and to the server. You can visit the following article for 504 error troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting (for Site Administrators)
Troubleshooting for Site administrators is a bit different.
External Server Timeout(PHP timeout)
Sometimes the server connects to an external server for information for the required information. The external server might timeout. In such cases, the error might be shown to you.
To solve this particular kind of error, the timeout values can be increased, or other appropriate options can be selected. By increasing the timeout values, the server will not return the error message rather it will wait for the set amount of time.
Wrong File or Directory Permissions
Wrong permissions are the main cause of the error. The permissions to either of the file or to the directory are set wrongly, the error will be displayed. To resolve this issue you will have to correct the PHP or CGI Script or by resetting the correct permission to the file or the directory.
Error in .htaccess file
These files override global settings. For Example, Blocking certain IP Addresses.
Error in .htaccess files can be caused by errors in URL rewriting. The error can be resolved by locating and reconfiguring the file.
By following the above procedures you might be able to resolve the error. If it can’t be resolved from your end you can contact the concerned website.
Also read: How to use your Android as a secondary screen for your Windows PC?