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What is HTTP 500 error and how to handle it

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  • 5 min read

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.What is L1, L2, and L3 CPU cache? How does it work?

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

What are browser cookies? Why are they needed? Types of 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>DeleteEnsure that the Cookies and Website box is checked.

Safari

At the top left corner go to Safari>Preferences>Privacy>Manage Website DataHere, you will have two options. Either select individual cookies and then click Remove or use Remove All, which clears all data.

Reload the webpage

What is HTTP 500 error and how to handle it: For users and site adminsIf 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

What is 504 gateway timeout error? 8 ways to fix itA 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?

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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