Most Common HTTP Errors and How to Resolve them

HTTP ERROR 400 (BAD REQUEST) – Web Error

If this error message is showing, it’s likely because the web browser you’re using accessed the page incorrectly, or the request was corrupt somehow. It’s usually caused by entering the wrong URL into the address bar.

How to fix it:

  1. Check for errors in the URL. This is the most common reason for a 400 Bad Request error so be sure you have the right website entered. Make sure to check for syntax errors!
  2. Clear your browser’s cookies and cache. Sites can sometimes report a 400 error if the cookie it’s reading is corrupt.
    Tip: this is not the same as clearing your browser’s cache.
  3. Clear your DNS cache. Running CMD prompt as Admin Enter Command: ipconfig /flushdns
  4. If it’s still not working then you’ll have to contact the web developer of that site as it’s most likely something they need to fix on their end.

For more information on this issue check out this link:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-fix-a-400-bad-request-error-2617988

HTTP ERROR 401 (UNAUTHORIZED) – Web Error

This error may show up in different formats, such as “401 Unauthorized”, “Authorization Required”, or “HTTP Error 401 – Unauthorized”

The HTTP error 401 occurs when you need to enter credentials (username and password) to access the web page.

How to fix it:

  1. Check the URL for errors.
  2. If the URL is correct, go to the site’s homepage and look for a login link. Enter your username and password, and then try the page again.
  3. If the page you’re trying to access isn’t supposed to need authorization, contact the webmaster and let them know.

HTTP ERROR 404 (NOT FOUND) – Web Error

This is a very common error. It means that the page that you are attempting to access could not be found on the server. Usually, this means a broken link.

How to fix it:

  1. Refresh page.
  2. Check the URL for errors.
  3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
  4. Use your antivirus program to scan your computer for malware.
  5. Contact the Webmaster and let them know about the issue.

HTTP ERROR 408 (REQUEST TIMEOUT ERROR) – Web Error

The 408 Request Timeout error is an HTTP status code that means the request you sent to the website server (i.e. a request to load a web page) took longer than the website’s server was prepared to wait. In other words, your connection with the website gave up and ”timed out.”

The 408 Request Timeout error displays inside the internet browser window, just as web pages do.

How to Fix:

  1. Retry the webpage load by clicking the refresh/reload button or trying the URL from the address bar again. Many times a slow connection causes a delay that prompts the 408 Request Timeout error and this is often only temporary. Trying the page again will often be successful.
    Note: If the 408 Request Timeout error message appears during the checkout process at an online merchant, be aware that duplicate attempts to checkout may end up creating multiple orders – and multiple charges! Most merchants have automatic protections from these kinds of actions but it’s still something to keep in mind.
  2. You may be experiencing an issue with your internet connection that’s causing long delays when accessing pages. To rule this out, visit another website and see if you can replicate the error.
    If the pages load as fast as you’re used to seeing them load, the issue causing the 408 Request Timeout error is probably with the website.
  3. If all websites are running slow, however, your internet connection may be having issues. Run an Internet speed test to benchmark your current bandwidth or contact your Internet Service Provider for technical support. If it’s your internet connection then begin troubleshooting this and not the 408 request timeout error.
  4. Come back later. The 408 Request Timeout error is a common error message on very popular websites when a huge increase in traffic by visitors is overwhelming the servers (like trying to have 20 people walk through a doorway all at once).
    As more and more visitors leave the website, the chances of a successful page load for you increases.
  5. If all else fails, you may want to attempt to contact the webmaster or another site contact and inform them of the 408 Request Timeout error message.
  6. The webmaster of most websites can be reached via email at webmaster@website.com, contact@website.com or support@website.com, replacing website.com with the actual website name.

HTTP ERROR 500 (INTERNAL SERVER ERROR) – Web Error

The HTTP Error 500 is the most general of all the error codes. If an HTTP Error 500 is displaying, it means that something isn’t right. Because it is a server-side error, the problem isn’t likely on your computer’s end.

How to fix it:

  1. Refresh page.
  2. Clear your cache and cookies.
  3. Contact the webmaster and let them know about the issue.
  4. Try again at a later point.