A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code indicating the web server encountered an unexpected condition preventing it from fulfilling a request. Common causes include corrupted .htaccess files, plugin/theme conflicts (especially in WordPress), PHP memory limits, or server misconfigurations. To fix it, try refreshing the page, clearing browser cache, disabling plugins, renaming the .htaccess file, or checking server error logs.
Common Causes and Troubleshooting
Corrupted .htaccess file: Particularly common in WordPress; rename to .htaccess.bak via FTP to test.
Plugin/Theme Issues:
Disable plugins one by one or switch to a default theme to identify conflicts
.
PHP Memory Limit: Increase memory limits if the server is overloaded.
Server Configuration/Permissions: Incorrect file permissions (should generally be 755 or 644).
Temporary Issues: Sometimes, the server is overloaded and the error is temporary.
What to Do as a User
Refresh the page: The error may be temporary.
Clear Browser Cache: Delete cookies and cache to ensure you are not viewing a cached error page.
Try Later: The server administrator likely needs to fix the issue.
What to Do as a Site Administrator
Check Server Logs: Review error logs to identify the specific cause.
Check File Permissions: Ensure files are not set to 777.
Deactivate Plugins: If on WordPress, rename the plugins folder via FTP to deactivate all plugins.
Increase PHP Limits: Increase memory, max execution time, and input vars.
Impact: A 500 error makes a website inaccessible, which can hurt user experience and SEO rankings if it lasts for an extended period.
russell5607
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A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code indicating the web server encountered an unexpected condition preventing it from fulfilling a request. Common causes include corrupted
.htaccessfiles, plugin/theme conflicts (especially in WordPress), PHP memory limits, or server misconfigurations. To fix it, try refreshing the page, clearing browser cache, disabling plugins, renaming the.htaccessfile, or checking server error logs..htaccessfile: Particularly common in WordPress; rename to.htaccess.bakvia FTP to test.pluginsfolder via FTP to deactivate all plugins.0
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