A [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html), or “404 Not Found,” is an HTTP status code indicating that the server cannot find the requested resource. This error typically occurs when the content has been removed or relocated to a different URL.

## **What causes a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html)?**

A [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) occurs when a server cannot find the requested resource. Common causes include:

1. **Incorrect URL**: The most frequent cause is a typo in the URL entered by the user.

2. **Deleted or Moved Pages**: Content may have been removed or relocated without an updated link. If the original URL isn’t redirected to the new location, a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) occurs.

3. **Broken Links**: Links from other websites or even within the same site can lead to no longer existing pages.

4. **Server Configuration Changes**: Changes made to the server configuration, such as modifications to .htaccess files, can result in inaccessible pages.

5. **Expired Links**: If a webpage was time-sensitive (like event pages) and is now outdated, it may lead to a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html).

6. **Domain name changes**: If a website changes its domain name, the old pages may return 404 errors unless adequately redirected.

7. **Website Migration**: Moving a website to a new host or platform can cause links to break if not handled correctly.

## **How can I fix a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) on my website?**

To fix a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) on your website, you can follow these steps:

1. **Check the URL**:
   - Ensure that the URL entered is correct. Look for typos or missing parts.

2. **Redirects**:
   - If the content has moved, set up a [301 redirect](/content/glossary/301-redirect/index.html) from the old URL to the new URL. This helps maintain SEO and user experience.

3. **Restore Content**:
   - If the page was deleted accidentally, consider restoring it from backups.

4. **Update Internal Links**:
   - Review and update internal links within your site to point to the correct pages.

5. **Fix Broken Links**:
   - Use tools like Google Search Console or online broken link checkers to find and fix broken links on your site.

6. **Create a Custom 404 Page**:
   - Design a friendly [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) page that guides users to active content on your site. Include links to popular pages or a search bar.

7. **Monitor Changes**:
   - If you’ve recently changed your site structure or content management system, track changes and ensure all necessary redirects are in place.

8. **Server Configuration**:
   - Check your web server settings (like .htaccess for Apache servers) to ensure that configuration issues aren’t causing the error.

9. **Consult Hosting Provider**:
   - Contact your web hosting provider for assistance if you cannot diagnose the issue.

## **Why is [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) called 404?**

The [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) is called “404” because it is the HTTP status code assigned to indicate that a server cannot find the requested resource. The “404” is part of the standardized code system used by web servers to communicate specific status messages. In this case:

- **400**: Indicates a client error.
- **404** indicates that the resource (like a webpage) was not found on the server.

This coding system helps servers and clients (browsers, user agents) understand the nature of the responses given by the server.

## **What does it mean when a webpage is not found?**

When a webpage is not found, the server cannot locate the specific URL you requested. This typically results in a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html). The reasons for this can include:

1. **Incorrect URL**: The URL typed in the address bar may have typos or inaccuracies.

2. **Deleted Content**: The server may have removed or deleted the page.

3. **Moved Content**: The page might have been moved to a different URL without proper redirection.

4. **Server Issues**: There may be technical problems with the server hosting the webpage.

5. **Restrictions**: The page might be restricted due to permissions or other access controls.

## **Key Features of a [404 Error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html):**

1. **Client-Side Error**: The [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html) is classified as a client-side error, meaning that the issue is typically not with the server but rather the requested resource.

2. **User Impact**: When users encounter a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html), they are usually presented with a standard error page unless the website has a custom 404 page.

3. **Common Cause**:
   - Misspelled URLs or broken links.
   - Pages that have been removed or renamed without proper redirection.
   - Outdated bookmarks or links from other websites.

## **How to Identify a [404 Error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html):**

**Google Search Console**: This tool can help identify any crawl errors, including 404 errors, that Google encounters on your site.

**Browser Notification**: When you try to access a non-existent page, most browsers will display a standard message indicating a [404 error](/content/glossary/404-error/index.html).

**Server Logs**: Web server logs can provide insight into how often users encounter 404 errors, allowing you to address them.

### **Example of a Basic Custom 404 Page:**