Sometimes we click on a link and end up on a strange page with the number “404” or messages like “404 Error,” “Page Not Found,” or similar phrases indicating that something went wrong. These are known as “dead links” and are often frustrating for both users and website owners. Here, we’ll briefly explain why they happen.

How Does a 404 Error Occur?

The 404 error appears when a webpage doesn’t exist and therefore can’t be accessed. It’s a standardized HTTP status code sent from a website’s web server to the browser (also called the client). There are over 60 HTTP status codes, divided into 5 (technically 6) categories, that a server can use to respond to an HTTP request. The 404 status code is the most well-known because it’s one that regular users often encounter. Most HTTP status codes are processed in the background and not shown to users.

Reasons Why a Webpage Is Not Accessible:

• The webpage/URL and its content have been deleted and no longer exist.
• The content has been moved to a new URL, but the links were not updated.
• A typo in the link on the source page.
• The web server is temporarily unavailable or the connection was interrupted.
• The domain name cannot be converted into an IP address.
• The webpage never existed, and it’s simply a typo in the browser window.

How Can the 404 Error Be Fixed?

It’s always frustrating to get a 404 error, and the instinct is to leave the site quickly. However, the information you’re looking for may still be available.

Possible Solutions:

• Refresh the page or reload it using [F5].
• Check the URL: The person who created the link might have made a typo. For example, they may have forgotten a slash.
• Use a search engine: Try searching for the desired webpage via a search engine, which will likely show the correct URL.
• Clear your cache and cookies: Sometimes old data is stored, and the site may have been previously accessed with an outdated link. By clearing the browser cache and cookies, you remove this old data, and the page may load properly.
• Contact the website owner: Lastly, you can contact the website owner and inform them that the page is no longer accessible. They may be able to tell you whether the content still exists. Website owners also appreciate this feedback because search engines frown upon 404 errors.