Last Updated on Sep 26, 2024 by Nurul Afsar
The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most frustrating issues for both website administrators and users. This error indicates that something has gone wrong on the server, but the server cannot specify what exactly the problem is. While the error message does not provide clear instructions, understanding how to diagnose and resolve it can save you a lot of time and prevent future issues. In this detailed guide, we will cover what causes an HTTP 500 error, how to fix it, and preventative measures to keep it from happening again. Let’s break it down step by step.
What is HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?
An HTTP 500 error code is a generic status code indicating that the server encountered an unexpected condition, preventing it from fulfilling the request. Unlike client-side errors (such as the 404 Not Found), the 500 error code means the problem originates from the server side. It’s important to understand that this error can occur in various web environments—whether it’s a WordPress site, PHP-based application, or even a standard HTML page.
Common Causes of HTTP 500 Internal Server Error
There are multiple reasons you could encounter an HTTP 500 Internal Server Error. Some of the most common causes include:
- Corrupted or Misconfigured .htaccess File: A corrupted or improperly configured .htaccess file can trigger a 500 error. This file helps to configure various settings for your website, such as redirects, access rules, and URL structures.
- PHP Memory Limit Exceeded: If your PHP script requires more memory than what is allocated, it may result in a 500 error. Scripts with heavy database queries or intensive functions can exhaust server memory, causing the server to crash.
- Permission Issues: Incorrect file or folder permissions can trigger HTTP 500 errors. For instance, files should generally have 644 permissions, and directories should have 755 permissions.
- Plugin or Theme Conflicts (For WordPress Sites): In WordPress environments, outdated or incompatible plugins and themes can cause server crashes. Poorly coded or incompatible plugins can also overload the server, resulting in a 500 error.
- Database Connection Problems: A disrupted connection between your website and its database can also cause a 500 error. This may occur due to server overload, corrupted database tables, or improper database configuration.
- Syntax Errors in Code: Errors in your website’s code, whether it’s HTML, PHP, or JavaScript, can lead to internal server errors. Debugging is required to find syntax or logical errors that might have caused the problem.
- Exhausted Resources: If your server exceeds its bandwidth, memory, or CPU limitations, it might return a 500 error. This is especially common on shared hosting servers that allocate limited resources for each account.
How to Fix HTTP 500 Internal Server Error
Now that you know the possible causes, let’s look at the steps to fix this error. Follow these methods systematically to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Notice: You should have knowledge of web development before fixing any of the issues, or you need to discuss this with your web developer, as these steps are for educational and informational purposes only. We are not liable if anything breaks on your website.
- Check the .htaccess File and repair if needed
If the .htaccess file is corrupt or misconfigured, it can lead to an HTTP 500 error.
Steps to Fix:
- Connect to your website’s root directory using FTP or cPanel.
- Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
- Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_backup to temporarily disable it.
- Reload your website to check if the error is resolved. If the error disappears, the issue lies within the .htaccess file.
- Generate a fresh .htaccess file by going to the admin dashboard (for WordPress users), navigating to Settings > Permalinks, and simply clicking “Save Changes.” You can also take help from our WooCommerce development team to fix HTTP 500 server error.
2. Increase PHP Memory Limit
- Access your site via FTP or cPanel.
- Open the wp-config.php file (for WordPress users) or the equivalent configuration file.
- Discuss increasing the limit with your developer. They may want to add this to the PHP file: define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
- Save the file and reload your website.
3. Check File and Directory Permissions
Incorrect permissions can lead to HTTP 500 errors, especially in shared hosting environments. If that’s the case, discuss it with your web developer to fix it. The process may look like this:
Steps to Fix:
- Use FTP or your host’s file manager to check the permissions of your files and directories.
- Ensure files have permissions set to 644 and directories set to 755.
- Change permissions if necessary, and refresh the website to see if the error is fixed.
4. Deactivate Plugins and Themes (For WordPress Users)
Plugin or theme conflicts are common causes of the HTTP 500 error, especially after updates.
Steps to Fix:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Deactivate all plugins by navigating to Plugins > Installed Plugins and selecting “Deactivate.”
- Check if the error resolves. If it does, activate each plugin one by one to identify the culprit.
- If you can’t access the dashboard, use FTP to navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old, which will deactivate all plugins.
5. Fix Database Connection Issues
If a database problem causes the error, you’ll need to check your database settings. This is a complex process and we suggest hiring a web development professional to fix that.
Steps to Fix:
- Open the wp-config.php file (for WordPress users) and verify the database name, username, password, and hostname are correct.
- Use tools like phpMyAdmin to repair the database by selecting the database, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking on “Repair Table.”
- If the error persists, contact your hosting provider to ensure there are no issues with the database server.
6. Enable Error Logs for Detailed Diagnostics
If none of the above methods work, you can enable server error logs to identify the root cause.
7. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If none of the solutions above resolve the error, there might be server-side issues beyond your control. It could be a temporary server outage or a misconfiguration at the host level.
Steps to Fix:
- Contact your hosting provider and provide them with details of the error.
- Ask them to check server logs and help resolve the issue.
Preventing HTTP 500 Internal Server Errors
After resolving the error, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid encountering the issue again in the future. Here are a few steps:
- Regularly Update Plugins and Themes: Outdated themes or plugins often cause conflicts, so make sure everything is updated.
- Backup Your Site Frequently: Always have a backup in place so you can quickly revert if something goes wrong.
- Monitor Server Resource Usage: Use tools like cPanel or server monitoring services to track your server’s memory, CPU, and bandwidth usage.
- Test Code and Scripts Before Deploying: Always test new code in a staging environment to catch issues before they impact the live site.
- Optimize Database: Regularly optimize your database to remove clutter and prevent database-related issues.
Fixing an HTTP 500 Internal Server Error can seem overwhelming due to the lack of detailed information about the underlying cause. However, by following the steps outlined above—checking your .htaccess file, increasing PHP memory, deactivating plugins, fixing database connection issues, and checking error logs—you can efficiently diagnose and resolve this error.
While this issue is server-side, many solutions are within your control. Regular maintenance, updates, and resource monitoring will help ensure your website runs smoothly and reduce the chances of encountering the 500 error again.
Let Numinix Help You Fix HTTP 500 Internal Server Error
If you’re facing persistent HTTP 500 internal server errors and need professional assistance, Numinix is here to help. Our experienced web development team can quickly diagnose the issue and implement the necessary fixes to keep your website running smoothly. Whether it’s a misconfigured server, plugin conflicts, or database errors, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let server errors disrupt your business. Reach out to us through our Contact Us page for a personalized quote, and let us take care of the technical details while you focus on growing your business.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date guidance, it is important to consult with your web developer before implementing any changes to your website. Numinix and the writer of this article are not responsible or liable for any damages, issues, or disruptions caused by the application of the methods and recommendations outlined in this tutorial. Proceed with caution and seek professional advice to ensure the safety and functionality of your website.