Accessing websites can seem normal until you are served with “HTTP Error 500.” It can be a frustrating message since you can no longer access the site. Perhaps you might be purchasing something urgent but this message halts the process. If it is your website, clients cannot view your content, and the problem is even greater for you if you are an online merchant. Luckily, there is a way of fixing any bug or issue on the website which implies that the error can be fixed. This article highlights what an HTTP error 500 is when it occurs, and tips for fixing it.


What Is the HTTP Error 500?

error 500

Image Via ​pixabay​​​

The error message is a general HTTP status code which implies that the web server malfunctioned. However, the web server does not specify what the exact issue is.


How the Error Is Reported

The error message is usually given in a variety of ways as each website is permitted to modify this message. The following are the most frequent ways that you will be notified if the website has HTTP error 500.

  • HTTP 500 - Internal Server Error
  • Internal Server Error
  • 500. That's an error
  • 500 Error
  • Temporary Error (500)
  • HTTP Error 500
  • HTTP 500 Internal Error
  • 500 Internal Server Error

Since it is an internal web server slip, which the site you are accessing generates, you can see one in all types of browsers, operating system, or mobile phones. Mostly, the error is displayed inside the browser window, just like the other site pages do.


More Ways of Displaying the Error

How to Fix Http Error 500

Image Via ​pixabay​​​

In an Internet Explorer browser, you might see the note, “The website cannot display the page,” which shows an “http error 500”. A “405 Method Not Allowed” note might also be displayed, but 405 or 500 should be shown on the web page's title bar. Google platforms might also display the error, such as Google+ or Gmail and they will show a “Temporary Error (500), or just 500. Windows Update displays this error as 0x8024401F error code or WU_E_PT_ HTTP_STATUS_SERVER_ERROR message.


Errors Similar to HTTP 500 Error


Most browser error site displays are identical to the 500 Error message as they are all server-based, and include 504 Gateway Timeout, 503 Service Unavailable, and 502 Bad Gateway. In addition, numerous client-side HTTP status codes can be relayed like 404 Not Found Error among others


Why Does the Error Occur? 

The error indicates that something is erroneous on the site’s server. Erroneous implies a problem with the page or the website’s program, but there is a possibility that the issue is due to your PC or internet connection, which is worth investigating below. However, more precise information pertaining to the reason of the error is usually given when it happens on a server that incorporates the use of Microsoft IIS software. You need to look for the numerals after the 500, such as those in HTTP Error 500.19–Internal Server Error that means that the configuration data is void.


Tips to Fix HTTP Error 500

 

Since the error is a server-based error, this means that the issue is not on your side but on the site’s web server. However, as noted above the problem could also be on your side, in which case there are various options you can try to resolve the issue. These include:

  • Reloading the web page
  • Clearing the cache
  • Deleting cookies
  • Troubleshooting 500 Gateway Timeout
  • Contacting the website
  • Accessing the site later

Reloading the Web Page.

Clearing the Cache

Deleting Cookies

Troubleshooting 500 Gateway Timeout

Contacting the Website

Come Back Later

Fixing HTTP Error 500 Issues on Your Own Site


Conclusion

person using MacBook Pro

image source: Unsplash

An HTTP 500 error is a common issue for websites, and you can receive various messages, such as HTTP 500 - Internal Server Error, 500 Internal Server Error, Internal Server Error, and 500, That's an Error among others. The error shows that something has gone wrong on the website server. As a user, you can take various steps to resolve it, including reloading the web page, clearing the cache, deleting cookies, troubleshooting 500 gateway timeout, contacting the website, or coming back later. However, for website owners, they need to take a different approach to resolve the issue, including correcting for PHP timeouts, coding errors in .htaccess, or permission errors. We hope that this content will help you resolve the error more effectively.