Fix 403 / 404 / 500 Errors #

If your website is showing 403 Forbidden, 404 Not Found, or 500 Internal Server Error, this guide will help you identify the cause and restore your website.

These errors are usually related to permissions, missing files, configuration issues, or application problems.

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Understanding Error Codes #

403 — Forbidden #

This means the server received the request but access to the page or file is blocked.

Common symptoms:

• Website opens but displays 403 Forbidden
• Certain folders cannot be accessed
• Uploads stop working

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404 — Not Found #

This means the requested page or resource cannot be found.

Common symptoms:

• Homepage works but internal pages fail
• Links return 404
• Images or files are missing

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500 — Internal Server Error #

This means something unexpected failed on the server or application.

Common symptoms:

• Blank page
• Error immediately after website changes
• Website unavailable

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Step 1 — Confirm the Website Domain #

Verify:

• Domain points to the correct hosting account
• Nameservers are correct
• Website is active

If the website was recently migrated or updated, allow time for DNS changes.

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Step 2 — Check Website Files #

Login to cPanel.

Open:

File Manager → public_html

Verify:

• Website files exist
• Homepage file exists (index.php or index.html)
• Files were uploaded completely

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Step 3 — Check File Permissions #

Incorrect permissions frequently cause 403 and 500 errors.

Recommended values:

Folders: 755
Files: 644

Do not use:

777

To update permissions:

File Manager → Right Click → Permissions

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Step 4 — Verify .htaccess File #

A broken .htaccess file can trigger all three errors.

Inside:

public_html

Try:

1. Rename:

.htaccess → .htaccess_old

2. Reload the website

If the website starts working, regenerate the configuration.

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Step 5 — Check Error Logs #

Open:

cPanel → Metrics → Errors

Review recent messages.

Examples:

Permission denied

File not found

PHP Fatal Error

Logs usually identify the exact issue.

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Fix 403 Forbidden #

Try these actions:

✅ Correct permissions
✅ Confirm homepage file exists
✅ Disable hotlink restrictions
✅ Check directory protection
✅ Verify IP is not blocked

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Fix 404 Not Found #

Try:

✅ Confirm page exists
✅ Reupload missing files
✅ Refresh permalink settings (WordPress)
✅ Check URL spelling
✅ Regenerate .htaccess

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Fix 500 Internal Server Error #

Try:

✅ Disable recently installed plugins
✅ Increase PHP memory limit
✅ Restore backup
✅ Check PHP version
✅ Remove broken code changes

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WordPress-Specific Fixes #

If using WordPress:

Open:

public_html/wp-content/

Temporarily rename:

plugins → plugins_disabled

Reload the website.

If fixed:

• Enable plugins one by one

Also check:

Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes

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Recent Migration Issues #

If the website was recently moved:

Check:

• Database imported correctly
• Configuration file updated
• DNS completed
• SSL installed

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Still Not Fixed? #

Prepare these details before contacting support:

• Domain name
• Exact error shown
• Screenshot (optional)
• Time issue started
• Recent changes made

This helps speed up investigation.

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Category: Troubleshooting
Article: 403 / 404 / 500 Errors
Estimated Time: 10–20 Minutes
Last Updated: May 2026