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TIPS to search 1
billion Web pages fast!
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Anita Bora
Picture this. You're browsing your favourite site, when a message flashes across your screen: 'Forbidden access'. Annoyed? Wondering where you went wrong?
Surfing errors can be very frustrating and messages like 'Page not found' or 'Server access forbidden' don't make it clear as to what the error really means.
So what are these messages and why do they popup at the most unexpected moments? Here for you is a list of common errors you might encounter, and the most likely solutions where applicable.
300 Errors
These are called the 300 series and the most common ones are:
- 301 - Moved Permanently
The requested resource or page has been assigned a new permanent link. Browsers with link editing capabilities automatically link to the new reference.
- 302 - Moved Temporarily
The requested resource resides temporarily under a new URL. Redirection to a new page should be provided on the old page. This is not really an error as most browsers fetch the new page upon seeing this result.
Fun With 404
If you think errors are boring, see how much fun some sites have with them.
Many sites customise their 404 pages by adding their own design and message. Instead of a plain vanilla page with 'Error: File Not Found' you could get a funny, interesting or downright rude message when this error occurs.
So if you are going through the MIT site and encounter a 404 error, you will be greeted with:
"I ate your Web page.
Forgive me. It was juicy
And tart on my tongue."
Then there are the rude ones:
"You've been officially REJECTED! Yes, you have been denied, disacknowledged, disallowed, disavowed, disowned, and generally just diss'ed."
And some get philosophical:
"void is the emptiness, the antithesis of everything. it is the cold bleakness of space, the ice in your heart."
404 Research Labs is dedicated to 404 error pages. It features '404 of the Week' and covers the error's history and possible corrections.
If you want to create your own 404 page, check this 'do-it-yourself' section that contains technical instructions about configuring your server to show your page instead of the custom one.
Internet Tips also helps you design custom 404 error pages.
Research Lab and 404 Lounge have links to fun 404 pages that will keep you occupied for hours. So instead of dreading 404 errors, you will actually start looking forward to getting them!
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400 Errors
There are several 400 errors. These are most common:
- 400 - Bad request
The requested document could not be sent because of a syntax error in the URL (site address). You'll have to check whether you have got the right site address and try again.
- 401 - Unauthorised
Requires user authentication. You'll need to provide a valid username or password usually in a dialogue box that pops up.
- 403 - Forbidden/ Access Denied
Some sites restrict access to certain sections. This means you don't have rights to access the particular page(s).
- 404 - Page not found
A variation of this message is 'The document you requested does not exist on this server'. This really means the URL you requested no longer exists. 404 errors usually come from a mistyped URL, a bookmark that points to a file that no longer exists and bad links. Recheck the address for typos.
500 Errors
These are called the 300 series and the most common ones are:
- 500 - Internal Server Error
The server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from completing the request. Nothing can be done from the browser end to fix this error.
- 503 - Service Unavailable
A temporary problem on the Web site is preventing it from processing your request. This might be due to temporary overloading or maintenance of the server. The server might also be out of resources. Your option would be to try later.
Connection Refused by Host: You're not permitted to access this document, possibly because it's password-protected. If you know the password, try again making sure you type it correctly. This is a version of the 403 Forbidden error explained above.
Failed DNS Lookup: The URL couldn't be translated into a valid IP address. Either the site doesn't exist or the address has a typo. Nevertheless, try again when Internet traffic might not be as busy.
File Contains No Data means you've accessed the Web site, but the file you requested is empty. There is a possibility that the site is being updated or undergoing maintenance. You can try to access the document again later.
Helper Application Not Found You've attempted to download a file that needs a helper application, and your browser can't find it. Helper applications are shareware and freeware that can be downloaded from various archive sites.
To resolve this, for Internet Explorer, click View > Options > File Types, and make sure the correct directory and file name are entered for the helper application.
Netscape users can configure them in the Helper Applications dialogue box found under Options > Preferences.
Plugin required: A plugin is a programme that your browser uses to perform certain tasks and usually has to be downloaded. Macromedia Flash is a plugin required for playing multimedia files. If your browser reports this message, it probably means that the specific plugin could not be detected on your machine. In most cases, there will be instructions on how and where to download it.
Host Unavailable: There are many reasons that you might be getting this message.
- Too many users are trying to access the site
- The site is down for maintenance
- There is 'noise' or disturbance in your line, and you may need to reconnect
The site no longer exists
- You've typed the wrong address
Host Unknown: The host you tried to reach is unavailable, and there's no forwarding address. Alternatively, you could have lost your connection or entered an incorrect URL. Click reload/ refresh. If you still receive the error, check the URL for case-sensitivity.
File Not Found: The page that the hyperlink points to no longer exists.
Connection Refused. Variations to this message are:
-- Netscape (Or IE) has received an error
-- Network connection refused by server
-- Too many connections. Try again later
-- Too many users
Some servers limit the number of requests to be handled at a time. These errors usually indicate that the server is too busy to handle more traffic. Click reload until you connect, or try later.
TIPS
- Periodically clean your browser's cache. There's usually an option for this in your browser's pull down menu.
- Access the Net during the morning, or later in the evening, when Internet traffic tends to be lighter.
- Close other applications in order to free up memory for your browser to use.
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Cannot Locate Host OR Host Unavailable: This pops up when the server can't be reached because it's offline or down for maintenance. Again, click reload or try later.
Permission Denied: Usually occurs when you're uploading or dowloading by connecting with an FTP site. Check with the Web master if you need permission to upload to the site, download a certain file, or access a directory. Also check that you're using the correct procedure to upload or download.
Unable to Locate Server: The server no longer exists, or the URL was entered incorrectly.
Server has no DNS Entry: This might mean one of the following.
- The address you entered contains an error. Check for case sensitivity and spelling.
- The site or server you're trying to access is busy. Try again. Many times you can get through on the second try even if it's immediately after the first.
- The server you are trying to access is down. Try again later.
- URL is invalid or is no longer registered.
There is no response OR The server might be down or is not responding: When this error occurs, the domain name was confirmed by your server as valid but there was no response from the remote site. This could be caused by excessive traffic or a broken segment between your computer and the site. The site could also be down or temporarily offline. This is normally a temporary error.
Fatal Error or Illegal Operation: The operating system has elected to stop a process within your browser. This could be an indication of a problem within your operating system or hardware or applications. If the problem persists contact your hardware support personnel.
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