A 404 Not Found error means that the web server was reached successfully, but the specific page or file requested could not be found.
It is one of the most common website errors and usually means that the requested URL does not exist, has been moved, renamed, or deleted.
Common Causes of a 404 Not Found Error
A 404 error can occur for several reasons, including:
- The requested page or file has been deleted.
- The URL was entered incorrectly.
- A page or file was renamed or moved.
- A link points to an incorrect or outdated URL.
- WordPress permalink settings are incorrect.
- Required website files are missing.
- A website migration was incomplete.
- A website or application has incorrect routing or configuration.
- The requested resource never existed.
How Can I Fix a 404 Error?
1. Check the URL
Carefully review the URL and make sure it has been entered correctly.
A small spelling mistake, missing character, or incorrect path can result in a 404 error.
2. Refresh the Page
Refresh the page and try accessing it again.
If the website or application has recently been changed, a temporary issue may sometimes cause the error.
3. Check Whether the Page or File Exists
If you manage the website, verify that the requested page or file still exists in the correct location.
If it has been accidentally deleted, you may need to restore it from a backup or recreate it.
4. Check WordPress Permalink Settings
If you use WordPress and multiple pages suddenly return 404 errors, your permalink configuration may need to be refreshed.
You can often resolve this by going to:
WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks
Then click Save Changes without changing the existing settings.
This causes WordPress to regenerate its rewrite rules.
5. Check Your Internal Links
If visitors reach the affected page through another page on your website, check that the link points to the correct URL.
Update or remove links that point to pages that no longer exist.
6. Clear Your Browser Cache
In some cases, your browser may be loading an outdated version of a page.
Try:
- Refreshing the page.
- Clearing your browser cache.
- Opening the URL in a private or incognito window.
- Testing the URL from another browser or device.
Can a Website Migration Cause 404 Errors?
Yes.
After migrating a website, some pages or files may return 404 errors if:
- Files were not transferred correctly.
- The database migration was incomplete.
- WordPress permalink settings were not regenerated.
- Website URLs changed during the migration.
- Required rewrite or application configuration was not transferred correctly.
- The website structure changed after migration.
If the errors started immediately after a migration, review the migration and website configuration first.
Can DNS Changes Cause a 404 Error?
DNS changes can sometimes appear to be related to a 404 error, but they do not normally create a 404 response by themselves.
If you recently changed your nameservers or DNS records, your domain may temporarily resolve to different servers while DNS changes propagate.
If the domain is reaching a server that does not have the expected website configured, that server may return a 404 error or another error response.
Check that your DNS records point to the correct hosting service and that the website is properly configured on the destination server.
Can Deleted Pages Cause 404 Errors?
Yes.
If a page is deleted, visitors who try to access its old URL will normally receive a 404 error unless another page or redirect has been configured.
If you have moved content to a new URL, consider creating a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new location. This helps visitors reach the correct page and can help search engines understand that the content has permanently moved.
Will a 404 Error Affect My Website?
Occasional 404 errors are normal. Pages may be removed, renamed, or moved over time.
However, a large number of unnecessary 404 errors can negatively affect:
- Visitor experience.
- Website navigation.
- Search engine optimisation (SEO).
- Website credibility.
Regularly checking for broken links and correcting outdated URLs can help maintain a healthy website.
Can SIRSTEVEHQ Help?
Yes.
If you're experiencing unexpected 404 errors and are unsure what is causing them, our Support Team can investigate whether the issue may be related to your hosting environment.
If the problem involves missing website files, hosting configuration, or server-related settings, we'll investigate and provide guidance where possible.
For application-level issues, such as incorrect WordPress configuration, broken plugins, themes, or custom code, you may also need assistance from your website developer.
Need Help Troubleshooting a 404 Error?
If your website is displaying a 404 Not Found error, please open a support ticket through your SIRSTEVEHQ Client Area.
Include:
- Your domain name.
- The exact URL returning the 404 error.
- When the issue started.
- Whether all pages are affected or only specific pages.
- Any recent changes, such as a migration, plugin installation, theme change, or website update.
- Any error messages or screenshots that may help explain the issue.
Providing these details will help our Support Team investigate the issue more efficiently and determine the appropriate next steps.
