What Causes HTTP Error 500 and How to Fix It – Seek Social

Struggling with a 500 server error that leaves your website in the dark? You’re not alone. The HTTP Error 500 is one of the most common and frustrating issues website owners face. It can disrupt your site’s functionality, impact user experience, and harm your SEO performance if left unresolved. But don’t worry—we’re here to help.

At Seek Social, we specialise in providing expert digital marketing solutions, including technical SEO support to keep your website running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes the 500 internal server errors and, more importantly, how to fix it to prevent future disruptions.

What is HTTP Error 500?

The 500 internal server error, commonly referred to as a “500 server error,” is a general server-side error. This means that something has gone wrong on the website’s server, but the server can’t be more specific about the exact problem.

Server-Side vs Client-Side Errors

It’s essential to distinguish server-side errors like the internal server error from client-side errors such as a 404 Not Found. While client-side errors indicate problems with a user’s request, server-side errors mean that the server failed to fulfil a valid request.

Common symptoms of this error include:

• Website displaying a blank page or error message
• Inability to access certain pages
• Slow website performance before crashing

Common Causes of HTTP Error 500

Several issues can trigger a 500 server error, and identifying the root cause is crucial for a quick fix. Below are the most frequent culprits:

Server Overload or Timeout

Heavy traffic or resource-intensive scripts can overwhelm your server, causing it to time out or crash.

Corrupt or Misconfigured .htaccess File

A damaged or incorrectly configured .htaccess file can disrupt server processes and cause a 500 error.

PHP Memory Limit Exhaustion

If your website exceeds the allocated PHP memory, it can result in server errors.

Incorrect File or Folder Permissions

Improper permissions can block server access to essential files, leading to server issues.

Faulty Plugins or Themes

Incompatible or poorly coded plugins and themes often conflict with core website functions, resulting in errors.

Coding or Syntax Errors

Even a minor typo in your website’s code can break server processes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing HTTP Error 500

Here’s a practical guide to resolving the 500 server error and restoring your website’s functionality.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data conflicts with updated server scripts. Clear your browser cache to rule out this issue.

2. Check Server Logs for Clues

Review your server logs to identify specific errors or misconfigurations. This can highlight faulty scripts or misbehaving plugins.

3. Correct File and Folder Permissions

Ensure that file permissions are set correctly:

• Files: 644
• Folders: 755

4. Repair or Reset the .htaccess File

Corrupt .htaccess files can trigger a 500 server error. Rename the file and reload your website. If the error disappears, generate a new one via your CMS.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Boost your PHP memory allocation by editing the wp-config.php file:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

6. Deactivate Plugins and Themes

Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme. Reactivate them one by one to identify the faulty one.

7. Contact Your Web Hosting Provider

If all else fails, reach out to your hosting provider for server-side support.

How to Prevent HTTP Error 500 in the Future

Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to minimise the chances of encountering 500 errors:

• Regular Website Maintenance: Schedule periodic checks for updates and broken links.
• Optimise Server Performance: Use caching and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute load.
• Update Plugins, Themes, and CMS: Keep everything up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
• Use Reliable Hosting: Choose hosting providers known for stability and performance.
• Code Best Practices: Follow clean coding standards and test changes in staging environments.

FAQs About 500 Server Errors

Is a 500 Error Temporary or Permanent?

It depends on the cause. Server overloads might resolve on their own, while code issues need fixing.

How is HTTP Error 500 Different from HTTP Error 502 and 503?

• 500: General server error
• 502: Bad gateway (invalid response from an upstream server)
• 503: Server is temporarily unavailable (maintenance or overload)

Can a CDN Cause HTTP Error 500?

Yes, misconfigured CDN settings can lead to server errors.

How Does a 500 Error Affect SEO?

Extended downtime can harm your SEO rankings and user trust. You won’t immediately suffer a loss in SERP ranking, though of course you are likely to lose sales or leads during downtime.

The Final Thoughts

The HTTP Error 500 can seem intimidating, but with the right steps, you can diagnose and fix the issue swiftly. Consistent website maintenance and proper server management can prevent most of these errors. Taking a proactive approach by monitoring server performance and updating software regularly can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected downtime. 

Stop guessing and start growing. Contact Seek Social today and let the experts deliver results that matter! Whether you need technical support or a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, our team is ready to help you achieve lasting success.