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Website error repair: common error messages fixed

124 of the errors that appear when a website, shop or email breaks: what each one means, and how we fix it. Click an error to see what it is.

Server and HTTP errors

400 Bad Request

The server couldn't understand the request, often a corrupted cookie, an oversized header or a broken link. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

401 Unauthorized

The page needs a login the browser didn't send, or a password-protection setting is misconfigured. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

403 Forbidden

The server is refusing access, usually wrong file permissions, a security rule, a firewall block or a missing index page. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

404 Not Found

The page doesn't exist at that address, often after a rebuild, a changed link or broken permalinks. A common one, and we can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

405 Method Not Allowed

The server won't accept how a form or app is sending data, usually a server rule or a plugin conflict. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Contact form not working or book a same-day call.

408 Request Timeout

The server gave up waiting for the browser, often a slow connection or an overloaded server. We see this often and can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

413 Request Entity Too Large

An upload or form submission is bigger than the server allows. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

419 Page Expired

A Laravel site's security token ran out, usually a session or caching problem. A common one, and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

429 Too Many Requests

The server or a firewall is rate-limiting visitors, sometimes blocking real customers along with bots. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

500 Internal Server Error

Something on the server failed without saying what: a broken .htaccess file, a plugin, PHP memory or permissions. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

502 Bad Gateway

The web server couldn't get a response from the software behind it, often PHP crashing or a proxy problem. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

503 Service Unavailable

The site is down for maintenance, overloaded, or the host has stopped it. A common one, and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

504 Gateway Timeout

The server took too long to build the page, usually a slow database query, plugin or external service. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

508 Resource Limit Is Reached

Your hosting account has hit its CPU or memory limit, so the host is throttling the site. We see this often and can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

This account has been suspended

The host has switched the account off, usually for billing, resource use or malware. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Index of /

The server is listing your files instead of showing the website, because the home page file is missing or misnamed. A common one, and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

The site is sending the browser round in a loop, usually conflicting https, www or caching settings. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Disk quota exceeded

Your hosting space is full, so the site, email or uploads stop working. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

nginx, Apache and Cloudflare

502 Bad Gateway nginx

nginx can't reach PHP-FPM or the app behind it, often a crashed process or a wrong socket setting. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

504 Gateway Time-out nginx

nginx waited too long for PHP or the app to respond, usually a slow script or database. A common one, and we can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

Welcome to nginx!

The server is showing its default page instead of your site: the site's configuration is missing or the domain points to the wrong server. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page

Apache's default page is showing instead of your site, so the virtual host isn't set up or the domain points to a new server. We see this often and can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

nginx 413 Request Entity Too Large

nginx's upload limit is lower than the file being uploaded. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 520

The web server gave Cloudflare an empty or unexpected response, often a crash or firewall block. A common one, and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 521: Web server is down

Cloudflare can't connect to your server at all: it's down or blocking Cloudflare. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 522: Connection timed out

Your server didn't answer Cloudflare in time, usually an overloaded server or firewall. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 524: A timeout occurred

The server took over 100 seconds to respond to Cloudflare. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 525: SSL handshake failed

Cloudflare and your server can't agree a secure connection, usually a certificate problem on the server. A common one, and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Cloudflare Error 526: Invalid SSL certificate

The certificate on your server is expired or invalid, and Cloudflare is set to check it. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Error 1020: Access denied

A Cloudflare firewall rule is blocking the visitor, sometimes customers by mistake. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Browser, DNS and security warnings

This site can't be reached

The browser can't find or connect to the server, usually DNS, an expired domain or a server that's down. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

The domain name doesn't resolve: DNS records are missing, the domain has lapsed or nameservers have changed. A common one, and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

The browser can't turn your web address into a server address, a DNS problem. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

The server is actively refusing connections, often because the web service has stopped or a firewall blocks it. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

The server isn't answering at all, usually hosting, firewall or DNS pointing to the wrong place. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Your connection is not private

The browser doesn't trust the site's certificate, so visitors see a full-page warning. A common one, and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID

The SSL certificate has expired, or the visitor's clock is wrong. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID

The certificate doesn't cover this exact address, often www versus no www. We see this often and can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID

The certificate is self-signed or its chain is incomplete. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

The browser and server can't set up a secure connection, usually a server SSL configuration problem. A common one, and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Not secure next to the address

The page isn't on https, or loads images or scripts over plain http. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Deceptive site ahead

Google Safe Browsing has flagged the site for phishing or malware, usually after a hack. We see this often and can fix it. Hacked websites or book a same-day call.

This site may be hacked

Google has found spam or pages someone else added, and shows a warning in search results. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Hacked websites or book a same-day call.

This domain has expired

The domain wasn't renewed, so the registrar is showing a holding page instead of your site. A common one, and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

This domain is parked

The domain isn't pointed at a website, or the registrar has taken it back after expiry. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Domains, DNS and SSL or book a same-day call.

Database and PHP errors

Error establishing a database connection

WordPress can't reach its database: wrong details, a database server problem or corrupted tables. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

MySQL server has gone away

The database dropped the connection, often a timeout or a query bigger than the server allows. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Too many connections

The database has hit its connection limit, usually traffic, a slow plugin or shared hosting limits. A common one, and we can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

Access denied for user

The database username or password in the site's settings is wrong or has changed. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Table doesn't exist

The site is looking for a database table that's missing, often after a failed move or update. We see this often and can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Table is marked as crashed and should be repaired

A MySQL table is corrupted and needs repairing. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] Connection refused

The app can't connect to the database server at all. A common one, and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

SQLSTATE[42S22]: Column not found

The code expects a database column that isn't there, often after a partial update. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Allowed memory size of 134217728 bytes exhausted

PHP ran out of memory, usually a heavy plugin, a loop or a limit set too low. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded

A PHP script ran too long and was stopped, often an import, backup or slow external call. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected

There's a typo or incompatible code in a PHP file, often after editing a theme or a PHP upgrade. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function

Code is calling something that doesn't exist, usually an old plugin on a newer PHP version. It's a common problem and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Deprecated: and Warning: messages on the page

Old code is producing PHP warnings, and debug display is switched on for visitors to see. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Cannot modify header information - headers already sent

Something printed output too early, often a stray space in a PHP file, breaking logins and redirects. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Your PHP installation appears to be missing the MySQL extension

The server's PHP is missing the database extension WordPress needs, often after a PHP change. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

WordPress errors

There has been a critical error on this website

A PHP fatal error, usually a plugin, theme or PHP upgrade. It's a common problem and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

White screen of death

A blank page hiding a PHP error or memory problem. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance

An update was interrupted and WordPress is stuck in maintenance mode. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

This site is experiencing technical difficulties

WordPress's message for a fatal error, with a recovery link emailed to the admin. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Updating failed. The response is not a valid JSON response.

The block editor can't save, usually permalinks, a security plugin, SSL or a REST API block. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Publishing failed

The editor couldn't reach WordPress's API to save the post. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Sorry, you are not allowed to access this page

Your user role or a plugin is blocking the admin page, sometimes after a migration or hack. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Are you sure you want to do this?

A security check failed, often an upload over the size limit or an expired session. It's a common problem and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Another update is currently in progress

A previous update didn't finish and left a lock behind. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Installation failed: Could not create directory

WordPress doesn't have permission to write files on the server. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Destination folder already exists

A plugin or theme install left a folder behind from a failed attempt. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Missing a temporary folder

The server's PHP temporary folder isn't set, so uploads fail. It's a common problem and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

HTTP error when uploading images

The media upload failed, usually memory, file size, image library or a security rule. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive

The file is bigger than the server's upload limit. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Error: Cookies are blocked or not supported

The login page can't set its cookie, often a caching, domain or SSL mismatch. A common one, and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Login page keeps redirecting back to itself

A redirect loop on wp-admin, usually site address settings, cookies or a security plugin. It's a common problem and we can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Elementor: Preview could not be loaded

The page builder's editor can't load, usually memory, a plugin conflict or a server rule. We see this often and can fix it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Your site has a critical issue (Site Health)

WordPress's health check has found something serious, such as an outdated PHP version or failing background updates. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. WordPress errors or book a same-day call.

Stripe, WooCommerce, Shopify and PayPal

Your card was declined

The bank or Stripe declined the payment. If many customers see it, the checkout or 3D Secure set-up may be at fault. A common one, and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Stripe: Invalid API Key provided

The shop is using a wrong, test or revoked Stripe key. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Stripe: No signatures found matching the expected signature for payload

Stripe's webhook signing secret doesn't match, so the shop ignores payment confirmations. We see this often and can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Stripe webhook delivery failures

Stripe can't reach your site to confirm payments, so orders stay unpaid in the shop. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Stripe: This PaymentIntent requires authentication

The customer's card needs 3D Secure and the checkout isn't completing that step. A common one, and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Stripe: No such customer or payment_intent

The shop is referring to Stripe records that don't exist, often a mix of test and live mode. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

WooCommerce: There are no payment methods available

No payment gateway is active or available for the customer's country, basket or currency. We see this often and can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

WooCommerce: Error processing checkout. Please try again.

Something failed while placing the order, usually a gateway, plugin or session problem. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

WooCommerce: Sorry, your session has expired

The customer's basket session was lost, often caching on cart or checkout pages. A common one, and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

WooCommerce orders stuck on Pending payment

Payment went through but the shop never heard back from the gateway. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

WooCommerce: Invalid payment method

The selected gateway failed validation, usually a plugin or settings problem. We see this often and can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

PayPal: Things don't appear to be working at the moment

PayPal's checkout can't complete, usually wrong credentials, currency or an outdated integration. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Shopify: There was a problem with our checkout

An app, script or payment setting is breaking Shopify's checkout. A common one, and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Shopify: This store is unavailable

The store is paused, closed or has a billing problem, or the domain points to the wrong place. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Shopify: SSL pending or domain not connected

Your domain's DNS isn't pointing at Shopify correctly, so the certificate can't be issued. We see this often and can fix it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Apple Pay or Google Pay not showing at checkout

The domain isn't verified with the payment provider, or the wallet isn't enabled. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Checkout and payments or book a same-day call.

Email errors and bounces

550 5.7.515 Access denied

Outlook.com refused your email because your domain failed SPF, DKIM or DMARC. A common one, and we can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

550 5.7.708 Service unavailable

Microsoft has blocked outbound mail from your Microsoft 365 tenant, often after a compromise. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Microsoft 365 email or book a same-day call.

550 5.1.10 Recipient not found

The address doesn't exist at the receiving end, or your MX records are wrong. We see this often and can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

550 5.7.1 Unable to relay

The mail server won't send for you, usually a wrong SMTP setting or missing authentication. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Contact form not working or book a same-day call.

5.7.26 Unauthenticated email is not accepted

Gmail rejected your email because it failed authentication. A common one, and we can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

421 4.7.0 Try again later (rate limited)

Gmail or another provider is slowing down your mail, often after complaints or a reputation drop. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

554 5.7.1 Message rejected / listed on a blocklist

Your sending server or domain is on a blocklist. We see this often and can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

552 5.2.2 Mailbox full

The recipient's mailbox, or yours, is over its storage limit. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Microsoft 365 email or book a same-day call.

535 5.7.139 Authentication unsuccessful, SmtpClientAuthentication is disabled

Microsoft 365 has SMTP AUTH turned off for that mailbox, so scanners and forms can't send. A common one, and we can fix it. Microsoft 365 email or book a same-day call.

SMTP Error: Could not authenticate

Your website's mail plugin can't log in to the mail server. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Contact form not working or book a same-day call.

SPF PermError: too many DNS lookups

Your SPF record includes too many services and breaks the ten-lookup limit. We see this often and can fix it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

DKIM fail or DMARC fail in email headers

Messages aren't signed or aligned with your domain, so they're junked or rejected. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Emails going to spam or book a same-day call.

Outlook keeps asking for a password

Outlook can't refresh its sign-in, usually a profile, MFA or conditional access problem. A common one, and we can fix it. Microsoft 365 email or book a same-day call.

Google and search console

Crawled - currently not indexed

Google has seen the page but chosen not to include it, often thin, duplicate or slow pages. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Discovered - currently not indexed

Google knows the page exists but hasn't crawled it yet, often a crawl budget or server speed issue. We see this often and can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Blocked by robots.txt

Your robots.txt file is telling Google not to crawl the page. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Excluded by noindex tag

The page tells Google not to index it, often a setting left on after a rebuild. A common one, and we can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Page with redirect

The address redirects elsewhere, which is fine unless it's a page you want listed. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Soft 404

The page loads but looks empty or missing to Google. We see this often and can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Server error (5xx) in Search Console

Google hit server errors when crawling your site. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Website down or book a same-day call.

Core Web Vitals: poor URLs

Pages are loading slowly or shifting about on phones, by Google's measures. A common one, and we can fix it. Slow website or book a same-day call.

Google Business Profile suspended

Google has taken your listing down for a guideline problem or failed verification. It's a common problem and we can fix it. Not showing on Google or book a same-day call.

Website builders

Wix: This site isn't published yet

The site's been unpublished, the plan has lapsed or the domain isn't connected. We see this often and can fix it. Wix and Squarespace or book a same-day call.

Squarespace: Website expired

The subscription has ended, so the site is offline until it's renewed. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. Wix and Squarespace or book a same-day call.

Squarespace domain not connecting

The DNS records at your registrar don't match what Squarespace needs. A common one, and we can fix it. Wix and Squarespace or book a same-day call.

GoDaddy Website Builder site not showing

The site isn't published, the plan has lapsed or the domain points elsewhere. It's a common problem and we can fix it. UENI, GoDaddy and other builders or book a same-day call.

UENI site offline or domain not working

The subscription, domain or DNS connection needs checking, and you may want the domain moved into your name. We see this often and can fix it. UENI, GoDaddy and other builders or book a same-day call.

business.site address no longer works

Google switched off Business Profile websites in 2024; you need a site on your own domain. Common, and fixable: we can sort it. UENI, GoDaddy and other builders or book a same-day call.

Weebly or Square Online site not loading

The site isn't published, the domain isn't connected, or the plan has changed. A common one, and we can fix it. UENI, GoDaddy and other builders or book a same-day call.

Send us the error

Tell us what you're seeing. WhatsApp is usually quickest: you can send a screenshot of the error.

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  3. Diagnosed and quotedWe find the cause and tell you the price before any work starts.
  4. Fixed and verifiedWe test it with you, explain what we changed and stand behind the fix.
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