Synonyms: Page not found error
A 404 Not Found error is an HTTP status code that indicates the server could not find the requested webpage. In other words, the server was able to connect and process the request, but the specific page or resource could not be located. This error typically occurs when a user tries to access a page that has been moved, deleted, or entered with an incorrect URL.
Common reasons for encountering a 404 error include:
- Broken Links: The page’s URL has changed, but links still point to the old URL.
- Mistyped URLs: The user may have entered the wrong web address.
- Deleted Pages: The content has been removed from the website without a proper redirect.
When a 404 error happens, the browser will display a message like “404 Not Found” or “Page Not Found.” Many websites customize this error page to provide more helpful information or redirect users back to the homepage.
For web administrators, fixing a 404 error often involves setting up proper redirects (301 redirects) to guide users to the correct page and improve the user experience.