How to Solve HTTP 500 Internal Server Error on Your Website

The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error is a common yet frustrating issue for website owners and visitors. It typically indicates that something went wrong on the server, but it doesn’t specify what. The HTTP 500 error can arise for various reasons, including server configuration issues, plugin conflicts, corrupted files, and permission errors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to troubleshoot and resolve the 500 Internal Server Error on your website.

What is an HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?

An HTTP 500 Internal Server Error is a general error message indicating that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request. This error doesn’t reveal specific details, which makes diagnosing the problem challenging. Unlike a 404 error (which means a page is not found), an HTTP 500 error usually points to an issue with the server or the website's code.

Common Causes of HTTP 500 Internal Server Error

Understanding what causes the HTTP 500 error can help you troubleshoot it more effectively. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Corrupted .htaccess File: The .htaccess file controls server configurations, and a corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess file can trigger a 500 error.
• PHP Memory Limit Exceeded: If your website requires more memory than is allocated, it may result in an HTTP 500 error.
• Plugin or Theme Conflicts: In CMS platforms like WordPress, plugin or theme conflicts can cause server errors.
• File Permissions Issues: Incorrect permissions on files and folders can lead to restricted access, triggering a 500 error.
• Server Configuration Issues: Sometimes, server configurations on the hosting provider's side can cause the issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix HTTP 500 Internal Server Error

Step 1: Check for Corrupted .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is often a common cause of 500 errors. Here’s how you can check if it’s the source of the problem:

• Log in to your website’s file manager (via cPanel, or FTP client like FileZilla).
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
• Rename the file to .htaccess_old to temporarily disable it.
• Check if the website loads without the 500 error.

If the error is resolved, the issue was with your .htaccess file. You can create a new .htaccess file by logging into your CMS (like WordPress) and going to the “Settings” and “Permalinks” section to reset it.

Step 2: Increase PHP Memory Limit

If your website has outgrown the allocated PHP memory, it might trigger an HTTP 500 error. To increase the PHP memory limit, follow these steps:

• Open the wp-config.php file (for WordPress) in the root directory.
• Add the following line of code to increase the memory limit:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

• Save the changes and refresh your website.

If the error disappears, then your website was likely exceeding its memory limit. Contact your hosting provider if you need more memory.

Step 3: Deactivate Plugins

Plugins, especially outdated or incompatible ones, can often cause 500 errors. Here’s how you can test this:

• Log into your file manager or FTP client.
• Navigate to the wp-content folder (for WordPress users) and rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.
• This will deactivate all plugins on your site. Check if the error is resolved.

If your site loads without the error, one of your plugins was likely causing the issue. Reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 4: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can also lead to server errors. Here’s how to check and correct file permissions:

• Access your website files via FTP or file manager.
• Right-click each file and folder and check its permissions:
• Folders should generally have permissions set to 755.
• Files should generally have permissions set to 644.
• Make changes as needed and check if this resolves the error.

Step 5: Re-upload Core Files

If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, corrupted core files can sometimes cause the 500 error. Re-uploading fresh core files can help resolve this:

• Download a fresh copy of WordPress (or your CMS).
• Extract the files and upload only the wp-admin and wp-includes folders to your website via FTP.
• Overwrite the existing files when prompted.
• Refresh your site to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 6: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above steps resolve the HTTP 500 error, it’s best to contact your hosting provider. Server-side issues, such as configuration problems or temporary outages, may be causing the problem.

• Explain the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
• Your hosting provider can check server logs to help diagnose the issue.

Preventing HTTP 500 Errors

To avoid encountering the 500 Internal Server Error in the future, follow these best practices:

• Update Software Regularly: Keep your CMS, plugins, themes, and server software up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
• Use Reliable Plugins and Themes: Stick to well-reviewed plugins and themes from trusted sources.
• Monitor Resource Usage: Regularly monitor memory usage and server load to ensure you stay within your limits.
• Backup Regularly: Always keep backups of your website files and database, so you can quickly restore in case of an error.

Conclusion

Fixing an HTTP 500 Internal Server Error can be challenging, but following the steps in this guide should help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively. From checking the .htaccess file to adjusting file permissions and contacting your hosting provider, there are many potential solutions you can try. Remember to follow best practices to prevent similar issues in the future, ensuring a smoother experience for both you and your website visitors.