HTTP 500 Error

HTTP 500 errors can occur with any browser at any time. As with most browser errors, 500 errors can be customized based on the website where it is encountered. No matter how the error looks though, it will always mean the same thing. When you are faced with a message telling you that there is an HTTP 500 error, it means that there is a problem on the server where the website is being hosted.

All 500 errors will be shown as a normal web page within the browser and will contain messages similar to the following:

• 500: Internal Server Error
• HTTP 500 Error – Internal Server Error
• 500 Error

This is a very general code that is used to show that something is wrong on the server, but the exact problem is unknown. Fortunately (and unfortunately), this means that the problem has nothing to do with your computer or the browser you are using, but instead with the website itself. In other words, it is a server-side error.

While the error is due to something wrong on the server, there are things you can do to try and get to the web page you want to look at.

First, try reloading the URL that you are visiting. In some cases, these errors are due to a very temporary glitch and reloading or refreshing the page can often rectify the situation. You can try hitting the refresh button or you can try re-typing the URL into the address bar.

If reloading the website doesn’t help, try visiting the page later. Most 500 errors are temporary in nature and while some seem to correct themselves right away, others do need the web developer to make some corrections. If this is the case, visiting the site later will give the developer time to make any necessary corrections.

Most websites provide a way to contact the web developer or designer (usually by providing an e-mail address). Contacting this person is one way to ensure the issue is noted and that the person gets to work on the situation as soon as possible.