Zarah, a 404 error is a bit like the 'check engine' light on a car. Without knowing the cause of the error, I cannot tell you a specific way to fix it. If you're able to diagnose the cause of the error-- missing files, too many visitors, poor site optimization, DDOS, or some other cause, then I can offer specific advice on solving the problem.
Since diagnosing the cause of the problem can be difficult if you have never done so before, and because doing so requires direct account access which I am unable to provide in a public support forum, I suggest you ask your live 24/7 Technical Support team for assistance in finding the cause of the problem.
I'll provide some tips for each possible cause for quick reference, though!
Problem: Server issue
If this is the cause, keep an eye on our status page for updates!
Problem: site files are missing.
Solution: Restore site files via backup or upload site files via FTP.
Problem: DDOS attack
Solution: Use a Content Management System with DDOS protection. Many are available with free tiers, which is a great place to start if you only need one to handle DDOS attacks!
Problem: Poor Site Optimization
Solution: Using tools like GTMetrix, work with your web designer to decrease the overall size of the site and improve load time. Also, make sure you are running the latest version of your site's software and are fully up to date.
Problem: Too much traffic, even with a fully optimized site
Solution: This would be fixed by an account upgrade, so it's a good idea to try everything else first to rule out other issues.
Please keep in mind, though, that a 404 error can be caused by many different things and that these are only a few possibilities. That's why I strongly suggest you save time by getting our Support Team to help you diagnose the cause.
Hi Zarah, there are many things that can cause a 404 error to occur. I would suggest you start investigating by checking AWStats to see if there is an unusual amount of activity on your page-- you could be experiencing a DDOS attack, be using too many resources to efficiently serve the site to everyone visiting, or simply have too much traffic to your site.
This can be tricky to diagnose the first time you encounter it, so it's probably a good idea in this case to get in touch with our 24/7 live Technical Support team for assistance with finding the cause of the error.
Zarah, a 404 error is a bit like the 'check engine' light on a car. Without knowing the cause of the error, I cannot tell you a specific way to fix it. If you're able to diagnose the cause of the error-- missing files, too many visitors, poor site optimization, DDOS, or some other cause, then I can offer specific advice on solving the problem.
Since diagnosing the cause of the problem can be difficult if you have never done so before, and because doing so requires direct account access which I am unable to provide in a public support forum, I suggest you ask your live 24/7 Technical Support team for assistance in finding the cause of the problem.
I'll provide some tips for each possible cause for quick reference, though!
Problem: Server issue
If this is the cause, keep an eye on our status page for updates!
Problem: site files are missing.
Solution: Restore site files via backup or upload site files via FTP.
Problem: DDOS attack
Solution: Use a Content Management System with DDOS protection. Many are available with free tiers, which is a great place to start if you only need one to handle DDOS attacks!
Problem: Poor Site Optimization
Solution: Using tools like GTMetrix, work with your web designer to decrease the overall size of the site and improve load time. Also, make sure you are running the latest version of your site's software and are fully up to date.
Problem: Too much traffic, even with a fully optimized site
Solution: This would be fixed by an account upgrade, so it's a good idea to try everything else first to rule out other issues.
Please keep in mind, though, that a 404 error can be caused by many different things and that these are only a few possibilities. That's why I strongly suggest you save time by getting our Support Team to help you diagnose the cause.