Comm Corner, December, 1996
Internet Error Messages - Part I
by John Woody
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This article is intended to shed a little light on those Internet Error
messages which pop up just when you are on to something really big. These
error messages usually show themselves during Web browsing events. They
are not pretty at all, just dull gray screens with little or no explanation.
They usually cause frustration to no end.
You are surfing along and have found the Mother Lode Site with the coolest
graphics ever and click on it only to find "Not Found 404". What does it
mean? How can one get around it? What does one do now? This article will
attempt to answer these questions and provide definitions of the most common
Internet Error Messages we all surf into. And, we will attempt to provide
a fix if possible.
400 - Bad Request
A 400 - Bad Request error indicates that the server can not figure out
the Uniform Request Locator (URL) requested by your browser. Try the URL
again. The problem is often because of incorrect URL syntax. Check the
URL for typing mistakes. Look for exact typing, ie., uppercase and lowercase
letters, colons, forward slashes, etc. If the error message persists, then
your only recourse is to contact the site's administrator and request it's
current URL.
Tip: One style convention many sits observe is to place an initial capital
letter on directory names but not on filenames.
401 - Unauthorized
The 401 - Unauthorized error occurs when the site is protected and the
server doesn't receive a correct encryption ID or password for entry. Some
sites also place a block on domain types, such as .gov or .edu sites to
restrict access. To gain access, one must register by some other means
to gain the encryption ID and register one's password for the site. If
you are sure you have access, then try again, and this time look at the
keyboard when you type. Remember that passwords can be case-sensitive and
that you will need to insure correct key strokes to get it right. You might
contact the site's administrator for a password.
403 - Forbidden or Connection Refused by Host
The 403 - Forbidden error is similar to the 401 - Unauthorized error. The
server denies access to all except those with passwords. It is usually
domain sensitive, ie., .edu, for example. Re-try your password if you think
you are authorized entry. Your only other avenue of entry is to contact
the site administrator for a password.
404 - Not Found or File not Found
404 - Not Found errors are one of the most common errors one encounters
in Web searches. It means the host server can not find the specific Hypertext
markup Language (HTML) document or file you have listed in your search
URL. It usually comes about as a result of a document or file name change
or deletion on the host server. It may also occur as a result of a typing
error. Double check your typed entry first. Then backtrack by deleting
the portion of the URL that follows the last slash. Then re-access the
URL and look for your file in the parent directory.
502 - Service Temporarily Overloaded
This error indicates that the server is experiencing over-load and is not
able to process your URL request. Re-try the URL after a small waiting
period.
503 - Service Unavailable
503 - Service Unavailable errors occur when something is down or overloaded
between you and your Web destination. This error in an indication of a
tempos problem with: your ISP, your company's LAN, high-traffic load on
the Internet or the host server. Wait a minute or two and re-try the URL.
This error message section will be continued next month.
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