404

404 may refer to any of the following:

1. A 404 is an HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) status code indicating that the page you are trying to access does not exist at that location.

Example 404 error

Below is an example of how a generic 404 error message may look on a web page.

What should I do when I get a 404 error?

If you are visiting a web page and get a 404 error, there is nothing you can do to get the page to work again. However, if you receive a 404 error on a website you control, you can try the suggestions below to resolve the error.

• What do I do if I get a 404 error on the Internet?

Creating a custom 404 page

If you run a website or blog, it is essential you create a custom 404 page to help direct visitors who encounters this error. If you can access the .htaccess file and want to create a custom 404 error page, add the line below into your .htaccess file. In the example below, any time a visitor encounters a 404 error, they are directed to the my_404.htm page. If you have a web-based Control Panel, such as cPanel, your 404 error pages can also be customized in that Control Panel.

ErrorDocument 404 /my_404.htm

Tips on creating a smart 404 error page

• At the very least, make sure your 404 error page has links to other sections of your site. One example is a link to your site map.
• If your site or blog has a search engine, make sure it is visible on the 404 error page.
• If you are using Google Analytics, set up error tracking so you can know about your 404 errors. 404 errors are also in the Google Webmaster tools.
• If you are familiar with a scripting language, instead of referring a static 404 page, make it dynamic. For example, the Computer Hope 404 page logs each error, runs the attempted URL (uniform resource locator) though an algorithm to give a recommendation, and finds keywords to use in the search box.

2. 404 is a US area code. See our 404 area code listing for further information.

3. 404 is shorthand and slang used in text-based communications that indicates you have no idea.

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