Web Server is Returning an Unknown Error? Here's How Fix it

Web developers and site owners occasionally encounter the dreaded “web server is returning an unknown error” message.

This cryptic notification can disrupt your website’s functionality and leave you scrambling for solutions. In this blog post, we will explain these unknown errors. We will look at why they happen and give you helpful steps to fix them.

We will also discuss preventive measures to ensure your website runs smoothly. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to tackle unknown server errors with confidence.

Table of Contents

What is a Web Server Unknown Error?

An unknown error on a web server usually appears as an HTTP error message. It often has little or no explanation, like “error 520: web server is returning an unknown error.” It can cause your website to become inaccessible, leading to a frustrating user experience.

The error might appear as a general message like “500 Internal Server Error.” It can also appear as specific codes that are still confusing. Understanding the nature of these errors is the first step toward resolving them and ensuring your website remains functional.

Why Do Web Servers Show Unknown Errors?

Unknown errors can result from a variety of issues on your web server. These may include configuration problems, software conflicts, or even hardware failures.

Sometimes, errors originate from the client-side, such as incorrect HTTP requests or faulty web browsers.

The unclear error messages can make it hard to diagnose problems. However, looking into common causes can help find the issue. An “empty response” or “response headers” that exceed limits can also be culprits.

How Can a Web Server Unknown Error Affect My Website?

When a web server shows an unknown error, it can make your site hard to access. This can lead to losing visitors and revenue. Responses like “empty response from your server” or incorrect “http headers” can further complicate the situation.

Ongoing errors can hurt your site’s SEO ranking. Search engines favor websites that have reliable uptime and quick loading speeds.

Therefore, addressing unknown errors promptly is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and protecting your online presence.

Understanding Common Types of Unknown Errors

Web server errors generally fall into two categories: 5xx server errors and 4xx client errors. Each type has different implications for your website and requires tailored troubleshooting approaches.

5xx Server Errors and Their Implications

5xx errors indicate server-side issues, suggesting that the server failed to fulfill a valid request. These errors may arise from misconfigurations, server overloads, or software bugs. Common 5xx errors include:

500 Internal Server Error: A generic error indicating an unexpected condition preventing the server from fulfilling the request.
502 Bad Gateway: This occurs when a server acting as a gateway receives an invalid response from an upstream server.
503 Service Unavailable: This means the server cannot handle the request right now. This often happens because of maintenance or too much traffic.

To troubleshoot, you may need to turn off Cloudflare for a short time. Then, check the “ray id” in the error logs for more information.

4xx Client Errors and Their Implications

4xx errors suggest issues on the client-side, including incorrect requests or inaccessible resources. Typical 4xx errors include:

400 Bad Request: Signifies that the server cannot process the request because of malformed syntax.
404 Not Found: Indicates that the requested resource is not available on the server.
429 Too Many Requests: Warns that the client has sent too many requests in a given time frame, often because of rate limiting.

Using tools like “HTTP Archive” files can help diagnose these issues by analyzing “HTTP response” data.

Practical Troubleshooting Steps for 5xx Server Errors

Resolving 5xx errors requires understanding the specific error code and employing targeted troubleshooting strategies:

Review Error Logs

Access your server’s error logs to identify specific issues causing the error.
Look for patterns or recurring error messages that may point to the root cause, such as those from the “origin web server.”

Investigate Server Configuration

Ensure that server settings, such as memory limits and timeout values, are appropriately configured.
Verify that all software dependencies and modules are up-to-date.

Check Server Load and Resources

Monitor server resources, such as CPU and memory usage, to identify potential bottlenecks.
Consider load balancing or scaling server resources if demand exceeds capacity.

Detailed Guide on Resolving 4xx Client Errors

Addressing 4xx errors involves validating client requests and ensuring resource availability:

Validate HTTP Requests

Check that all client requests adhere to proper syntax and format.
Use tools like “HTTP Archive” to capture and analyze HTTP requests.

Verify Resource Availability

Ensure that requested files, such as images and documents, exist on the server.
Update any broken links or references to non-existent resources.

Manage Request Frequency

Implement rate limiting policies to prevent excessive requests from overwhelming the server.
Educate users on acceptable usage practices to minimize the risk of hitting rate limits.

If you have ongoing problems, reach out to your hosting provider. Make sure the “Cloudflare IP addresses” are set up correctly. They can also help you with any other issues.

Best Practices for Preventing Unknown Errors

Preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering unknown errors on your web server:

Regularly Update Software and Plugins

Keep server software, applications, and plugins up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
Implement automated updates for critical security patches.

Implement Robust Monitoring and Alerts

Use monitoring tools to track server performance and detect anomalies.
Set up alerts to notify administrators of potential issues before they escalate.

Conduct Routine Maintenance and Backups

Schedule regular maintenance windows to address server health and performance.
Back up important data and configurations to facilitate recovery in case of an error.

Case Studies of Real-World Unknown Error Resolutions

Exploring real-world examples of unknown error resolutions can provide valuable insights for your troubleshooting efforts:

Case Study 1: A 500 Internal Server Error Resolution

A popular e-commerce site experienced frequent 500 Internal Server Errors, leading to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction. By analyzing error logs, the development team identified a memory leak in a third-party plugin. After updating the plugin and optimizing server settings, the errors were resolved, and site stability was restored.

Case Study 2: Resolving a 404 Not Found Error

A content-heavy website faced numerous 404 Not Found errors, negatively impacting SEO rankings. The team conducted a comprehensive audit of internal and external links, updating or removing outdated references. They also implemented 301 redirects for permanently moved content, resulting in improved search engine visibility and user experience.

Concluding Remarks on Error Handling and Site Maintenance

Handling unknown server errors is an essential skill for web developers, site owners, and hosting providers.

You can maintain a strong and reliable online presence by understanding common errors. Use effective troubleshooting methods. Follow best practices to prevent issues.

Remember that proactive monitoring and regular maintenance are key to minimizing disruptions and ensuring your website delivers a seamless user experience.

To improve your web server management and hosting, consider SkyNetHosting. We offer reliable reseller hosting and VPS packages.

With expert support and competitive pricing, SkyNetHosting empowers you to provide exceptional service to your clients. Explore our offerings today and elevate your web hosting game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are common causes of server errors?

Various factors, including misconfigured settings, outdated software, or insufficient server resources, can cause server errors. Network issues and third-party service failures can also lead to such errors.

How can I identify the root cause of a 5xx error?

To pinpoint the cause of a 5xx error, you should start by reviewing server error logs for detailed error messages. Analyzing these logs alongside monitoring server performance and configuration settings can help identify underlying issues.

What steps should I take to resolve a 404 error?

To resolve a 404 error, you must ensure the server has the requested resource in the correct location. Check for broken links, validate URL paths, and consider implementing 301 redirects for relocated content to prevent future occurrences.

How does rate limiting help in managing web server requests?

Rate limiting limits how many requests a user can make to a web server within a set time period. This helps prevent server overload, ensures fair usage, and protects against abusive behavior.

What is the importance of regular server maintenance?

Regular server maintenance helps ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability. Perform routine updates, audits, and backups to reduce the risk of errors and downtime. This helps maintain a steady user experience.

How do I proceed if an error occurs and persists after troubleshooting?

If an error persists after troubleshooting, contact your hosting provider for further assistance. They can access server logs and configurations to help identify and resolve the root cause of the issue.

What steps can I take when I can’t access my website because of Cloudflare settings?

If your website becomes unavailable and you suspect Cloudflare settings are the cause, follow these steps. First, temporarily disable Cloudflare. Then, check if this resolves the issue.

How can HAR files assist in diagnosing server issues?

HAR (HTTP Archive) files are valuable for diagnosing server issues by capturing HTTP requests and responses. They provide detailed insights into network operations and potential problem areas.

Who can I contact for expert web hosting support?

For reliable web hosting support, reach SkyNetHosting. We offer dependable hosting packages and strong customer service.