Custom error pages allow you to display friendly messages when visitors encounter website errors such as missing pages or access problems.
This guide explains how to create custom error pages in DirectAdmin.
What Are Error Pages?
Error pages appear when visitors encounter problems on your website.
Common examples include:
- 404 Page Not Found
- 403 Access Denied
- 500 Internal Server Error
Custom error pages help:
- improve visitor experience
- keep your website looking professional
- provide useful navigation links
Before You Start
Before creating custom error pages, make sure:
- You can log into DirectAdmin
- Your website is active
- You know which error pages you want to customize
If you have not logged in yet, please see:
- How to Log Into DirectAdmin
Common Error Types
404 — Page Not Found
Appears when a page does not exist.
403 — Forbidden
Appears when access to a page or folder is denied.
500 — Internal Server Error
Appears when a website or server error occurs.
How to Create a Custom Error Page
Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)Enter your hosting username and password.
Step 2 — Open Custom Error Pages
From the DirectAdmin dashboard:
Click: Advanced Features
Then click: Custom Error Pages
Step 3 — Select the Error Type
Choose the error page you want to customize. Note: you need to have created hese pages or uploaded them to the public_html folder first, 401.shtml, 403.shtml, 404.shtml, 500.shtml first. else you will be using the default system pages when errors or redirects, etc happen. these files are just comprised of standard html formatting.
Examples:
- 401 (unauthorised)
- 403 (forbidden)
- 404 (not found)
- 500 (internal server error)
Step 4 — Enter Custom Content
Add your custom message or HTML content.
Example:
Sorry, the page you are looking for could not be found.You may also include:
- your logo
- navigation links
- homepage links
- contact information
Step 5 — Save the Error Page
Click: Save
The custom error page is now active.
Recommended 404 Page Content
A good 404 page should include:
- a clear message
- a homepage link
- navigation menu
- contact information
- branding/logo
This helps visitors continue using your website instead of leaving.
Helpful Tips
Keep Error Pages Simple
Avoid:
- complicated layouts
- broken links
- excessive scripts
Simple pages load faster and are easier to maintain.
Match Your Website Design
Use similar:
- colours
- branding
- navigation
- fonts
for a more professional appearance.
Include Helpful Links
Useful links may include:
- homepage
- contact page
- support page
- product pages
Troubleshooting
Custom Error Page Not Showing
Check:
- browser cache
- saved changes
- correct error type selected
Error Page Displays Incorrectly
Possible causes include:
- broken HTML
- missing images
- invalid links
- incorrect formatting
Website Displays Server Errors
A badly configured custom error page may create:
- additional server errors
- recursive error loops
Keep error pages simple if possible.
Changes Not Visible Yet
Try:
- clearing browser cache
- testing in private browsing mode
- refreshing the page
Security Tips
- Avoid displaying sensitive server information
- Keep error pages simple and professional
- Remove broken links regularly
- Keep website software updated
