A 404 error page appears when someone tries to visit a page that cannot be found.
This usually means the website address exists, but the specific page or file does not exist at that location.
A 404 error is also commonly called a “Page Not Found” error.
Example of a 404 Error
A visitor may try to open:
https://yourdomain.co.za/about-us
If that page does not exist, they may see a 404 error page.
The website itself may still be working, but the specific page address is missing or incorrect.
What Causes a 404 Error?
A 404 error can happen for several reasons.
Common causes include:
- A page was deleted.
- A page URL was changed.
- A visitor typed the address incorrectly.
- A link on the website is broken.
- A file was removed.
- A website was moved without adding redirects.
- WordPress permalinks are not working correctly.
- A product or blog post was deleted.
Is a 404 Error Bad?
A 404 error is not always serious.
It is normal for websites to occasionally have missing or old links.
However, too many 404 errors can be a problem because they may:
- Frustrate visitors
- Create a poor user experience
- Cause visitors to leave the website
- Make the website look unprofessional
- Affect search engine crawl quality
- Hide important missing content
What Is a Custom 404 Error Page?
A custom 404 error page is a friendly page shown when a visitor reaches a missing page.
Instead of showing a plain technical error, a custom 404 page can help visitors find their way back.
A good 404 page may include:
- A short message explaining the page was not found
- A link back to the homepage
- A search option
- Links to important pages
- Contact details
Example 404 Message
A simple 404 message could be:
The page you are looking for could not be found.
Please return to the homepage or contact us if you need help.
This is better than showing a confusing server error.
404 Error vs Website Down
A 404 error does not always mean the entire website is down.
It usually means one specific page, link, or file cannot be found.
If the homepage still works but one page shows a 404 error, the issue is likely with that page or URL.
404 Error and WordPress
WordPress websites can show 404 errors if:
- A page was deleted.
- A post URL changed.
- Permalinks need to be refreshed.
- A plugin changed URL settings.
- A page builder template was removed.
- A redirect is missing.
If many WordPress pages suddenly show 404 errors, the permalink settings may need to be saved again.
How to Reduce 404 Errors
You can reduce 404 errors by:
- Avoiding unnecessary URL changes
- Creating redirects when pages move
- Updating old links
- Checking website menus
- Checking buttons and internal links
- Restoring deleted important pages
- Fixing WordPress permalink issues
- Creating a helpful custom 404 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 DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open Custom Error Pages
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open the error pages area.
Click: Advanced Features
Then click: Custom Error Pages
The wording may differ slightly depending on the DirectAdmin version.
Step 3 – Edit the 404 Error Page
Look for the 404 error page option.
Click: 404
or
Click: Edit 404 Error Page
You can then add your custom message or page content.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- A 404 error means a page or file was not found.
- It does not always mean the whole website is down.
- Broken links should be fixed where possible.
- Important deleted pages should be restored or redirected.
- WordPress 404 errors may be caused by permalink issues.
- A custom 404 page can improve user experience.
When Should I Contact HostworX Support?
Contact HostworX Support if:
- Many pages suddenly show 404 errors.
- Your homepage shows a 404 error.
- You are unsure whether files are missing.
- A website migration caused missing pages.
- You need help checking website error logs.
- You are not sure whether the issue is hosting or website-related.
Conclusion
A 404 error page appears when a visitor tries to open a page or file that cannot be found.
A custom 404 page helps guide visitors instead of showing a confusing error.
If important pages show 404 errors, check whether the page was deleted, the URL changed, or a redirect is needed.
