Fix Internal Server Errors for Apache

How to Fix Internal Server Errors for Apache Linux and cPanel

This is a usual scenario where users might come across such Internal Server Errors.

What do I need to do in this case ?

You should understand that the “Internal Server Error” doesn’t always necessary be due to a server problem. It may also be due to some problem within your files as well.

Let us see how you can identify the actual reason and the solution to a particular Internal Server Error

• An issue with the .htaccess file
• Any particular or multiple files and folders have permissions higher than 755 and the server holding it doesn’t allow the level of permissions. Though any software or applications which require 777 permissions will work with 755 permission on our servers.
• An incorrect PHP version within the “PHP Configuration” section.
• The username does not own the folder or files.

How to know the exact cause of the Internal Error ?

There is nothing to worry about. Most of these errors can be fixed.

Before proceeding, it is important that you back-up database using the “Backups” section of your cPanel or through file manager or through an FTP client. Check ( How to Backup Database from PHPMyAdmin ) for detailed backup procedure. If you are one of our existing customers, you need not worry about backups since we take backups of all our servers on a regular basis. Upon request, we can help you restore your files. Still, it is always best to maintain backups or sign-up for our R1Soft BackUp plans.

• Using an FTP client, login to your cPanel by entering your cPanel details in the required boxes of the FTP ie, username, password, port etc. and hit the “Quick Connect” button.

FileZilla or WSFTP pro FTP clients can be used .

Host: websitename.com

Username: cpanel username

Password: cpanel password

• Look for “public_html”, double click it:

• Find the “.htaccess” file. You must now double click it inorder to get that onto your local machine. Let this file stay there on your local machine until you are done with the procedures mentioned. Right click “.htaccess” file in the FTP and rename it to “.htaccess2?”

Refresh it once and check your website if its working fine. If yes then that means there is a problem within the “.htaccess” file. Now, you need to get your developers into action. Get the errors rectified from them and upload it back to the same location on the server.

What if it still does not work ?

Incase if the folder is causing the errors and not the public_html, then you must go to the folder that has the .htaccess file. Rename the folder and try if that works.

No use, what next ?

Before proceeding further, we want you to ensure if you have the backup of your files.

Right click on “public_html”, then click on “File Permission”, change the permissions to 755, and checkmark “Recurse into Subdirectories”

Now again, go back to your website and check if you still face the same error. If all is working fine, then you have sorted out the problem on your own without the need of help from anyone.

But the problem hasn’t been sorted, what should I do now ?

If you still face the same error, you can login to your cPanel, then look for the “PHP Configuration”. Make changes to the the PHP version from default value to either php5 or php4. That should solve your problem.