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The Apache Web server allows site managers to customise error pages for HTTP errors by number. This error 500 internal server error, means that a request for a URL has triggered a fault with the Web server. It is likely that a server configuration change, CGI script, Java servlet, or other server side application has caused a fault.

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Apache custom error 500 configuration

This custom error page can be configured with a single line in the .htaccess file for the relevant directory, as shown below. If this instruction is given in the root level directory, it applies to all subdirectories.

.htaccess 

ErrorDocument 500 /error-docs/500.shtml

The file path must lead with a forward slash relative to the document root for the server or virtual host. In this example, error-docs is a sub-directory of the document root.

The custom error document itself should be a standard formatted HTML document that may use Server Side Includes or any other dynamic processing. Bear in mind, however, that if errors occur in the delivery of such dynamic documents your visitors may witness an even less friendly aspect to your site!

Activate .htaccess settings

To enable .htaccess files to override the server's http.conf settings, the default host must have the AllowOverride FileInfo property set in its Directory directive. Your configuration should look something like this: 

<Directory "C:/apache/httpd/htdocs/manual">
    Options Includes Indexes FollowSymLinks MultiViews
    AllowOverride FileInfo
    Order allow,deny
    Allow from all
</Directory>

Server configuration problem?

If your Web server is issuing HTTP errors, you may find the answer to your problem in the following extract from our extensive FAQ section.

HTTP status 500 questions

  1. Can I use a constructor in my servlet?
  2. Internet Explorer does not show my custom 500 error page!
  3. Can I catch an exception and give my own error message?
  4. Could compiling a package cause an internal server error?
  5. My 500 error is java.lang.Exception!
  6. A JSP script causes 500 errors with some browsers!
  7. I get a 500 Internal Server Error for my favourite Web site!

Apache custom error configuration

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