This article covers:
Error 500: Internal Server Error
You can recognize Error 500 by the large heading Internal Server Error at the top of the page. Below it is an error description and a link to this article.
With Error 500 Internal Server Error can occur on any website. It is a nonspecific error returned when the server cannot describe its error state with a more specific 5XX code.
Resolving Error 500
The most common causes of Error 500 are:
.htaccess files
If Error 500 appears immediately after entering the website address, the problem is very likely an .htaccess file. These files are in www and may also be in its subfolders. Any of them can cause Error 500.
In all Webhosting .htaccess files (except those for working alias domains and subdomains), check:
- Prohibited directives: Files installed by content management systems and their plugins may contain prohibited directives. Disable lines containing these directives by placing the character # character to the beginning of the line. For example, a disallowed code
Options -MultiViewsby changing it to#Options -MultiViews. - Code errors: When editing existing code, check that you have not accidentally overwritten or deleted essential parts.
Edit .htaccess files via FTP. For instructions, see the article Webhosting – File Management.
If, in the folder www you use a customized default .htaccess, restore it using the guide Webhosting – The .htaccess File. During restoration, the system also creates a backup in www of the .htaccess being replaced.
Duplicate subdomain directories
If the same subdomain exists in both the folder www/domains and www/subdom, Error 500 may occur. Choose one folder as the primary location and remove the other entirely. For more information about Webhosting subdomains, see the article Webhosting – Subdomains.
Webhosting Limits
If Error 500 appears after a long loading period, your application may have reached a Webhosting limit ⧉: max_execution_time, memory_limit, post_max_size, or upload_max_filesize. You can optimize the application with these limits in mind, or switch to a different service or variant. For more information about the Webhosting service and its alternatives, see, for example, the article Webhosting – Manual.
Frequently asked questions
I see Error 500 but it looks different. What is happening?
Check that the website actually runs on Webhosting/WMS, for example using domain diagnostics. If so, contact support ⧉. If it is not our Webhosting (this also applies to our VPS), solve the problem according to the guide of your provider or server software.
Is Error 500 specific to VEDOS servers?
Error 500 can occur on any web server. When troubleshooting, use information about your CMS and plugins: their automatic updates and .htaccess changes commonly cause Error 500 to appear unexpectedly.
How do I resolve Error 500 specifically in PrestaShop?
The solution is described in the community article PrestaShop – Error 500.