Experiencing a 404 Not Found Error on your WordPress website can be frustrating, as it indicates that the server cannot find the requested page or resource. This error message suggests issues with broken links, missing pages, or misconfigured server settings. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the common causes behind a WordPress website showing a 404 Not Found Error, dissect their underlying issues, and provide practical solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve them effectively. Whether you're a WordPress beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to fix the 404 Not Found Error and ensure smooth website operation.

Understanding the 404 Not Found Error: The 404 Not Found Error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server cannot find the requested page or resource. When this error occurs on a WordPress website, it typically manifests as a blank page or a custom error message, indicating that the requested URL does not exist on the server.

Common Causes of WordPress Websites Showing a 404 Not Found Error:

1. Broken Links: Broken links within the website or incoming links from external sources pointing to non-existent pages can trigger 404 errors. If the URL structure of WordPress permalinks is changed or if pages are deleted or moved without proper redirection, users may encounter 404 errors when accessing those URLs.
2. Misconfigured Permalinks: Incorrect permalink settings or misconfigured rewrite rules in the .htaccess file can result in 404 errors. If WordPress permalinks are not set up correctly or if the .htaccess file is missing or improperly configured, the server may fail to resolve URLs and return not-found errors.
3. Server Configurations: Misconfigured server settings, such as incorrect file permissions or URL rewriting rules, can lead to 404 errors. If server configurations block access to certain directories or impose restrictions on URL patterns, WordPress may fail to serve requested pages and return not-found errors.

Troubleshooting and Fixing a WordPress Website Showing a 404 Not Found Error: Now, let's explore effective troubleshooting strategies to resolve the 404 error on your WordPress website:

1. Check Permalink Settings:

   • Navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard and go to Settings > Permalinks.
   • Verify that the desired permalink structure is selected and click the "Save Changes" button to update permalink settings.
   • If using a custom permalink structure, ensure that rewrite rules in the .htaccess file are configured correctly to support the chosen structure.

2. Review .htaccess File:

   • Access the WordPress root directory via FTP or file manager and locate the .htaccess file.
   • Verify that the .htaccess file exists and contains the necessary rewrite rules for WordPress permalinks.
   • If the .htaccess file is missing or corrupted, regenerate it by navigating to Settings > Permalinks in the WordPress admin dashboard and clicking the "Save Changes" button.

3. Check for Broken Links:

   • Use online broken link checkers or WordPress plugins to scan the website for broken links.
   • Update or remove broken links found during the scanning process to prevent 404 errors.
   • Consider implementing 301 redirects for permanently moved or deleted pages to redirect users and search engines to relevant content.

4. Clear Cache:

   • Clear WordPress cache and any caching plugins installed on the website to ensure that users receive the latest version of web pages.
   • Flush browser cache and cookies to remove any cached data that may be causing 404 errors.

5. Verify File and Directory Permissions:

   • Review file and directory permissions on the server to ensure that WordPress files and directories have the correct permissions set.
   • Set file permissions to 644 and directory permissions to 755 to ensure proper access and prevent permission-related issues.

6. Test URL Redirection:

   • Manually test URL redirection by entering URLs in the browser and verifying that they are redirected to the correct pages.
   • Use WordPress redirection plugins or server-level redirects to manage URL redirections and prevent 404 errors.

7. Monitor Server Logs:

   • Review server logs, such as error logs and access logs, for any entries related to 404 Not Found Errors.
   • Look for clues or error messages that may indicate the cause of the not-found errors, such as missing files or failed URL resolutions.
   • Consult with your hosting provider or server administrator for assistance with interpreting server logs and resolving configuration issues.

8. Contact Hosting Provider:

   • If you're unable to resolve the 404 errors on your own, contact your hosting provider's support team for assistance.
   • Provide them with detailed information about the issue, including server logs and error messages, to expedite the troubleshooting process.
   • Work with your hosting provider to identify the root cause of the problem and implement solutions to prevent future occurrences.

Encountering a 404 Not Found Error on your WordPress website can disrupt user experience and affect website credibility. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to identify the underlying cause of the error and implement the necessary fixes to resolve it. Remember to check permalink settings, review the .htaccess file, check for broken links, clear cache, verify file and directory permissions, test URL redirection, monitor server logs, and contact your hosting provider if necessary. With proactive measures in place, you'll ensure smooth URL resolution and minimize the occurrence of 404 Not Found Errors on your WordPress website.