Knowledgebase

A 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most common website issues. It usually means something went wrong on the server side, but the exact cause isn’t always obvious. At DediRock, we help our clients diagnose and fix these errors quickly so their websites stay online.

1. What Does a 500 Internal Server Error Mean?

This error is a general server response that indicates your site cannot be displayed. Causes can range from misconfigured files to exhausted server resources. While frustrating, it’s usually fixable with a few checks.

2. Common Causes of 500 Errors

• Incorrect .htaccess rules

• PHP errors (syntax mistakes, outdated code, incompatible plugins)

• Exceeded memory limits

• Permission errors on files or directories

• Corrupted CMS files after updates or migrations

3. Steps to Troubleshoot and Fix

Step 1: Check Your .htaccess File

• Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_backup using File Manager or FTP.

• Reload your site. If it works, the issue was with your .htaccess rules.

• Generate a new one via your CMS (e.g., WordPress → Settings → Permalinks → Save).

Step 2: Increase PHP Memory Limit

• Edit your wp-config.php (WordPress) or configuration file.

• Add:

   

  define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

• On VPS or Dedicated Servers, adjust memory limits in php.ini or control panel.

Step 3: Review Error Logs

• Log in to your DediRock Client Portal.

• Go to cPanel → Metrics → Errors or check logs in your VPS/Dedicated Server.

• Look for recent error messages to pinpoint the cause.

Step 4: Check File and Folder Permissions

• Correct permissions are usually:

  • Files: 644

  • Folders: 755

• Adjust through File Manager or FTP.

Step 5: Disable Plugins or Themes (CMS Websites)

• For WordPress, rename the plugins folder via FTP to temporarily disable all plugins.

• If the site loads, re-enable them one by one to find the culprit.

• Switch to a default theme to rule out theme issues.

Step 6: Re-upload or Repair CMS Core Files

• Download a fresh copy of your CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.).

• Replace core files without overwriting your wp-content or config files.

• This resolves corrupted or missing files after updates.

4. When to Contact Support

If you’ve tried the above steps and your site still shows a 500 error:

• Open a Support Ticket.

• Provide details about recent changes (updates, installs, migrations).

• Our team will check logs, server settings, and fix the issue.

Final Thoughts

A 500 Internal Server Error can feel overwhelming, but it usually comes down to a fixable configuration or resource issue. With systematic troubleshooting, you can get your site back online quickly.