How to Fix 403 / 404 / 500 Errors in cPanel

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Introduction

The 403, 404, and 500 errors are common HTTP errors encountered while accessing websites hosted on cPanel. These errors usually occur due to incorrect file permissions, missing files, misconfigured settings, or server-side issues. Understanding these errors and knowing how to troubleshoot them helps ensure your website remains accessible and functions correctly.

Prerequisites (Make sure the following are available):

  • WHM login access
  • Required cPanel account details
  • Domain is active and correctly pointed to the server
  • Basic understanding of File Manager and website structure

Note : This will the basic guideline , please check the logs to proceed further backup required for the safer side .

Steps to Fix 403 / 404 / 500 Errors in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to WHM

Login to WHM as root

Step 2: Open the cPanel Account

Go to List Accounts
1. Search for the domain
2. Click the cPanel icon to access the account
This will take you inside the cPanel dashboard.

Step 3: Identify the Error Type

Open the website in a browser and note the exact error displayed:

  • 403 – Forbidden
  • 404 – Not Found
  • 500 – Internal Server Error

This helps determine the correct troubleshooting path.

Fixing 403 – Forbidden Error

Step 4: Check File and Folder Permissions

  • Navigate to File Manager → public_html
  • Set permissions:
    • Folders: 755
    • Files: 644

Incorrect permissions commonly cause 403 errors.

Step 5: Verify Index File Exist

Ensure one of the following files exists in the website root directory:

  • index.php
  • index.html

If no index file exists, the server may deny access.

Step 6: Check the .htaccess File

  • Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old
  • Reload the website
  • If the site loads, regenerate the .htaccess file

Fixing 404 – Not Found Error

Step 7: Verify File or Page Exists

  • Go to File Manager
  • Confirm the requested file or page exists in the correct directory

Step 8: Check Domain Document Root

  • Go to Domains in cPanel
  • Confirm the domain points to the correct document root

Step 9: Reset Website Permalinks (CMS Sites)

For CMS-based websites (example: WordPress):

  • Log in to the admin dashboard
  • Go to Settings → Permalinks
  • Click Save Changes

This rebuilds URL rules and often resolves 404 errors.

Fixing 500 – Internal Server Error

Step 10: Check Error Logs

  • Navigate to Metrics → Errors
  • Review recent log entries for PHP or configuration errors

Step 11: Check PHP Version

  • Go to MultiPHP Manager
  • Select a compatible PHP version for the domain
  • Apply changes and test the website

Step 12: Disable Faulty Plugins or Scripts

  • Rename the plugins directory (for CMS sites)
  • Reload the website
  • Identify and remove the problematic plugin or script

Step 13: Review .htaccess Configuration

  • Check for invalid directives
  • Remove unsupported Apache rules
  • Restore a default .htaccess if needed

Conclusion

403, 404, and 500 errors in cPanel usually result from permission issues, missing files, or server misconfigurations. By following the steps above, you can systematically identify the cause of the error and resolve it efficiently, ensuring your website remains accessible and stable.

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