How to Fix 404 Errors on WordPress Internal Pages

How to Fix 404 Errors on WordPress Internal Pages

**Description:**A comprehensive guide for shared hosting customers to diagnose and resolve 404 errors on specific WordPress internal pages. Covers permalink resets, .htaccess configuration, database integrity checks, and practical troubleshooting steps—all with tools available in your Eco Web Hosting shared hosting account.

Table of Contents

• What Is a 404 Error?
• Common Causes of 404 Errors in WordPress
• Step 1: Reset WordPress Permalinks
• Step 2: Restore or Repair the .htaccess File
• Step 3: Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts
• Step 4: Verify Database Integrity
• Step 5: Clear Browser and Site Cache
• Advanced Troubleshooting
• Still Need Help?

What Is a 404 Error?

A 404 error means the server can't find the requested page. In WordPress, this commonly happens on internal pages—like posts, categories, or custom post types—while the homepage works fine.

Common Causes of 404 Errors in WordPress

• Permalink settings are incorrect or corrupted
• Missing or misconfigured .htaccess file
• Plugin or theme conflicts
• Issues with WordPress database tables or links
• Caching problems

Step 1: Reset WordPress Permalinks

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard(usually at yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
2. Go to Settings > Permalinks.
3. Take note of your current setting (e.g., Post name, Day and name, etc.).
4. Change the setting to Plain and click Save Changes.
5. Now, switch it back to your preferred option (e.g., Post name) and click Save Changes again.

> This action rebuilds your permalink rules and often resolves 404 errors on internal pages.

Step 2: Restore or Repair the .htaccess File

WordPress uses the .htaccess file to handle URL rewriting. If it's missing or corrupted, 404 errors can occur.

How to Check and Restore .htaccess via File Manager

1. Log in to your Eco Web Hosting control panel.

2. Open File Manager and navigate to your website’s root directory (usually public_html).

3. Look for the .htaccess file.

   • If you can’t see it, ensure hidden files are visible (Settings > Show Hidden Files).

4. To repair or create a new .htaccess file:

   • Download a backup of the existing file (if present).
   • Delete or rename the old .htaccess.
   • Open a text editor and paste the default WordPress rules below:

   # BEGIN WordPress
   <IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteBase /
   RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
   RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
   </IfModule>
   # END WordPress
   

   • Save as .htaccess and upload it to public_html.

5. Revisit your website and test the internal pages.

Step 3: Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts

Plugins or themes can alter URL handling.

1. Temporarily deactivate all plugins:
   • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
   • Select all, choose Deactivate, and apply.
2. Test your internal pages:
   • If 404 errors are gone, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
3. Switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) under Appearance > Themes to rule out theme issues.

Step 4: Verify Database Integrity

Broken or missing links in the database can cause 404s.

Use phpMyAdmin to Check Tables

1. In your hosting control panel, open phpMyAdmin (under Databases).
2. Select your WordPress database from the left sidebar.
3. Click Check All at the bottom, then choose Repair table from the dropdown menu.

Most issues are fixed automatically. Always back up your database before making changes!

Step 5: Clear Browser and Site Cache

• Clear your browser cache or use a private/incognito window.
• If you use a caching plugin (like LiteSpeed Cache, WP Super Cache), clear/purge the site cache from the plugin’s settings.
• If your hosting plan includes server-side caching, use your control panel tools to clear it.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Manually Test URLs

Try accessing problem URLs directly, and confirm they match your WordPress permalink structure.

Check for Redirect Loops

• Use a tool like Redirect Checker to see if the URL is being redirected incorrectly.

Example: Fixing a Custom Post Type 404

If only a custom post type (e.g., /portfolio/project-title) returns 404:

1. Try Step 1 above to flush permalinks.
2. Ensure the custom post type is registered correctly in your theme or plugin code.

Still Need Help?

If you’ve followed these steps and still experience 404 errors:

• Double-check you’re editing the correct website (on multi-site or reseller accounts).
• Provide details of the affected URLs, steps taken, and any error messages.
• Submit a Support Ticket with as much information as possible for further assistance.

**Tip:**Regular backups and keeping WordPress, plugins, and themes updated help prevent many common issues, including 404 errors.

Last updated: July 2025