Nginx Default Server Sends 404 Error: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello esteemed reader, are you experiencing a 404 error when trying to access your website on Nginx? Don’t worry, you are in the right place! In this article, we will take a deep dive into the causes, advantages, and disadvantages of Nginx default server sending 404 errors. We will also provide a table with all the necessary information you need. Keep reading to find out more!

What is Nginx Default Server Sending 404 Error?

Nginx is a popular open-source web server and reverse proxy responsible for serving web content to clients through the internet. It uses a default server to provide content when a requested hostname or domain name is either missing or not matched with any of the server blocks defined in the configuration file.

However, when a client requests a non-existing server name or URL, the server returns a 404 error page, indicating that the requested resource is not found. This is called the Nginx default server sending 404 error.

Causes of Nginx Default Server Sending 404 Error

There are several reasons why Nginx default server sends 404 errors. Here are a few common ones:

Cause
Explanation
Incorrect Server Name
If the server name is incorrectly spelled or does not match the URL, the server returns a 404 error.
Missing Virtual Hosts
When there are no virtual hosts defined for the server block, all requests to the server IP address will return a 404 error.
Invalid URL
If the requested URL is invalid or not found, the server returns a 404 error.
Permission Errors
If there are permission errors in the server directory, the server returns a 404 error.

Advantages of Nginx Default Server Sending 404 Error

Here are some advantages of Nginx default server sending 404 error:

1. Increased Security

By returning a 404 error instead of disclosing sensitive information about the server, Nginx default server provides an extra layer of security against potential cyber attacks.

2. Improved User Experience

Nginx default server’s 404 error page is a user-friendly way of indicating that a requested resource is not found, leading to a better user experience.

Disadvantages of Nginx Default Server Sending 404 Error

Here are some disadvantages of Nginx default server sending 404 errors:

1. Loss of Traffic

When Nginx default server sends 404 errors, it leads to a loss of traffic as users are not able to access the site. This can negatively affect the website’s SEO and ranking on Google search engine.

2. Misinterpretation of The Error

Sometimes, when users see a 404 error page, they may assume that the website is down or has been removed permanently, leading to a loss of trust and credibility.

Nginx Default Server Sending 404: Complete Information

Name
Value
Protocol
HTTP/HTTPS
Error Code
404
Error Message
Not Found
Location of Configuration File
/etc/nginx/nginx.conf
Default Configuration
server { listen 80 default_server; server_name _; return 404; }
Troubleshooting
Check spelling and syntax of the server name, verify that virtual hosts are specified, and check file and directory permissions.

FAQs

Q1. Can Nginx default server send a different error code?

A1. Yes, Nginx default server can send a different error code, such as 403 or 500, depending on the configuration.

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Q2. How can I customize the Nginx default server 404 error page?

A2. You can customize the Nginx default server 404 error page by creating a custom error page and specifying it in the configuration file.

Q3. How can I check if the server is returning a 404 error code?

A3. You can use the browser’s development tools to check the status code of the server’s response.

Q4. Can Nginx default server send a 404 error for specific requests?

A4. Yes, Nginx default server can send a 404 error for specific requests by using the location directive in the configuration file.

Q5. Can I redirect 404 errors to a custom URL?

A5. Yes, you can redirect 404 errors to a custom URL by specifying the URL in the configuration file.

Q6. How can I prevent Nginx default server from sending 404 errors?

A6. You can prevent Nginx default server from sending 404 errors by configuring the server block to redirect requests to a specific URL or by creating virtual hosts for all domains and subdomains.

Q7. What is the impact of Nginx default server sending 404 errors on SEO?

A7. Nginx default server sending 404 errors can negatively impact website SEO by resulting in decreased traffic and lower Google search ranking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have covered everything you need to know about Nginx default server sending 404 errors. We have discussed the causes, advantages, and disadvantages of this error and provided a table with all the necessary information. Don’t let 404 errors impact your website’s SEO and ranking. Take action today and troubleshoot any errors using the information provided in this article.

Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or omissions or any consequences arising from the use of this information.

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