How to Use the Errors Tool in cPanel

Introduction

The Errors tool in cPanel provides quick access to the most recent entries in your website’s Apache error log. This includes important information about failed requests, missing files, permission issues, misconfigured scripts, and more. It’s an essential tool for diagnosing website problems and ensuring your site runs smoothly.

This guide explains how to access, understand, and act on the data shown in the Errors section of cPanel.

Why Use the Errors Tool?

The Errors tool helps you:

• Quickly identify broken links, missing pages, and file permission issues

• Detect PHP errors, such as syntax or runtime problems

• Monitor unauthorized access attempts or incorrect file paths

• Troubleshoot website outages or pages that won’t load

• Prevent or fix SEO issues caused by 404 or 500 errors

How to Access the Errors Tool

1. Log in to your cPanel account

2. Scroll to the Metrics section

3. Click on Errors

You will see a display of the latest 300 Apache errors generated by your website.

What the Errors Tool Displays

Each log entry includes:

• Timestamp – Date and time of the error

• IP Address – The source of the request that caused the error

• Error Code – e.g., 404, 403, 500

• Requested File/URL – The path the server tried to access

• Error Message – Details about what went wrong

Common Error Codes and What They Mean

How to Troubleshoot Using the Errors Tool

1. Fix 404 Errors (Page Not Found)

• Verify the file or page exists in File Manager

• Check that the URL is correct (no typos or case sensitivity issues)

• Update internal links and menus if needed

2. Resolve 500 Errors (Server Issues)

• Check .htaccess for syntax errors

• Review PHP files for incorrect code or extensions

• Make sure file permissions are correct

3. Address 403 Errors (Permission Denied)

• Use File Manager to set proper permissions (644 for files, 755 for folders)

• Ensure the .htaccess file isn’t blocking access

Limitations of the Errors Tool

• Only shows the last 300 entries

• Doesn’t include full server logs — for that, use Raw Access Logs or contact your hosting provider

• Logs are updated frequently, so old entries may disappear quickly

Best Practices

• Check this tool after making website updates

• Monitor daily if you're experiencing traffic drops or broken pages

• Combine with the Visitors and Bandwidth tools for a full picture

• Use entries to fix issues before they affect user experience or SEO

Conclusion

The Errors tool in cPanel is a powerful resource for identifying and fixing problems on your website. Whether you're dealing with missing pages, server errors, or misconfigured permissions, this log gives you real-time feedback on what’s going wrong. Regularly monitoring this section helps keep your website healthy, accessible, and professional.