The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error is a very general error message that can be caused by numerous underlying issues. Here’s how you can debug and solve a 500 error on Apache:
1. Check Error Logs: Apache should have produced further information about the error in its error log, which can usually be found in your server’s error\_log or error.log. The path typically is /var/log/apache2/error.log. Check these logs for a more detailed error message that can guide you in the debugging process.
1. Correct File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions is a common reason for 500 errors. All folders should have a permission of 755 and all files a permission of 644. You can change permissions using the `chmod` command in Linux.
1. Check .htaccess: The .htaccess file is a common cause of 500 errors. Rename this file temporarily to check if this solves your problem. If it does, there is a syntax error within the file. You can use an online .htaccess validator tool to check this.
1. Increase PHP memory limit: If a PHP script exhausts the memory limit, a 500 error might be thrown. Try increasing the memory limit by modifying the php.ini file or adding `ini_set(‘memory_limit’, ‘64M’);` to your .htaccess file.
1. Debug your Code: If none of the above work, you’d have to debug your code, particularly if the 500 error appears when a certain action is performed or a specific page is accessed.
1. If all fails, consider a system reboot. Sometimes, a quick system reboot will solve the more mysterious errors.
Remember, always make a backup before making changes to your server or scripting files.
