Two Common Web Site Problems

1) File Not Found

Often, as you build your web site, you will encounter error messages. If you see a message similar to the one below:

screen shot file not found

which states that your URL cannot be found, it usually means the browser cannot find the file to which you want to link. You need to check the following:

Did you transfer your file successfully to your public_html directory? Check in the Remote Secure Shell window that your file is within your public_html directory.
When you created the link, did you type the name of the file to which you want to link correctly? The name of the file in the link must be exactly the same as the name of the file to which you want to link. If you need to recreate the link, use the Choose File button to choose the file to which you want to link which avoids inadvertent typos.
Are both the file from which you are linking and the file to which you are linking saved in exactly the same place (on a piece of removable media, such as jump drive, or on the Desktop)? If they are saved in different places (one, say, on the Desktop, and one on the C drive, or in different folders on your jump drive) then your link will include coding errors.

If this happens, it can prove a little confusing. Your link will work when you preview it on your computer, but not when you transfer your files to your public_html directory.

But the solution is simple. Save both files to exactly the same place and remake your link. As you create more files, remember to same them in exactly the place as your earlier files. You should also remember to save all your graphic (.jpg, .jpeg, & .gif) files in exactly the same place as your other files, too

2) Forbidden

The other common error message tells you you do not have permission to view a particular file:

screen shot forbidden access

This usually means that the file to which you are linking has problems in its permissions (the codes which tell the server to allow public access to a particular file). Fortunately, this is also relatively easily solved. You need to reset the permissions.

1) Keep your browser open.

2) Open Secure Shell (if you do not already have it open) and connect to your web site.

3) Open your public_html directory and highlight (but do not double-click on) the file to which you are trying to link.

4) Once the file is highlighted, right-click the file, which should open a new menu. Click on Properties, which should open the Properties box for your file. Make sure that the numbers at the bottom of the box read 755. Click OK.

4) Return to your browser and reload the page.

If you still encounter the Forbidden message, you may have problems with the permissions for your public_html directory. However, you can reset the permissions for your public_html directory by following the above steps for that directory.

If you still encounter problems...