SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found Error: How to Resolve?

While using SharePoint 2013 to perform some major tasks, I encountered HTTP 404 Not Found. I noticed that it mainly pops up when the SharePoint server is unable to find the searched page. Additionally, I found that the SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found error occurred because of a missing page, incorrect IIS configuration, or site collection issues.

After researching multiple forums and Microsoft documentation, I found several solutions. In this guide, I’ll share the most effective troubleshooting steps that can fix the error quickly, based on my experience.

Here you’ll learn:

Overview of this Error

Reasons

Troubleshooting Tips

Maintain SharePoint Workflow Even After Error

Conclusion

Understanding the HTTP 404 Not Found in SharePoint

This 404 Not Found error occurs when your SharePoint site cannot show the content or page that users are trying to access. It means the page gets deleted, incorrect URL, or site collection issues.

Sometimes the steps taken to redirect SharePoint site to new URL were incorrect which also caused the 404 error. Because of these issues, users face difficulties in accessing the required page. As a result, organizations productivity gets affected. Let’s discuss the root causes behind this error in detail.

Common Causes of the ‘SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found Error

1. Deleted Page

One of the major reasons behind this error is the deletion of the page. If someone tries to open the data that has been deleted, then you will face a 404 Not Found error.

2. Incorrect IIS Configuration

Another reason behind the 404 Not Found error is the incorrect IIS configuration. IIS stands for Internet Information Services, which is the server that hosts SharePoint. Its incorrect configuration cannot route requests properly.

3. Site Collection Issues

SharePoint 2013 site collection can also trigger the 404 Not Found error. Site collections are those that store the site data. If they are not configured properly, then you are unable to access them.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide for SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found

Here we will discuss the solutions through which you can resolve your 404 Not Found error. So, let’s get started.

1. Restoring the Deleted Page

If the page gets deleted, then it cannot be accessed. So, to resolve it, follow the steps below.

Open the site contents.
Then go to the recycle bin and find the deleted page.
Now choose that page and restore it.

2. Verifying and Correcting IIS Configuration

Improper configurations of SharePoint 2013 can lead to a 404 Not Found error. You can resolve this issue by verifying the IIS configuration.

Open the IIS Manager on the server.
Choose the Site and hit Bindings.
Ensure there is a match between the host headers and the bindings.
Verify the site status, you can also restart it by using the iisreset command.

Refer to Update a web application URL and IIS bindings for SharePoint Server for detailed instructions.

3. Checking and Fixing Site Collection Issues

Issues with the SharePoint 2013 site collection can also lead to HTTP 404. It might be because of the incomplete restorations or duplicate root sites. Let’s see how to fix this issue with the site collection efficiently with the steps below.

Open the SharePoint Central Administration and then hit the Manage Web Applications.
Now, choose the SharePoint site and check for issues. You can also execute the PowerShell commands (such as Get-SPSite) to verify the site collection status and check it for errors.
Ensure the content database is correctly attached to the site collection. Detach them and attach them again if required.
If there is any duplicate site collection, then remove it to resolve the conflicts.

You can check the full list of SharePoint PowerShell commands to manage and troubleshoot site collections.

How to Maintain SharePoint Workflow Even After HTTP 404 Not Found Error?

This is a common error, and you may also encounter multiple issues in which the possibility of data loss is high. So, you should always have a backup of your SharePoint data for future reference. You should use the Robust SharePoint Migration Tool.

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Using this tool, you can store your SharePoint data in another account as backup. Follow the steps below for the tool.

Download & Activate the tool.
Choose Office 365 as the Source and Destination.
Select the data for migration.
Validate details of both accounts.
Add Sites & Users for migration.
After validation of sites and users, click on Start Migration.

Author’s Verdict

In this guide, we have discussed the common issues and solutions for the SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found error. You can use the fixes which are explained above to resolve it. Additionally, you should also store your SharePoint data in another account for flawless access, especially in this type of situation.

SharePoint 2013 HTTP 404 Not Found Error – Let’s Fix it