The 500 error.
WHAT IT MEANS
The server could not complete the request.
Deliberately vague, so the log is essential.
WHERE TO LOOK
The error log in cPanel.
THE MOST COMMON CAUSES
A problem in .htaccess Incorrect file permissions A PHP error A resource limit reached A plugin or theme fault
CHECK IN THIS ORDER
The error log Recent changes .htaccess Permissions
THE HTACCESS CHECK
Rename it temporarily.
If the site returns, the file is the cause.
Regenerate it rather than editing blindly.
THE PERMISSIONS CHECK
Directories and files have expected permissions.
Never set anything to full public write access.
FOR A PLUGIN CAUSE
Rename the plugins directory to test.
IF IT APPEARED AFTER AN UPDATE
Restore from backup, or roll back the component.
IF IT APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY
Usually a resource limit. Check resource usage.
