What exactly is an "HTTP404 Error"?

[SurreyGuy]

When I try to view a specific (football) website from my work PC (in my lunch break!), I have problems. I reckon I can only view the site about 3 times in every ten attempts! On the other 7 occasions, I get an on-screen message saying "HTTP404 Error". What (in layman's terms) does that mean?

I can view the site without problems from my home PC.

T.I.A.

[vehelpfulguy]

It means YOUR PC has found the server where the web site is, but for some reason the server could not fulfill your request.

HTTP is the protocol (or method) that is used to identify you are connecting to a web site (like in the http at the front of the address below)

More here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/404_error

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks vehelpfulguy - as always very helpful :o)

I still don't understand why I can connect to the site some times, but not at others - surely if my PC (?) found the site once, it should always find it?

[rojash]

"I still don't understand why I can connect to the site some times, but not at others"

Probably because their server is overloaded

This is not a problem with your PC, but with the site itself.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks - bloody technology! :o)

[OBonio]

Specifically, the 404 error means the server (where the website lives) is unable to find the file you have requested.

The fact you are getting a 404 means you are connecting to the server fine. Definitely a problem with their site.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks.

I'm just puzzled because I only EVER have the problem when trying to access the site from my work PC. Accessing it from my home PC is always trouble-free, but I'm happy with the answers I've received so far :o)

[naz_nomad]

You'll probably find that your employers have set up their server so that certain sites cannot be viewed on their computers ... hence the 404 error

[SurreyGuy]

Hi Naz - if that WAS the case, then I'd NEVER be able to view that site. When I am at work I CAN view it sometimes