|
| |
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
 |
custom 404 page - 2/10/2006 23:08:14
I have a site hosted by Valueweb. I want to make a custom 404 error page, but Valueweb suggests that the .hpaccess file not be altered if using FP. I can't even find the.hpaccess file, and wonder whether I should continue trying or abandon the effort. Any help would be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
coreybryant
Posts: 2422
Joined: 3/17/2002
From: Castle Rock CO USA
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/11/2006 11:28:30
I think it is actually an htaccess file. Usually your hosting company will create this for you or it is also easily configured thru the control panel.
But messing with the htaccess file can sometimes cause some problems because htaccess wants to control the permissions while FP does as well. Usually you can create this htaccess file though and upload it via FP
_____________________________
Corey R. Bryant
Merchant Accounts | Toll Free Numbers | My Blog | Expression Web Blog
| |
|
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/11/2006 12:24:09
Yes .htaccess, I don't know whre that "p" came from. Valueweb says they will give instructions on how to do it, but will not help if the fp extensions get screwed up. Very helpful folks.
I tend to wonder if it's worth the risk , and I can't get access to the htaccess file that's already there. Any suggestions? Thanks.
| |
|
|
|
Kitka
Posts: 2515
Joined: 1/31/2002
From: Australia
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/11/2006 17:15:50
quote:
I tend to wonder if it's worth the risk , and I can't get access to the htaccess file that's already there.
How do you normally view the files on the server? Do you publish with FrontPage or use ftp, and do you have a Control Panel access?
In my opinion, it is worth the risk, because IF you kept a backup of the original .htaccess and you find you can't publish with FP anymore, it is a simple matter to restore the original file. ALWAYS backup .htaccess before making any change. A mistake could mean that no-one will be able to view the site.
quote:
Valueweb says they will give instructions on how to do it, but will not help if the fp extensions get screwed up.
I have been down the road of trying to find a way to edit .htaccess but still allow publishing with FP. I succeeded - results here:
http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m-266165/tm.htm#266165
However, that method is usually only required if you wish to use mod_rewrite. I have been able to add the code for custom error files without upsetting FrontPage in the slightest. Usually all you need to do is add this:
ErrorDocument 404 http://www.example.com/404.html
(but change example.com to your domain, and 404.html to the name of your custom 404 file)
As your hosts have offered to give instructions as to how to do it (which should tell you how to find the file), accept that offer so it will shorten the process a little. Come back here when you have that info.
_____________________________
Kitka
**It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.**
| |
|
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/12/2006 10:39:03
Thank you for your suggestions - I'll give it a try and let you know. Linda
| |
|
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/12/2006 17:57:15
Here's the response I got when I asked the isp about the .htaccess file.
"If you do not have a .htaccess file you can create one on your computer using notepad, just name the file .htaccess. A good website that shows you how to make a .htaccess file is http://www.freewebmasterhelp.com/tutorials/htaccess/1
I also noticed that you have Frontpage extensions installed on the server. Modifying an .htaccess file will not work with Frontpage. If you modify an .htaccess file while you have the Frontpage extensions installed you will not be able to publish your site and you will have to reinstall the Frontpage extensions which will over write and custom .htaccess files that you have made."
I must be exceptionally dense..is there an .htaccess file that FP is already using, and my creating one and uploading it will modify it, or will my creating and uploading an .htaccess file not matter to FP if there is not one there in the first place?
Thanks for your help. Linda
| |
|
|
|
Kitka
Posts: 2515
Joined: 1/31/2002
From: Australia
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/12/2006 18:12:23
If you have FP extensions installed, you will already have an .htaccess file in your root directory. But you won't see it listed in FP folder view as it is deliberately hidden by FP. To publish with FP, you have to have an .htaccess file in place.
To see it, you either need ftp or access via Control Panel.
Your hosts are correct in saying that if you create a custom .htaccess without the necessary FP rules, you will no longer be able to publish using FP. And reinstalling the extensions will overwrite any customisation you made.
This statement however, is wrong:
quote:
Modifying an .htaccess file will not work with Frontpage.
I have heavily modified .htaccess and still am able to publish using FP. You just have to know how.
_____________________________
Kitka
**It is impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.**
| |
|
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/12/2006 18:59:09
Now I'm sure I'm dense - I've opened the site with Firefox ftp and STILL can't find the file....help, please. Thanks
| |
|
|
|
Linda5630
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/29/2002
Status: offline
|
RE: custom 404 page - 2/13/2006 14:45:50
By George I've got it! I finally got to open the file, modified it, and put it on the site, and it works! Thanks so much for all your help! Linda
| |
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
|
Printable Version 
