What do errors 500/503 mean, and what can you do?

HTTP 500 (Internal Server Error) and 503 (Service Unavailable) errors indicate something went wrong on the server side. These errors can be caused by misconfigured files, PHP errors, or resource limits. This guide helps you find and fix the root cause.

Prerequisite: You need an active web hosting plan with DuelHost.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin

Step 2: Click “System Info & Files” in the sidebar

Step 3: Click “File Manager”

Step 4: View File Manager — look for error_log or public_html

Step 5: Click “Back to Dashboard” to return

Step 6: Click “Account Manager” in the sidebar

Step 7: Click “PHP Settings” to check PHP configuration

Step 8: View PHP settings — here you can add overrides for important PHP directives

Tips and notes

• Check the error_log file in your home directory for detailed error messages
• Common causes include syntax errors in .htaccess, PHP memory limits, and plugin conflicts
• Try disabling recently installed plugins or themes to isolate the problem
• If the error persists, contact support with the error log details

Need help?

If you run into any issues, our support team is ready to help. Contact us at support@duelhost.dk or through our contact form.