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How to Troubleshoot Random 404 Errors on SharePoint or Websites

Emma Brown Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is experiencing random or intermittent 404 'Page Not Found' errors when accessing a SharePoint site or general website.

How to Troubleshoot Random 404 Errors on SharePoint or Websites

Product: SharePoint / Websites
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing web pages or SharePoint sites that intermittently fail to load.
Observed behavior: The browser displays a 404 error, indicating the page cannot be found, which may be caused by moved content, permission issues, or caching.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct and most up-to-date URL for the page you are trying to access, and verify that your internet connection is stable.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform Basic Browser and URL Checks

Rule out browser caching, extensions, or simple URL changes by testing in a private browsing window.

Intermittent 404 errors are frequently caused by outdated browser caches or incorrect URLs. Using a private browsing session ignores cached data and extensions, giving you a fresh connection to the server.

Use Incognito or InPrivate mode

Open a new Incognito window (Google Chrome) or InPrivate window (Microsoft Edge) and paste the URL to see if the page loads without cached data.

Verify the URL

Check if the page has been moved, deleted, or renamed. Ask the site owner or administrator for the updated link if you suspect the directory structure has changed.

Test on a different network

Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or use a mobile hotspot to rule out network-specific DNS or routing issues that might be blocking the connection.

Solution 2

Check Permissions and Escalate to Administrator

If the page exists but is still inaccessible, it may be a permission issue or a server-side error requiring admin intervention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a 404 error only sometimes?

Intermittent 404 errors are often caused by temporary network disruptions, server load balancing issues, or aggressive browser caching that attempts to serve an outdated version of the site.

How do I clear my browser cache to fix 404 errors?

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac) in your browser, select 'Cached images and files', and click 'Clear data' before refreshing the page.

Does a 404 error mean my files on SharePoint are deleted?

Not necessarily. A 404 error simply means the exact URL cannot be found. The file might have been renamed, moved to a different folder, or your access permissions might have changed.

What is a HAR log and why does my admin need it?

A HAR (HTTP Archive) log records the interaction between your browser and the website. It helps network administrators and Microsoft support identify exactly where the connection is failing.

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