How to Fix "SharePoint Site 404 Not Found" Errors? [Full Guide]

"SharePoint Site 404 Not Found”, if you've encountered this message, you know how frustrating it can be. It means the site or page you're trying to access isn't available, disrupting workflows and productivity. Whether you’re an administrator managing critical data or a user trying to get to important content, this issue can slow you down.

The good news is that most "404 Not Found" errors in SharePoint are fixable with the right steps. These errors usually stem from common issues such as deleted homepages, broken links, or permission restrictions. In this guide, we'll explore the causes of these errors, how to identify them, and most importantly how to resolve them effectively. So, let’s get started.?

Understanding the 'SharePoint Site 404 Not Found' Error

A "404 Not Found" error in SharePoint occurs when the server cannot locate the requested site or page. This error is frustrating, but understanding its causes can help you resolve it quickly.

The error message typically appears when there’s a mismatch between the requested URL and the actual location of the site or page in SharePoint. This mismatch can occur for several reasons:

1. Deleted Home Page: The homepage is the central access point for most SharePoint sites. If it has been accidentally deleted, the site will display a 404 error when accessed.
2. Renamed or Moved Pages: Renaming or moving a page without updating the links or navigation can lead to broken paths, resulting in an error message.
3. Incorrect URL Entry: A simple typo in the URL, an outdated bookmark, or an incorrect hyperlink can direct users to a non-existent page.
4. Permission Restrictions: Even if a page exists, insufficient user permissions may block access, causing users to believe the page is missing.

These scenarios highlight how both administrative actions and user behavior can inadvertently trigger 404 errors.

How to Restore a Deleted Home Page?

If the SharePoint home page has been accidentally deleted, don't panic—it’s often recoverable through SharePoint’s Recycle Bin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to restoring your deleted homepage and solving the SharePoint site 404 not found.?

Step 1: Access Site Contents

Start by navigating to any functional SharePoint site. From there, go to Site Contents. This page provides access to the core components of your SharePoint site, including libraries, lists, and the Recycle Bin.

Step 2: Modify the URL for Direct Access

If you're unable to access Site Contents directly through the navigation, you can manually modify the URL in your browser's address bar. Simply append /_layouts/15/viewlsts.aspx?view=14 to the URL to access the Site Contents page. This is especially useful if you’re troubleshooting or performing admin tasks.

Step 3: Go to the Recycle Bin

Once you’re in Site Contents, you’ll see a link to the Recycle Bin in the left-hand column. Click on it. This is where all deleted items from the site are temporarily stored for recovery.

Step 4: Restore the Home Page

Inside the Recycle Bin, look for your deleted homepage (typically named "Home.aspx" or something similar). Once you locate it, select the page and click on Restore. This action will return the homepage to its original location in the site.

Step 5: Set the Restored Page as Default

After restoring the page, you’ll need to set it as the default homepage for the site. Go to the Site Pages library (where the homepage is stored), locate "Home.aspx," and click on the three-dot menu beside it. From there, select Set as Homepage. This ensures that users will be directed to the restored page by default.

Resolving Permission Issues Causing SharePoint Site 404 Not Found Errors

Permission issues can sometimes be the hidden culprit behind a "404 Not Found" error in SharePoint, even when the page or site exists. When users don't have sufficient permissions to access a specific page or site, SharePoint might display a 404 error instead of the usual "Access Denied" message. Here's how to resolve these issues and ensure that users can access the content they need.

1. Check User Permissions

The first step in fixing permission-related 404 errors is to check the user’s permissions for the page or site in question. SharePoint allows site owners and administrators to set granular permissions, so it’s possible that a user might not have access to a page, even if the page itself exists.

To check permissions:

• Navigate to the SharePoint site and click on Settings (gear icon) in the top right corner.
• Select Site Permissions under Site Settings.
• Review the permissions for the user or group that’s experiencing the issue. If necessary, adjust their permissions to grant access to the page or site.

2. Review Page and Site Level Permissions

In SharePoint, permissions can be set at both the site level and the page level. If a user has access to the site but not to specific pages, they may encounter a 404 error when trying to access restricted content.

To check page-specific permissions:

• Navigate to the page that’s causing the 404 error.
• Click on the three dots (ellipses) next to the page title.
• Select Manage Permissions from the dropdown.
• Ensure that the correct users or groups have been granted access to the page.

If the page inherits permissions from the parent site, check the site’s overall permissions to ensure that the permissions are applied correctly.

3. Break Inheritance (if necessary)

Sometimes, specific pages require unique permission settings that differ from the rest of the site. If that’s the case, you can break permission inheritance for the page:

• On the page’s Manage Permissions screen, select Stop Inheriting Permissions.
• Afterward, you can customize the permissions for that specific page, granting the necessary access to users or groups.

4. Test User Access

Once you’ve adjusted permissions, be sure to test the access for affected users. Have them try accessing the page or site again to confirm the 404 error is resolved. If the problem persists, double-check the user roles and permissions to ensure they are correctly configured.

Fixing Site URL Changes Causing SharePoint Site 404 Not Found Errors?

When the URL of a SharePoint site or page is changed, either intentionally or unintentionally, it can lead to 404 Not Found errors. This typically happens when links, bookmarks, or stored references are not updated to reflect the new URL, causing users to land on a non-existent page. Here’s how to fix issues related to URL changes in SharePoint.

1. Review Site or Page URL Changes

If you’ve recently renamed or moved a site or page, ensure that all internal and external links are updated to point to the correct location. Changes to URLs may happen for reasons such as:

• Rebranding or restructuring the site
• Moving pages to different libraries or folders
• Updating the site’s navigation structure

2. Update Links and Bookmarks

Once the URL is changed, old links or bookmarks that still point to the previous location can cause users to encounter SharePoint site 404 not found errors. Make sure you update all internal links within SharePoint pages, documents, and emails. Additionally, ask users to update their bookmarks if needed.

3. Set Up Redirects for Old URLs

One effective way to address 404 errors due to URL changes is by setting up URL redirects. SharePoint allows administrators to configure redirects so that when users attempt to access a page with the old URL, they are automatically redirected to the new page. This is especially useful if you cannot manually update all links.

To set up a redirect:

• Navigate to Site Settings.
• Under Site Collection Administration, select Site Collection Features.
• Activate Redirect to configure which pages or sites will redirect to new locations.

4. Test Redirects

After setting up the redirects, test the old URLs to ensure that they lead to the correct new pages. This step is crucial in preventing 404 errors from popping up for users trying to access outdated links.

Ensuring Proper Site Structure and Navigation?

A well-organized site structure and navigation in SharePoint can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering a SharePoint site 404 not found error. When sites are structured logically, with clear paths and correct links, users can easily navigate and find the pages they need. Poor site structure, on the other hand, can result in broken links, misplaced content, and ultimately, 404 errors. Here’s how to ensure your SharePoint site structure is optimized:

1. Organize Content in Logical Folders and Libraries

One of the key components of SharePoint’s structure is its libraries and folders. Properly organizing content into relevant libraries and folders makes it easier to locate documents, pages, and other assets. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Group related content into separate libraries or folders.
• Use descriptive names for both libraries and folders to avoid confusion.
• Avoid excessive nesting of folders, as this can lead to broken links when URLs become too long or complicated.

2. Use Consistent Naming Conventions

Clear, consistent naming conventions can make navigation much easier and help prevent broken links. For instance, always use lowercase letters and avoid spaces in file names. Stick to descriptive and simple titles that are easy to remember and type.

When naming pages or documents, avoid using special characters (like &, #, or @), as these can sometimes cause problems with links and URLs.

3. Maintain an Intuitive Site Navigation Structure

The site navigation should be user-friendly, with clear links to the most important sections of the site. Follow these tips for effective navigation:

• Use the Quick Launch menu on the left side of the screen to display commonly used pages or libraries.
• Group related links together and ensure that the names are descriptive.
• Regularly review and update the navigation as your SharePoint site evolves.

4. Conduct Regular Site Audits

Regularly auditing your SharePoint site helps catch any errors related to site structure or navigation before they become bigger problems. An audit can help identify outdated links, deleted pages, and other structural issues that could result in 404 errors.

Important Advice

For an uninterrupted workflow, you can move your SharePoint site to another tenant using the SysTools SharePoint Migrator. This tool allows you to backup your SharePoint sites into another account. You can use that account whenever there is an issue with the current SharePoint account.

Conclusion

By addressing the issues that lead to SharePoint Site 404 Not Found errors and implementing the solutions in this blog, you can ensure a smooth user experience and maintain the health of your SharePoint site. Now you can prevent your SharePoint site from 404 errors and maintain a user-friendly site.