What to check first
- Save the exact browser or server error
- Check domain, DNS, SSL, and hosting status
- Review recent changes before modifying the website
Capture the error visitors see
Check whether the domain fails to resolve, the browser shows a certificate warning, or the server returns an application error. Each points to a different layer. Save the message and time and review recent changes before modifying the site.
Inspect the smallest possible area
Test DNS, hosting response, SSL, PHP errors, and database connectivity as indicated by the symptom. Preserve current files and data before rolling anything back. Keep a way for customers to reach the business during the outage.
Verify after the first page returns
Open service pages, forms, and important transactions from another connection. Document what caused the outage and whether backups and access are ready for a future incident.
Will switching hosts fix it immediately?
Not if the fault is in site code, DNS, or a database copied to the next provider.
Long Island Webmaster is an independent website service provider. References to GoDaddy describe third-party products and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.
Greg Grigorian
Greg is a Long Island webmaster with more than two decades of experience repairing, building, securing, and managing business websites. Clients speak directly with Greg, so the person reviewing the problem is also the person responsible for the work.
ASK GREG ABOUT THIS WEBSITE PROBLEM