What about this test404response.html file that's showing up in my error logs?

Usually, "test404response" will be followed by a string of random numbers (and the extension .html). This request for an html page you almost certainly won't have is generated by a search engine or other Internet indexing engine trying to find out if you have a custom 404, or error handling, page.

What's that? Well, you can create a custom 404 page that will be displayed every time someone tries to access a webpage that doesn't exist on your site. Instead of seeing a (sort of ugly) default page generated by their browser, people looking for pages that don't exist will instead see the (beautiful) page you design for them, which can redirect them to your home or index page, a search page on your website, or even just ask them to send you email about the page they were trying to get to.

Custom 404 pages are pretty useful, not to mention cool—it's sort of a "finishing touch" a lot of web designers pride themselves on having or providing to clients. It's also something you can easily implement on your own website (well, if you're hosted with us: Hosting for Humans provides free custom 404 page access with every account).

Just send us email letting us know you're interested in having a custom 404 page, and we'll be happy to walk you through the steps. You can also check the main FAQ page—that information will be added there soon.

Why would search engines be checking for custom 404 pages? There are some companies that gather that type of information about web sites and index it, mostly intending to later sell it to marketing companies or others who might be interested in that sort of information.

Why would any be interested in it? Well, there's the idea that a web site (especially a corporate one) that has custom 404 pages will likely be more upscale, and therefore maybe more desirable as a customer. Strikes us as kind of odd, honestly ... but I guess if someone will pay for it, then it has some value.

As always, if you have any questions or problems, contact us at support@hostingforhumans.com and we’ll get right back to you.

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