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A 500 Internal Server Error on WHM (Web Host Manager) can be caused by various issues. Here's a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix this error:

1. Check Server Logs

The first step is to check the server logs to identify the root cause of the error. The relevant logs include:

  • Apache Error Log: /usr/local/apache/logs/error_log
  • cPanel Error Log: /usr/local/cpanel/logs/error_log

You can access these logs via SSH using commands like:

tail -f /usr/local/apache/logs/error_log
tail -f /usr/local/cpanel/logs/error_log

2. Permission and Ownership Issues

Incorrect file permissions or ownership can lead to a 500 error. Ensure that:

  • Files have 644 permissions.
  • Directories have 755 permissions.
  • The user owns the files and directories.

Use the following commands to check and set permissions:

find /home/username/public_html -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
find /home/username/public_html -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
chown -R username:username /home/username/public_html

3. .htaccess File Issues

A misconfigured .htaccess file can also cause a 500 error. Check for syntax errors or incompatible directives:

  1. Rename the .htaccess file to see if the error resolves.
  2. If it does, review the file for any incorrect settings.

4. PHP Configuration Issues

Errors in the PHP configuration or exceeding PHP limits can cause a 500 error. Check the php.ini file for:

  • Memory limits
  • Execution time
  • Upload size

Example adjustments in php.ini:

memory_limit = 128M
max_execution_time = 300
upload_max_filesize = 50M
post_max_size = 50M

5. Check for Exhausted Resources

Ensure the server has not exhausted its resources such as memory, CPU, or disk space. Use the following commands to check:

top
df -h
free -m

Upgrade your server plan or optimize resource usage if necessary.

6. Check for Corrupt Files

Corrupt files can cause 500 errors. Verify the integrity of critical files such as:

  • Core WHM files
  • CMS files (e.g., WordPress, Joomla)

7. Rebuild Apache and PHP

Rebuilding Apache and PHP can sometimes resolve configuration issues causing 500 errors. In WHM, go to:

Home > Software > EasyApache 4

Rebuild and reconfigure Apache and PHP from this interface.

8. Check for Module Issues

Certain Apache or PHP modules might be causing conflicts. Disable non-essential modules and restart Apache:

service httpd restart

9. Verify Database Connections

If the error is related to a web application, ensure that the database server is running and the connection credentials are correct. Check the database logs for any issues:

  • MySQL log: /var/lib/mysql/mysql.log

10. Consult WHM Support

If the issue persists, consult cPanel/WHM support or your hosting provider for further assistance. They can provide deeper insights and specific solutions tailored to your server setup.

Conclusion

Resolving a 500 Internal Server Error on WHM involves a systematic approach of checking logs, permissions, configurations, and resources. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the underlying issue causing the error.

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