Standard: File Not Found (404 Error) Page
Brief description
(see the full document below for details)
A page that notifies a visitor they have found a broken link, gives them suggestions of where to go next, and may ask them to report the problem.
Note: This is a "legacy" standard, written before the Web Council was created. It has been in force since the effective date. Since the creation of the Web Council, it has been rewritten to follow the normal layout for standards. "Date approved" refers to when the Web Council approved this rewritten version.
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Content requirements
- Each Web area must include a page that appears when someone follows a broken link into that area.
- The error page must provide useful links, including at minimum a link to the area's home page in the main body.
- Optionally, you may include an HTML form that sends an error report to the developer. After submitting the form, the thank you page must include useful links
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Style requirements
- The error page that appears after following a broken link into a Web area must use the same template as that area.
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How to
See
http://yosemite.epa.gov/OEI/webguide.nsf/customize/404code
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Examples
Error page with links: http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/sdfsdf
Error page with a form; links provided after submitting the form: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/sdfsdf
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Rationale
Broken links can leave a reader wondering where to turn next. EPA has a default error page, but that doesn't help someone who has taken the time to dig down into a specific Web area. In contrast, a custom error page helps visitors stay within your area and find useful content even after following a broken link.
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Related governance documents
EPA
Related Policies
Related Procedures
Related Standards
Related Guidance
Non-EPA
None
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Full Metadata about this standard
Name File Not Found (404 Error) Page
Tracking number NT00000000
Type Standard
Required or Recommended Required
Effective date 01/01/2004
Date approved 03/12/2007
Category Links and Navigation, Required Pages
Web Council review by 03/12/2009 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)
Governing Policy Web Governance and Management (PDF) (4 pp, 339K, About PDF)
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