While surfing the internet, there are numerous issues that people encounter that hamper the browsing experience of users. One of the most common errors that is faced by people while surfing the internet is the “304 – Not Modified” error. Now, if you have also come across this error, you do not need to worry, as although the error is not as common as others, such as ‘504 – Bad Gateway’ or ‘404 – Not Found’, this error is not very difficult to solve.
This error code is one of those errors that work in the background, but it is not very difficult to understand this error and the reasons behind it. This guide will allow you to understand what the error means and the methods that you can use to resolve the error without issues.
Understanding the Meaning of the 304 status Code Error
The first thing that you need to understand is the meaning of the 304 status code. Well, the appearance of this error states that the status of the webpage that you are trying to access has not changed since the last time you visited it. In simple terms, the error tells your browser that you already have the latest version of this webpage, and there is no need for you to download it again.
Whenever you access a website, your browser stores certain data (images, scripts, text) as cache data. This cache data is used by your browser the next time you try to access the same website. Your browser checks whether there is any change in the website by sending an HTTP conditional request using headers such as:
- If-Modified-Since
- If-None-Match
If your server detects that the content of the website has not changed, then it will reply with a 304 Not Modified code. Then, the browser uses the cache data and presents you with the same, saving both time and bandwidth.
Common Causes Behind the 304 Status Code Error
Before we mention the methods that you can use to troubleshoot the 304 code status, it is also essential for you to understand the main causes behind this error.
- If there is corrupted or outdated cache data in your browser, this can result in the 304 response error.
- Improper HTTP header settings can also trigger the 305 not modified error.
- Cached results in the network layer might cause the same issue.
Troubleshooting the 304 Status Code Error
- Start by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This act will be a guarantee that the browser fetches the most recent version of the site.
- Next, hit the reload button (Ctrl + F5). This action will force a total refresh of the page.
- Switch to a different browser or device. This will allow you to see if the problem is related to the browser you are using.
The code 304 Not Modified is an important factor in keeping the web fast and efficient. It rather signifies that the caching is functioning correctly and, in most cases, it is not a problem. However, if it causes the content to be outdated or the behavior to be unexpected, the issue can be fixed by a quick cache cleanup or server configuration check. The website Datarecovee will also present you with more methods that you can use.
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