200 returned when page 404

[robert89]

Hi there,
Went to test google beta sitemap. When I went to have page verified google returned:
"We've detected that your 404 (file not found) error page returns a status of 200 (OK) in the header.
This configuration presents a security risk for site verification and therefore, we can't verify your site. If your web server is configured to return a status of 200 in the header of 404 pages, and we enabled you to verify your site with this configuration, others would be able to take advantage of this and verify your site as well. This would allow others to see your site statistics. To ensure that no one can take advantage of this configuration to view statistics to sites they don't own, we only verify sites that return a status of 404 in the header of 404 pages."

What are the SEO implications of this. Is it something that could have been deliberately set up or is it an accident waiting to happen. Any thoughts appreciated.

Bob

 

[ChrisHirst]

Usually it just means you have a custom 404 page.

The SEO issues it can cause are potentially far reaching, as any pages that you remove from the server will never be removed from the SE index.

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Woo Hoo! the cobblers kids get new shoes.
People Counting Systems

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 

[xtendscott]

ChrisHirst is right that it would normally mean that a custom 404 page is being used. On the custom 404 page, you would need to code in "proper header" information for the 404.

Returning the proper header depends on scripting language you use. Here are a few I found.

PHP:
<?php
header("HTTP/1.0 404 Not Found");
?> 

Coldfusion:
<cfheader statuscode="404" statustext="File Not Found">

asp and asp.net(I believe):
<%
   Response.Status = "404 Not Found" 
%>

xtendscott
Home Improvement Watch | Cryosurgery | Walla Walla Portal | Walla Walla Martial Arts

 

[gmail2]

I have a custom 404 and google verified my site fine (

http://www.karenoconnor.co.uk)