Step-by-Step: Troubleshooting a Website That Won't Load
A site that won't load has many causes; checking layer by layer from domain to server pinpoints it fast.
1. Scope it
- Just you, or everyone? Use a third-party online checker or switch networks;
- Whole site or one page?
2. Domain and DNS
- Is the domain expired, and does it resolve to the right server IP;
- Use ping domain to see the resolved IP; recent DNS changes may need time.
3. Server and services
- Is the server online (ping IP);
- Is the web service running: systemctl status nginx (or apache);
- Are ports open: 80/443 not blocked by a firewall.
4. App and certificates
- Check the web server error log (e.g. /var/log/nginx/error.log);
- If HTTPS fails, check whether the SSL certificate expired;
- For app errors check application logs and the database.
5. Still down
Send the segment you isolated and the error messages to 00Shark support for deeper help.
This article was prepared with AI assistance by the SharkCloud editorial team and reviewed before publication.