How to Fix ''HTTP 304 Not Modified Status Code?''

Are you facing the HTTP 304 not modified error warning message? If yes, then you must be aware that how frustrating and annoying it can be. But worry not; we have got you covered!

In this article, we will explore all that there is to know about the HTTP 304 not modified error message, as in – What it is? Why it occurs? And the most important part: How do you resolve or fix it?

What is the HTTP 304 Status Code?

The HTTP 304 status code is a server response code that indicates – “Not Modified.” In lay terms, it denotes that the requested web page hasn’t been modified since your last visit. This code enhances the performance of web apps by reducing unnecessary data transfers between the – client and server.

When you access a site, the browser sends a header called “If-Modified-Since,” inquiring about the web page’s last modification time. Upon receiving the header, the server checks its records. If the webpage hasn’t been updated since the time specified in the “If-Modified-Since” header, it sends back the – HTTP 304 status code.

In simple terms, the 304 status code tells your browser, “Hey, everything’s the same here! No need to download the entire page again.” This prompts your browser to retrieve the webpage’s cached version stored locally on your device. This caching mechanism significantly reduces data consumption and loading times, which, in turn, provides – a smoother and more efficient browsing experience.

What Are the Reasons Why the HTTP 304 Status Code Pops Up?

There can be “n” number of reasons because of which you are seeing the HTTP 304 status code on your browsing screen. Some of the most prominent ones are:

Corrupted Browser: If your browser is infected with malware or otherwise compromised, it can hinder its ability to cache web pages and interact with servers appropriately. Ultimately popping up the 304 Not Modified status code.
System Instability: In rare instances, software installation or uninstallation can cause registry corruption. A corrupt registry can impact your browser’s communication and caching functions, which in turn can trigger the 304 code.
Browser Application Issues: Corrupted files within your browser application can lead to various problems, like the inability to save web pages or update information. This can also be the reason for the appearance of the 304 code.

How to Fix the HTTP 304 Not Modified Status Code?

You can try the methods listed below to fix the HTTP 304 Not Modified Status Code. It is advised to initiate with the first one, and if it doesn’t work, try using the subsequent method, and so on.

Method 1: Clear Browser Cache

Method 2: Turn Off Browser Extensions

Method 3: Conduct a Virus/Malware Scan

Method 4: Flush the DNS

Method 5: Inspect Server Configuration File (.htaccess file)

Method 6: Reset TCP/IP Settings

Let’s explore each method in-depth.

Method 1: Clear Browser Cache

Browser’s cache improves your online experience by decreasing page loading time. However, cached data often incorporates outdated security configurations that can give rise to “n” number of issues, along with the one that we are currently discussing.

Follow the steps mentioned below to clear the Chrome browser cache:

Open a fresh tab in Chrome.
Click on Customize and control Google Chrome icon (three vertical dots).
From the list, select More Tools.
Click Clear browsing data.
Select the Time range from the list, in the Clear browsing data box.
Check the checkbox before the Browsing history option.
Check the checkbox in front of the Cookies and other site data option.
Check the checkbox in front of the Cached images and files option.
Click Clear data.
Retry accessing the resource or page.

Method 2: Turn Off Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can be the reason because of which you are getting greeted by the HTTP 304 Not Modified Status Code. To find the culprit, disable each extension individually and check if the error persists.

Follow the steps given below to remove extensions individually in the Google Chrome browser:

Open a fresh tab in Google Chrome.
Click the Extensions icon.
Click on the more options icon (three vertical lines) placed adjacent to any extension of your choice (that you want to disable), and click Remove from Chrome.
Click Remove again.
Reload the website and verify whether the error exists or not.
If it does, repeat the process from Step 2.

Method 3: Conduct a Virus/Malware Scan

A virus or malware can interfere with or interrupt your browser, system, and header request, leading to the appearance of the 304 code. Hence, conducting a virus or malware can help resolve the issue.

Follow the steps mentioned below to conduct a virus scan:

Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
Type Avast and press Enter.
The Avast window will appear.
In the Avast Window, click Protection.
In the right pane, under the Protection section, click Virus Scans.
The Virus Scans window will appear.
Click the SCAN NOW option placed on the top of the Full Virus Scan option.
Verify if the issue persists by reaccessing the web page.

Method 4: Flush the DNS

Flushing DNS clears the DNS cache of old and inaccurate data concerning website addresses. In lay terms, it refreshes your network settings.

Follow the steps mentioned below to flush the DNS settings on Windows:

Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
Type CMD and press Enter.
The Command Prompt window will appear.
In the Command Prompt window, type the ipconfig/flushdns command.
Press Enter.
Reload the page.
Verify if the issues persist.

Method 5: Inspect Server Configuration File (.htaccess)

If the issue still needs to be resolved using the above methods, there’s a high possibility that the redirect instructions need to be corrected. To correct that, you must change the server configuration file, i.e., .htaccess file.

Follow the steps mentioned below to inspect the server configuration file:

Enter your credentials to log in to your hosting account (CPanel, DirectAdmin, etc.)
Locate and open the File Manager application.
In the File Manager, navigate to the public_html folder. (If your site is hosted in a subdirectory or a subdomain, navigate to the appropriate folder instead.)
In the root directory, Navigate to the .htaccess file.
Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_disabled to deactivate it temporarily.
Verify if the issues persist.
If disabling the .htaccess file resolves the error, there’s likely an issue within its code. Get in touch with your developer and review the .htaccess file.

Note: Rename the .htaccess_disabled file back to .htaccess to re-enable it. This ensures your site returns to its previous state. Restoring any redirects or custom configurations initially set.

Method 6: Reset TCP/IP Settings

Resetting TCP/IP restores network settings to default. Doing this will resolve any misconfigurations impacting internet connectivity.

Follow the steps mentioned below to reset TCP/1P:

Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
Type CMD and select Run as administrator.
The Command Prompt window will appear.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after typing each command:
- netsh int ip reset c:resetlog.txt
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /registerdns
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
Restart the System.

Hope, you resolved the error by following above steps.!

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