Troubleshooting 500 Internal Server Errors & Missing PHP Extensions

Encountering a blank white screen or 500 Internal Server Error? Here are the fast fixes:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Syntax or Directive Error in .htaccess: Check your server error log (error_log in cPanel). Comment out lines like Options +FollowSymLinks with # if your host disallows them.
• Missing PDO MySQL Extension: In cPanel open Select PHP Version, click Extensions, and check pdo_mysql, zip, curl, gd, and fileinfo.
• Incorrect Database Credentials: Verify your config/config.php matches the exact user and password created in MySQL.
• Directory Permissions: Ensure folders are 755 and not 777, as modern cPanel servers block 777 for security.