You could describe HTTP as the language of the Internet. Developed in 1989, it is how machines communicate to each other. So you can see why if there is an error with the HTTP there will be problems with accessing the web. That is the problem with this error. If you get it, you will not be able to access that page you are trying to visit. Also, note that as a general rule this seems to only affect Windows users.
Understanding HTTP and all the terms associated with it can be a confusing task. We touched on it briefly in our Ultimate HTTP Error Code List, but we didn’t dive in on specifics or how to correct it. I hope to simplify this as much as possible and the important part is that you understand how to fix the issue. So, here’s everything you need to know about the HTTP Error 405.
Also Read: Fix Runtime Error 203
Understanding HTTP and Methods
HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) is the format for transferring data for the World Wide Web. HTTP has methods that indicate the action needed to be performed on the server for a particular URL. Each is different.
There are several methods, each with different names and functions.We won’t be going into much detail about them, but it’s still good to have a basic understanding of them. Here are some of the most common methods, so you can get a basic idea of how they work.
- GET: Retrieves the information identified by the URL resource. From the information it receives, it requests this data from a specific resource. The is the most common method by far.
- POST: Submits data to the server to be processed by a specific resource.
- HEAD: Identical to GET except that the server returns HTTP header information only, not the document’s body identified by the URL resource. This is good for summarizing main points about a page but doesn’t get into details.
- PUT: Uploads the data for a particular URL to the client who requested it. For example, uploading a new web page to a server.
- DELETE: Removes the data associated with the URL resource. An example would be deleting a page.
If you are interested in learning more about the specifics of HTTP, I high recommend this article from evantotuts+.
What Causes this Error?
Error 405 Method Not Allowed means that whatever method above you requested is not allowed by the URL you are trying to visit. An example of this would be if you used GET on a form which requires data to be presented in POST.
Other causes possible include a virus in your web browser or related files and corruption in you Windows registry key. Notice how these are similar causes of the Error Code 0x80004005.
This error occurs usually with the POST method. This is due to the fact that not all service providers allow the POST method necessary to process the form. That being said, all of these errors can be linked to the configuration of the server and security of the website.
You probably had no idea you were even requesting a specific method, but let’s break down on how to correct this disorder.
Trouble Shooting
Based on the several possible causes of this error, I have several ways you can troubleshoot and possibly solve it. Some articles, like the one I wrote about a common Google Chrome error, have a pretty cut and dry solution. What I mean by that is that if you follow all of the steps, you will almost undoubtedly fix the error.
However, this error is not like that. Compared to other errors on this site, this is one of the more difficult ones to correct. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t able to get it at first. It may happen. Just know it is still easily within your ability, no matter what skill level with computers you have.
“An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it”. – Orlando Aloysius Battista
1. Perform a Malware Scan
The first and easiest thing you can do is to perform a malware scan. There is a slight chance that this error is being caused by malware of virus infection on your PC. These can damage, corrupt, or even delete data of code within your browser. This is a good practice to do, if for no other reason, to ensure that you don’t have a virus. You want to catch and get rid of them as quick as possible, because the longer they stay, the more damage they can do.
If you are unsure of what malware scan program to use, check out this list from TechRadar that shows you the best free software options.
2. Repair Registry Entries
As discussed, errors in the registry key are major causes of this error. This is a common theme in many errors related to PC and HTTP alike. Now, changing these keys yourself is not recommended unless you are PC service professional. It can be disastrous. Incorrectly editing it can stop your PC from functioning and create damage to your operating system that is irreversible. These aren’t just from major errors either. Just one misplaced character can prevent your PC from starting up entirely!
Because of this risk and the skill requires, you need to use a registry cleaner software to scan your key, and then repair the error if needed to. A great feature of these pieces of software is that a backup is automatically created before each scan which protects you from damage to your operating system. The best part is even if the software doesn’t find an error related to the 405, if it finds another error and repairs it, it will dramatically improve speed and performance for your computer.
For some great free registry cleaners, read 36 Free Registry Cleaners from Lifewire.
3. Add a script map for the extension
A script map associates a particular file type with a given script. The web server runs the script on the given file and then sends it to the browser, instead of sending the file directly to the browser. This may correct the error because running it through the script file will make it readable to both equally, as it converts it to a .dll file type. This is important because many times the cause of this error is that both sides can’t read the file because they require different methods.
To add a script map on Windows, follow these steps.
- Start by going to the Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Internet Information Services->COMPUTERNAME
- From there, right-click on Default Web Site and then select Properties.
- From the tabs that pop-up, select the Home Directory tab and then click Configuration.
- Select the Mappings tab and then click Add.
- Click the Browse… button and then choose Dynamic Link Libraries from the Files Type.
- After that, enter c:WINDOWSSystem32inetsrvasp.dll.
- Type .html in the Extension box.
- Click on the Limit to: button, and type in GET, POST in the box next to it.
- Finally, click the “OK” button and now you have added a script map.
4. Check Server Extensions
With all of these solutions I have given you already, it may be hard for you to decide which is the best or which one to use. This solution comes straight from Microsoft support. Its goal is to correct a cause I haven’t talked about. The cause is that the _vti_bin virtual directory is not marked executable. I won’t go into detail on exactly what that means because it will just get confusing. All you need to know is how to correct it, and that is through checking the server extensions. Here’s how to do so in Windows.
- Being by selecting Start and clicking on Programs.
- Click on Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack.
- Select Microsoft Internet Information Server.
- Click Internet Service Manager.
- Right-click the name of the virtual server that is having the problem. In this case, that will be _vit_bin
- Lastly, select Task and then click Check Server Extensions.
This task is one that anyone can do and it should correct this error if all the previous solutions fail. My hope is that you won’t need to get to this step and that you will already have had it solved.
Conclusion
Congratulations for getting this far in the article. I know it may seem like a lot and a little bit overwhelming, but you can easily do everything on this list if you put your mind to it and focus. You definitely learned a lot from it so know you can use these tools and skills if you ever need to. Although this is just one of many errors associated with HTTP, this article should give you some good background knowledge so if you get another HTTP error. Trust me, it will make that process much easier, as it usually is the second time around.
Another common error related to HTTP you may get is Runtime Error 429. This error occurs when you try to access a server too many times within a specific amount of time. If you get this error, read our article on it here to learn how to fix it.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below.
