How to determine why a link was dropped?

[Patelsharp]

How to determine why a link was dropped.

[Mohit Rana]

If a link has been dropped, meaning it is no longer functional or accessible, there are several potential reasons why this could have happened. Here's how you can determine why a link was dropped:

1. Check for Server Errors: Sometimes, links are dropped due to server errors on the hosting website. You can determine if this is the case by trying to access the link and seeing if it returns a server error message like "404 Not Found" or "503 Service Unavailable".
2. Content Changes: The content that the link pointed to may have been removed or relocated. If the webpage content has been significantly altered or the page has been taken down entirely, the link may no longer work.
3. Redirects: Sometimes, websites change their URL structures or implement redirects, which can cause links to break. Check if the link has been redirected to a new URL.
4. Domain Expiration: If the domain ***ociated with the link has expired, the link will no longer work. You can check the domain's status using a WHOIS lookup tool.
5. Link Rot: Over time, websites may become inactive, and the content they host may no longer be accessible. This phenomenon is known as link rot. You can use web archiving services like the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine to see if the content was once available.
6. Changes in Access Permissions: If the content behind the link requires authentication or specific access permissions, changes to these settings could cause the link to become inaccessible.
7. Website Maintenance or Updates: Sometimes, websites undergo maintenance or updates that temporarily make certain links inaccessible. This is usually temporary and resolves once the maintenance is complete.
8. Link Manipulation: In some cases, malicious actors may manipulate links to lead to different destinations or to exploit vulnerabilities. Check if the link has been tampered with or if it leads to unexpected content.