Google Webmaster Tools Generating False HTTP Errors
Google Webmaster Tools seems to be generating a lot of fake errors. About a month ago they fixed the false 404 errors and now this month, they are reporting false HTTP errors. Here is a screen capture of the overview report from my Webmaster Tools login area for this site:
There are a dozen or so reports on this issue at Google Groups with others complaining about this issue. It worries webmasters to see this issue. For me, I just brushed it off, but I can see how it can really worry e-commerce sites and publishers.
JohnMu of Google has confirmed the issue, calling it just a reporting glitch that will be fixed shortly. He said:
This appears to be an issue in the reporting side of things in Webmaster Tools. As far as I know, the "General HTTP errors" should be gone soon :-). Thanks for bringing it to our attention, you guys are the greatest!!
True, the feedback in the groups is an invaluable tool for Google to improve and fix issues.
Forum discussion at Google Groups.
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rustybrick in Google Optimization at September 17, 2008 8:08 AM
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I was one of the ones who pushed hard to get Google's attention on the false 404 issue, and was glad to see John Mu and others respond favorably with a fix. The false 404's actually resulted in some temporary de-indexing of some links for a lot of folks.
So, I was disconcerted to see these "http errors" start showing up last week, so it is good to hear that a fix is on the way for these, too.
Posted by Bruce Keener at September 17, 2008 09:06