400 Bad Request Error

Environment

This applies to many web-based services and web browsers.

Issue

• The website is failing to load due to a Bad Request error.
• Error: "400 Bad Request Your browser sent a request that this server could not understand. Size of a request header field exceeds server limit"
  • This error may vary slightly from computer to computer/browser to browser.

Resolution

The 'Bad Request Error' is usually due to a large cookie. Here are the troubleshooting steps to take to clear this error:

1. Verify you are using the correct URL (website address) to access the service.
   1. it may help to use Wolverine Access to navigate to the service.
2. If you still are getting the error, follow the instructions in: Clear Cache and Cookies (Temporary Internet Files) in Multiple Browsers.
   1. If you do not want to delete all cookies in Google Chrome, follow the instruction in the article "Clear Cache and Cookies (Temporary Internet Files) from Google Chrome" in the section labeled Clear Cookies from A Single Site.

Note: Steps 1 and 2 usually clear the error, so please test now before proceeding to step 3.

3. If you are uploading a file, confirm that the file size does not exceed published limits for the service.
4. Clear DNS Cache.
5. Deactivate browser extensions.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.