How to fix “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE”. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE”. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE Error: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to troubleshoot the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error, which occurs when a website fails to send data to your browser. This guide covers simple solutions like clearing cache and disabling extensions, as well as advanced fixes such as updating drivers, flushing DNS, or resetting network settings. Solutions are compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Includes tips for addressing issues caused by outdated settings, extensions, or firewalls.

Need further help? Use our free chatbot, designed to assist with solving technical issues efficiently.

Key Takeaways

  • What is the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” Error?: This error usually indicates that a website is not sending any data for the browser to load, often due to connectivity or browser misconfigurations.
  • Primary Solutions: Clear your browser cache/cookies, disable extensions, and update network settings.
  • Advanced Solutions: Flush DNS cache, alter DNS settings, or even reset the network or browser.
  • Compatibility: Solutions are applicable across Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
  • Common Causes: Outdated drivers, misconfigured DNS, extension issues, or firewall conflicts could cause the error.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” Error

Encountering the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error can be frustrating, especially when trying to access a website, and your browser displays this message without any explanation. This guide will walk you through simple to advanced steps to effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Oftentimes, a cluttered cache and outdated cookies can prevent your browser from fetching data correctly, resulting in the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data window.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies, and Cached images/files.
  4. Set the Time range to All time.
  5. Click Clear data.

For Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox, hit the Menu button.
  2. Navigate to Library > History.
  3. Select Clear Recent History.
  4. Set Time range to “Everything”, and choose Browsing & Download History, Cookies, etc.
  5. Press Clear Now.

❗ For an in-depth Firefox guide on clearing cache, Mozilla offers this detailed article.

For Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge and select the Three dots icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Choose Settings > Privacy and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
  4. Check Cookies and Cache and set the Time range to All time.
  5. Click Clear.

2. Disable Browser Extensions

Extensions can cause interference and trigger the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error. You need to disable them to rule out extension-related issues.

On Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome, click on the Three dots.
  2. Go to More tools > Extensions.
  3. Toggle off each extension one by one.
  4. Check if the error persists after disabling any problematic extensions.

On Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox, click the Menu button.
  2. Navigate to Add-ons.
  3. Disable extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

On Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge and click on the Three dots.
  2. Go to Extensions.
  3. Disable each extension and see if the problem resolves.

3. Check Internet Connection

You might be facing connectivity issues from your ISP. Here’s what you can do:

  • Ensure your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection is stable.
  • Restart your router.
  • If possible, use a different network to verify if your connection is the problem.

If your ISP is facing server issues, checking Outage Reports on DownDetector is helpful. Check here for real-time outage reports.

4. Update Device Drivers

Outdated drivers, especially network-related drivers, can result in miscommunication with your router or website. Tools like EaseUS DriverHandy can simplify the process of scanning, updating, and fixing drivers, ensuring smooth connectivity.

For Windows Users:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Identify the network device, right-click, and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

💡 Tip: To avoid potential data loss while updating drivers, consider using MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up your system beforehand.

💡 Personal Expert Tip: “From my own experience debugging such errors for clients, ensure that you not only update your networking drivers but also check if the router firmware is updated, as old firmware can cause intermittent browser issues.”

5. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes, misconfigured network settings cause connection issues.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Scroll down to Network reset.
  3. Confirm by clicking Reset now.

💡 Anecdote: “I’ve seen cases in workplace environments where network misconfigurations were carried over from previous workstations, resetting the settings solved the issue within minutes.”

6. Flush DNS Cache

Your DNS cache stores instructions from websites. However, if it’s corrupt or outdated, it can lead to the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error.

For Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
  2. Type the following commands sequentially: 
    ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip reset
  3. Restart your computer.

7. Change DNS Server

If flushing DNS didn’t work, switching to a public DNS like Google Public DNS may help.

  1. Open Network and Sharing Center on Windows.
  2. Click on Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your network and choose Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Switch to Use the following DNS server addresses and input:
    • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
  6. Press OK to save changes.

8. Reset Browser Settings

If incorrect configurations are the reason, resetting your browser can work wonders.

Reset Google Chrome:

  1. Open Settings > Advanced.
  2. Under the Reset and clean up section, click “Restore settings to their defaults”.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Navigate to Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Select Refresh Firefox.

Reset Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Settings > Reset settings.
  2. Click “Restore settings” and follow the prompts.

9. Disable Firewall (Temporarily)

Firewalls sometimes mistake secure websites for threats and block their data.

For Windows Firewall:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Click on Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
  3. Choose a Network profile (e.g., private or public).
  4. Toggle Firewall off.

10. Update Browser

Keeping your browser up-to-date ensures access to vital security patches avoiding errors like ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE.

  1. Open Google Chrome and go to Settings > About Chrome.
  2. The browser will automatically detect updates. Install if available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Causes the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” Error?

This error generally occurs due to connectivity issues, browser misconfigurations, or outdated files (cache, DNS, or drivers).

Is It Safe to Disable My Firewall?

Temporarily disabling a firewall is generally safe, but remember to turn it back on to avoid exposing your machine to online threats.

Do I Need to Try All the Methods?

No, start with basic solutions (clear cache, disable extensions) and move to advanced methods like resetting network settings if the issue persists.

What is a DNS Flush?

A DNS flush clears DNS cache built up on your machine, helping avoid accessing outdated website records.

Can Browser Extensions Cause This Error?

Yes, faulty or outdated browser extensions can interfere with data transmission, causing the error.

By following this guide diligently, you’ll be able to resolve the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error and continue browsing seamlessly. However, remember, if the problem remains even after following all the steps, consider contacting your ISP for further assistance.

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