301 redirects using .htaccess

I need to do a 301 redirect and am having a problem that I can't seem to solve.

The syntax is definately correct because my technician uploaded the file and it worked for him.

I made the file in notepad for windows, and have tried saving it in each of the four txt formats it offers (ansi, unicode, unicode big endian, and utf).

I use my FTP program to upload my text file, and then rename the file to .htaccess. (I have tried BOTH the binary and the ascii upload options.)

When I do this I get an INTERNAL SERVER ERROR. But as I said ... when HE uploads it from his linux machine it works fine.

I can create other .htaccess files just fine (for example password protect a directory.)

Any ideas?

Hi Irish,

I have just one idea...

Your issue may be that you can't rename a file to an existing name - and you can't see .htaccess files on your server because of your FTP set-up... (it's quite common).

When you connect to your server via FTP, can you see the .htaccess file?

If you can't, you probably need to input "-la" in order to make them visible... (look at the help for your FTP software & search for "hidden files").

If it's not this - sorry for wasting your time

Maybe (?) the trouble lies not withing the uploading but rather in the 301 itself. You sure it is absolutely spot on?

Have you tried the alternatives like maybe a 301 header in the redirecting file, as explaned on the webconfs how-to-redirect page?

I can see the .htaccess file using my FTP program.

Whether I upload it named "correctly" or whether I rename it once it has been uploaded I have the same issue.

When My tech uploads the file it works fine for him. He can't figure what's different.

One other suggestion someone has made is to try making the file using a different program to make it. (other than notepad)

Hmmm, I've never had any problems with that. But then again, there's a first for everything

You can test that by uploading and executing a PHP script that writes an .htaccess file dynamically - Linux-style - to your domain's "root" or a subdir. Using "\n" etc for line breaks.

But again - that sounds like a long shot....

This is interesting tho. Would you mind posting the .htaccess in question, and maybe the url?

Assuming you copy & pasted the code into the text file you may have a malformed character that isn't being converted properly.

Best to avoid using Notepad for .htaccess scripting - try TextPad

Also note: "IF" you are attempting to use a .htaccess on a windows server... windows does not support .htaccess.

Use a different editor. Notepad is notorius to cause problems.
Even the internal editor of total commader is better, but usually
I use Context www(dot)context(dot)cx