"Error 403 Forbidden"

Why it happens

403 comes from the web server, not from Joomla: the server refuses to hand out a file or run a script. Wrong file permissions, a blocking rule in .htaccess, or a security module (such as ModSecurity) are the usual causes.

Fix it

1. Set permissions: folders 755, files 644. Never use 777.
2. Check that index.php exists in the site folder and is readable.
3. If you recently changed .htaccess, rename it to test: if the 403 goes away, the cause is in that file.
4. If it happens only when you save an article or install something, a security module is blocking the request. Ask your host to check the ModSecurity log and whitelist the rule.

Good to know

• A 403 on the administrator only can also mean IP restrictions or a password protection set in your hosting panel.