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QUESTION:
When I submit my form, I get a file not found (404) error!

ANSWER:
There are two common causes of this type of error when processing through FormMail.com. The first involves a misconfiguration of the 'redirect' field and the second is placing the wrong URL as the 'action' of your <form> tag.

Poorly configured 'redirect' field:

If you are attempting to redirect a user back to your site after they have successfully submitted the form you need to make sure that you are using the full URL of your web site. The following is a common error that people make when trying to setup the redirect:

<input type=hidden name="redirect" value="thankyou.html">
<input type=hidden name="redirect" value="www.mysite.com/thankyou.html">


Both of the above examples are incorrect. You need to use the entire URL to your site (including the http://) and test that URL in your browser to make sure it works correctly. The reason for this is that users are sent to our site with their form submission (behind the scenes). When we try to redirect their browser back to your site, if you fail to enter the proper URL, their browser will look for the 'thankyou.html' file on our web server. The correct syntax for either the 'redirect' or 'missing_fields_redirect' field is as follows:

<input type=hidden name="redirect" value="http://www.mysite.com/thankyou.html">

Incorrect 'action' URL in your <form> tag:

The second most common mistake that can lead to a 404 not found error is the failure to properly enter the correct URL to our servers in the action='' field of your <form> tag. The proper URL to use, along with other necessary hidden fields, can be found in your account manager.

Locate the plan you desire to use and within that plan you will find a listing of the 'Form Processors'. Click on the name of the one you are trying to submit through and you will be presented with an information page on that form processor. You should find links to a "Quick Start", "Detailed Guide" and "Examples". If you view the quick start, you will see the correct <form> tag as well as other necessary hidden fields. It should look as follows:

<form method="POST" action="http://fp1.formmail.com/cgi-bin/fm192">

It is important to note that there is the number '1' in that domain name after 'fp', rather than the letter 'L'. Copy and paste with this HTML code will ensure you get the correct tag inserted into your HTML page.

If you would also like to be able to copy and paste an entire example form into your web site, you should click on the "Examples" link which will present you with the HTML code for an entire form you can insert into your web site.

If you are still experiencing problems, you may wish to submit a support request.

Last Modified: July 29, 2003

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1
What will happen if I exceed my monthly submission limit?
  
2
Do you offer any payment options besides PayPal?
  
3
What can I do to stop receiving SPAM through my form?
 
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