HTTP 301 Moved Permanently vs 423 Locked
HTTP 301 (Moved Permanently) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 423 (Locked) is a 4xx Client Error response. 301 indicates that the resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL. In contrast, 423 means that the resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
Description
The resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL.
When You See It
After domain migrations, URL restructuring, or when consolidating duplicate URLs.
How to Fix
Update links and bookmarks to the new URL in the Location header. For SEO, this is the preferred redirect for permanent moves.
Description
The resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
When You See It
When trying to edit a file that another user has locked in WebDAV.
How to Fix
Wait for the lock to be released, or request the lock owner to unlock it.
Key Differences
301 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 423 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 301: The resource has been permanently moved to a new URL. All future requests should use the new URL. Search engines will transfer link equity to the new URL.
HTTP 423: The resource is locked and cannot be modified (WebDAV).
You encounter 301 when after domain migrations, URL restructuring, or when consolidating duplicate URLs.
You encounter 423 when when trying to edit a file that another user has locked in WebDAV.
When to Use Which
For 301 (Moved Permanently): Update links and bookmarks to the new URL in the Location header. For SEO, this is the preferred redirect for permanent moves. For 423 (Locked): Wait for the lock to be released, or request the lock owner to unlock it.