Returning correct server status code for 404 pages

[SerchBuzz]

[Mod note: Split off another thread for new topic]
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@Brad Bristol --> I am getting the same message:

"We've detected that your 404 (file not found) error page returns a status of 200 (OK) in the header."

We recently did create a custom 404 page. Could that be the cause of this error message and now having to re-verify our site with Google?

What would I need to do to correct this situation?

[Marcia]

It's done in .htaccess, but not with mod_rewrite directives. Here's a complete explanation, for how to code the correct status and for fetching the error document.

http://www.webmasterwoman.com/design-development/custom-404-410.html

Also, while Google (or other engines) may handle 404 and 410 the same way, I personally still prefer to use 410 for permanently removed pages, just to keep track and document what I do over time.