Error message “Forbidden You don't have permission to access / on this server” [closed]

Answer 1

Update October 2016

4 years ago, since this answer is used as a reference by many, and while I learned a lot from security perspective during these years, I feel I am responsible to clarify some important notes, and I've update my answer accordingly.

The original answer is correct but not safe for some production environments, in addition I would like to explain some issues that you might fall into while setting up your environment.

If you are looking for a quick solution and SECURITY IS NOT A MATTER, i.e development env, skip and read the original answer instead

Many scenarios can lead to 403 Forbidden:

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A. Directory Indexes (from mod_autoindex.c)

When you access a directory and there is no default file found in this directory AND Apache Options Indexes is not enabled for this directory.

A.1. DirectoryIndex option example

DirectoryIndex index.html default.php welcome.php

A.2. Options Indexes option

If set, apache will list the directory content if no default file found (from the above

Answer 2

(In Windows and Apache 2.2.x)

The "Forbidden" error is also the result of not having virtual hosts defined.

As noted by Julien, if you intend to use virtual hosts.conf, then go to the httpd file and uncomment the following line:

#Include conf/extra/httpd-vhosts.conf

Then add your virtual hosts definitions in conf/extra/httpd-vhosts.conf and restart Apache.

Answer 3

If you are using a WAMP server then try this:

• Single click on the WAMP server icon at the taskbar

• Select the option put online

• Your server will restart automatically

• Then try to access your localwebsite

Answer 4

With Apache 2.2

Order Deny,Allow
Allow from all

With Apache 2.4

Require all granted

From http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/en/upgrading.html

Answer 5

On Ubuntu 14.04 using Apache 2.4, I did the following:

Add the following in the file, apache2.conf (under /etc/apache2):

<Directory /home/rocky/code/documentroot/>
  Options Indexes FollowSymLinks
  AllowOverride None
  Require all granted
</Directory>

and reload the server:

sudo service apache2 reload

Edit: This also works on OS X Yosemite with Apache 2.4. The all-important line is

Require all granted

Answer 6

I had the same issue, but due to the fact that I changed the path on apache to a folder outside var/www, I started running into problems.

I fixed it by creating a symlink in var/www/html > home/dev/project which seemed to do the trick, without having to change any permissions...