Change the error message SRVE0255E: A WebGroup/Virtual Host to handle /TestWeb/ has not been defined to own error message

In this tutorial, let us see how to change the error message  "SRVE0255E: A WebGroup/Virtual Host to handle /Your Application Name/ has not been defined." to customized error message.

You may get the error, when you access an application.
   for Example, when you hit the URL http://localhost:9080/TestWeb/, the below error occurs.

SRVE0255E: A WebGroup/Virtual Host to handle /TestWeb/ has not been defined.

IBM WebSphere Application Server

The above error is thrown by Websphere Application Server not by IBM Http server.

If the application requested by you is not found on the server, then the error occurs.  Some times the below situation may occur. You have deployed an application (For Eg. EmployeeWeb) on production. But when application changes occur, you may need to deploy new ear, by uninstalling old ear. When you uninstall ear, the user may get the  error "SRVE0255E: A WebGroup/Virtual Host to handle /EmployeeWeb/ has not been defined". You may want to change the  error message to customized error message. Follow the below steps to change the error message.

open IBM admin console

https://localhost:9043/ibm/console

Navigate to Servers->Server Types-> WebSphere Application Server -> server1-> Web Container Settings -> Web container -> Custom Properties

Click on New button  to add new properies and fill the  details as given below and Apply and Ok.

Name :   com.ibm.ws.webcontainer.webgroupvhostnotfound 

Value :  Custom Error Message. (For Eg. Server is under maintenance. Please visit after some time)

Now new property added. You have to restart the WAS.


Now you can check any application which is not found on the server.


http://localhost:9080/MyTest

Note : The above new property will work with latest WebSphere Application Server.