Internet service providers have started replacing the "server not found" error message your Web browser displays when you mistype a Web address with their own Web page that shows ads and referral links. ISPs Charter, Cox, Earthlink, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon are among those that have reportedly begun the switch, according to Broadband Reports which has been tracking the issue.
(Charter "server not found" page from Broadband Reports)
The move is likely to irk some Web surfers who are familiar with seeing non-commercial "server not found" error pages when they mistype a URL. Some Web surfers will likely also be angry if they have configured their browser to display a page that is associated with their browser's default search engine in the event they mistyped a URL.
According to Broadband Reports, ISPs are using their domain name servers (DNS) to redirect the traffic to ISP-run pages. Redirecting error page traffic to commercial sites that sell ads without user consent or clear knowledge has been been considered a deceptive practice when done by adware companies. In the past Ask, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo have each faced criticism by users who have been surprised when installing the Web site's toolbar only to find out later "server not found" error pages delivered branded Web pages with commercial links.
The "server not found" error message is displayed when a browser requests to access an Internet server that does not exist. It's not to be confused with "404 page not found" browser errors which indicate the Web browser was able to connect to a Web server, but not able to find the exact Web page requested.
