For some reason when attempting to password protect a directory, after authentication a 500 Internal Server Error error message is displayed. If i remove the authentication for the required use and allow anyone to view the page it works fine. Checked the .htaccess and .htpasswd permission settings are as they should be. Why can't I password protect this directory without error?
if you are using some CMS like Joomla for example it can be messed up with htaccess, use your control panel for protecting directory, also the problem can be caused by permissions in this directory or from some php script which is looping and this will provide the 500 error
Check directory permissions, while using password protect option. Your directory permission may prevent you to view the directory. Better suggestion is to use your control panel for protecting directory with password, as told by xopacuo.
can you post the site. then we might help you much better. I think some thing missing with .htaccess.