Using 404 (php) redirects - how does it affect SEO

[MKinCA]

Here's the scenario -

Building a PHP/MySQL based content site that will have lots of dynamic content.

I am planning on using a well scripted 404.php that will extract necessary data from the REQUEST_URI and serve up the proper content.

It is my understanding that the way Apache actually handles the ErrorDocument 404 line is by sending a 302.

Will this method affect the spidering of my site's content?

* I _cannot_ use mod_rewrite. *

[mford]

Google and the like will have no problems with the 404's, IMO far better than all those query string attachments. You simply return whatever header you want from within your script, typically 200.

Build yourself a nice template system to process the 404's and you'll never go back to static pages ever again.

Good luck!