Is there ever a time when 301 redirects aren't possible?

[DCochrane]

I have been told that 301 redirects are always possible.  I've been told that it's a very time consuming process so developers at times will say that it's not possible.

Is there ever a time when it is not impossible? Perhaps using a specific server? I know it's do-able in Apache which is the server that is in question.

Would it be impossible if someone were using a templated type set of websites & if they made changes on one website it would make changes across all websites?

*Edit "due to a server configuration 301 redirects aren't possible"

Thanks so much for any help or answers you can provide.

[wrttnwrd]

Yeah - if your webmaster got hit on the head.

301 redirects are totally doable on Apache, all the time. They're also doable on IIS.

They're set in the configuration file for each domain, or in the master config file, so site templates have nothing to do with the ability/inability to do 301s.

Any chance that 'impossible' means 'we don't have access to our own server'?

[EGOL]

I know a guy who had a PR7 site on AOL's hometown.  When they closed, they gave him 30 days notice to move his files then locked him out.

Don't build your house on other people's turf.

[DCochrane]

Thanks for the answer! I just needed outside confirmation.

Cheers mate!