Removing content with a 404 handler

If I'm going to remove pages from a site and never use the content or file names on them again, is it ok to just delete the pages and use a 404 handler to give the user a site map like page or will this get me in trouble? Will it look like I'm redirecting?


Is there a correct way to do a 404 error like a 301 redirect?

I would just delete that page.

What about when a user finds that page in the search engine? Is it possible to use a 301 redirect and point it at the home page?

yeah its possible.
I do it through cpanel redirects.
not sure abt yrs

Either way will work. Set up a custom Error 404 page or do a 301 redirect.

Can't see why either would cause you any problems.

Personally I use a custom 404 page like -

http://www.ozami.com/error404.htm

thanks for the input....i'm going to try the 404 page....I'll post back if anything bad happens.