cgi-bin & user directories

I'm new at this so I'm hoping someone can help me out. Here's the problem:
1. We have a form that a user fills out, and submits to the server.
2. We have a CGI-Script that collects the information, puts it in an email and sends it to us.
3. When I submit the form, I get the internal server error. I've researched this and it looks like most people fixed this by changing permissions and/or user/groups on the files & directories.

Can someone please explain or recommend a good website that explains how to set up your directories when hosting a website?

Our CGI-BIN directory is located under the users directory. All directories are owned by "us" except the users directory which is owned by "httpd". Example below:
drwxrwsr-x httpd users

I think this might be the problem, but when I called my ISP, I received not much help. They told me to move the cgi-bin out from users and put it under the root directory. I tried that, but when I executed my form, I get 'File not found' even though I can see the path exists. My ISP also told me that the users directory has to be owned by httpd, or the users listed under here, won't be able to access it. I have set all the permissions on the path to the cgi-script to 755. The cgi-script also has permissions set to 755. I do not have authority to change the user/group or permissions on the users directory, which I find funny since it is located under "our" root directory. Is this standard procedure?

MrsChicken,

There are a lot of different problems with a CGI script that can result in an "Internal Server Error." The best way to determine exactly what is wrong is to look at your site's log files, which your ISP may have to do for you.

If your web host refuses to cooperate, you may want to consider switching. There is no reason for a company to be unhelpful; they get paid for a reason.

Aaron Greenspan
Think Computer Corporation
http://www.thinkcomputer.com