Chapter 30. What to Do When You Receive a Windows Error Message

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Dealing with Common Windows error messages

• 67 error messages explained

Windows uses error messages to try and tell you why something bad has happened. Sometimes the messages are easy to decipher. Sometimes they're not.

Because Windows can display literally thousands of error messages some of them fairly obscure I've tried to narrow it down to the most common messages you're likely to encounter, sorted in alphabetical order. I've listed error messages common in Windows 95, 98, Me, and XP, although not all versions of Windows generate the same error messages. (In fact, the newer your version of Windows, the fewer error message you'll encounter although when you do see them, they're likely to be slightly more understandable.)

If your message isn't in this list, don't despair it just means you have something really weird happening with your system. Write down the message and call a competent computer technician. They'll be glad to help you out.