Types of Windows Error Messages

For Windows users, there has probably been a time when a window has popped up with some kind of message in it. Windows error messages are written in a way to not only notify a user that a problem or error has occurred, but also to provide information on why the problem happened and give a solution to the issue.

What are the Different Windows Error Messages?

There are basically two different instances when a message is sent to the user by Windows—when something has occurred or when something could occur in the future. The first are error messages and the latter are warnings. Windows error messages can appear in a number of different ways: as windows, notifications, messages in place and balloons. All have the same reason for being there, which is to let the user know that a problem has occurred.

Can You Deal With Windows Error Messages on Your Own?

With the information provided within the Windows error messages, the user should be able to fix the problem on their own, usually by performing a particular action or changing what they are doing so that the error doesn’t occur again. If a Windows error message has been well written, the user should not have to get further help from Windows technical support and can correct the issue themselves. Unfortunately, not all Windows error messages are well written or contain clear and obvious explanations and solutions.

Common Windows Error Messages

There are several Windows error messages that are more common than others. The following are some of the most common Windows error messages and what they mean:

  • File not found – This error usually occurs if a file has been moved, deleted, damaged or corrupted. The error message is telling the user that the file is not where it should be. Correcting this error depends on why the file is not found. Damaged and corrupted files may be due to a virus infection, while moved and deleted files are usually due to the user and can be reversed easily.
  • Low disk space/Out of memory – Both of these Windows error messages occur when the hard drive is full or close to full. With low disk space, the user will not be able to save further information on the hard drive. With the out of memory error, the user will not be able to run programs that need a large amount of RAM. In both cases, the errors can be corrected by deleting files, closing programs that are running and/or installing more memory.
  • [Program] has encountered a problem and needs to close – This error message is displayed when there is some kind of problem with the program that is running. It can be due to an actual bug in the program, which may mean that it will need to be re-installed, or it could just be a momentary glitch that corrects itself on restarting the program.
  • Device is not ready – This message usually appears when a user is trying to access an external device that has not been accessed by the PC yet. It can also occur if there is a bad sector on the external hard drive or CD/DVD that is being accessed.
  • Blue/black screen of death – This is one of the most severe Windows error messages that can occur and results when Windows can no longer run. In the best situation, restarting the PC clears the error. In the worst, this can mean having to completely reformat the PC or replace the hard drive or motherboard if that is what has been corrupted. In the most severe cases, users may not be able to rectify the error on their own and may need some kind of technical assistance.