PC errors might appear when you don’t expect, they might force the whole PC to abruptly shut down, and they can inadvertently mess up your information to the point where it cannot be understood – one reason you need offsite backups. Even though errors cannot always be avoided, it’s crucial to be aware that personal computer errors can usually be remedied. The key is to know what computer error messages are, find out what they signify when they pop up, and find out how to minimize their occurrence in the first place. Assistance is available via online PC support.
Basically, personal computer errors are the result of various items which may or may not have anything to do with the manner in which the personal computer is used. They occur whenever there is a conflict between instructions. Remember that PCs essentially run from a series of instructions, and this is generally a smooth routine. However, in case one command clashes with a different command – or if one instruction requests a process or information which is not available, the personal computer produces results which aren’t suitable: that’s an error message. The most feared error is the fatal Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that appears on your screen when something has gone terribly wrong.
A frequent instance of this sort of glitch is when users try to instal a program which isn’t applicable for their PC. Virtually all applications are accompanied by a list of system requirements which spells out what a personal computer needs to possess for the program to run successfully. To cut down on errors of this sort, you must check that your computer has the needed parts. A project management program that you are investigating might only run on a certain operating system, such as Windows 7 for instance. And even though this software package might install OK on a Windows XP PC, it might produce a multitude of glitches once it is launched.
Not enough RAM can produce errors also. For this reason software applications often specify minimum RAM requirements. A software package which needs 14 megabytes of RAM will cause error messages on a computer that only possesses 4 megabytes of memory available – assuming it will start at all. The same goes for hard disk space, monitor color depth and pixels. In these cases, glitches crop up immediately when a program attempts to access the things (hardware, memory, hard disk space, monitor resolution, etc.) which it cannot get to.
Because certain programs share the same DLLs, error messages may also pop up when these common dynamic link library files aren’t updated. For example, consider that Program A is already set up on a computer and it is running just fine. Next consider that the PC user downloads and installs Program B. Program B uses a DLL which Program A installed much earlier, however, when Program B is run, errors pop up. Those error messages are the result of Program B attempting to use an outdated common DLL which was installed by Program A. So that he can fix that problem, the user would have to download a newer version of the shared DLL (which to say the least – isn’t an easy thing to locate or set up).
Sometimes, error messages pop up because a PC doesn’t have the right drivers or if the drivers which are installed in the system are the incorrect version. Both errors in these cases can be resolved by checking for updates to the computer on a frequent basis. Microsoft provides a section on its servers whcih can automatically update a PC online, and that company does this free of charge in an effort to reduce error messages like this. Always try to keep your PC updated in order that if a program shares a DLL, it will share the same DLL that has been brought up to date on hundreds of thousands of computers similar to yours.
This article doesn’t even begin to describe the entire gamut of personal computer error messages – but more information regarding methods to find assistance with a personal computer issue (including computer error messages) can be read in my essay about “Computer Help” regardless of what the issue is. You may also look up online PC support to help resolve such errors.
Yours truly,
Bob Hosken
“Dr. Bob the CompuNerd”
Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has over 30 years of career experience with computers. Starting in his teenage years he has built and headed several companies and charitable entities. Get his free e-Book “How To Maintain Your Computer” and learn the most efficient ways to work with your PC at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or contact him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net – thanks!
