PC error messages can pop up when least expected, they can force the entire system to abruptly crash, and they can unfortunately mess up your information to the point that it can’t be understood – one reason you should have offsite backups. Even though they cannot always be avoided, it’s important to keep in mind that computer error messages may often be fixed. The key is to understand what personal computer error messages are, learn what they signify when they pop up, and understand how to reduce their popping up in the first place. Help is available via online PC support.

Basically, PC glitches may be caused by various items which may or may not be related to the way the PC is used. They occur whenever there’s a conflict among commands. Remember that computers basically run from a list of instructions, and this is normally a smooth process. But in case one command conflicts with another instruction – or if one instruction requests a piece of code or data which is not available, the personal computer produces results which aren’t usable: that’s a glitch. The most feared error message is the fatal Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that pops up on your screen whenever something has caused your system to crash.

A good instance of this sort of error is if novices try to use a program which isn’t suitable for their computer. Almost all programs include a list of system requirements which spells out what a computer should have in order for the program to work correctly. To cut down on error messages of this type, always see that your personal computer has the required components. A project management program that you’re interested in might only run on a specific operating system, such as Windows 7 for instance. And even though this program may install just fine on a Windows XP computer, it might generate a multitude of errors as soon as it’s launched.

Not enough RAM will create glitches also. is why|For this reason[/spin] programs usually list minimum memory needs. A program which requires 14 megabytes of RAM will create error messages on a computer that only has 4MB of RAM free – assuming it will start at all. The same goes for hard drive space, monitor color range and pixels. In these instances, issues occur the moment that a software application attempts to access the things (hardware, memory, hard drive space, monitor resolution, etc.) which it cannot get to.

Since many software packages share common DLLs, glitches can also pop up if these shared dynamic link library files are not up to date. For instance, consider that Program A is already set up on a computer and it’s running quite nicely. Then let’s say that the PC user downloads and installs Program B. Program B requires a dynamic link library file which Program A installed some time ago, however, when Program B starts up, errors pop up. Those glitches are caused by Program B trying to access an outdated common DLL that was included with Program A. In order to overcome that issue, the user should download a newer version of the shared dynamic link library file (which to say the least – isn’t an easy thing to locate or do).

Sometimes, glitches pop up because a computer doesn’t have the right drivers or if the drivers which are installed in the PC are the incorrect version. Both glitches in these cases can be resolved by updating the computer on a regular basis. Microsoft has a section on its website which can automatically update a personal computer online, and that company provides this at no cost in an effort to reduce error messages such as this. Remember to keep your computer up to date so that if a program shares a DLL, it will share the same dynamic link library file that has been updated on millions of PCs similar to yours.

This article does not even begin to describe the entire gamut of computer glitches – but more information about how to get help with a PC problem (including computer errors) may be read in my article about “Computer Help” no matter what the issue is. You may also get online PC support to assist in solving such glitches.

Best regards,

Bob Hosken
“Dr. Bob the CompuNerd”

The author, Dr. Robert Hosken, has accumulated over 30 years of career work in IT with computers. Starting in his teens he has established and headed a number of companies and non-profit organizations. Download his free e-Book “How To Maintain Your Computer” and see the most efficient methods to utilize your PC at Online PC Support, or see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net – thanks!

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