Runtime Errors – What Are They and How Do I Stop Them?

The name “runtime error” came about because this type of error does not stop Windows from running. This is in contrast to a “stop error” which will stop Windows from operating altogether. Even though a runtime error will leave Windows running it will usually stop the program you are running at the time the runtime error occurred. So, it actually stops you from what you’re doing even though it isn’t technically a stop error. Given this information, the most important question is, what do you do to further prevent such errors from occurring? In this article, we will tell you how to eliminate all but the most stubborn runtime errors.

By nature, runtime errors indicate compatibility problems. In the older days of computer technology a runtime error would show you the program you’re running was not compatible with the operating system you are using on the computer. Sometimes, a developer would actually have to go back to the software writer and tell him of the problem and ask for a fix for this problem.

A Compatibility Issue

In more recent times, such errors occur when certain programs are run on a version of Windows it is not compatible with. For instance, trying to run a Windows XP program on Windows ME would commit a runtime error. Another similar type of problem would be the program files have become corrupt. When this happens, the fix is to reinstall the program. It is also wise to update Windows to make sure all of your Windows files are overwritten so none of these will be corrupt. Of course, updating Windows is easy; just go to your start menu and you will find “Update Windows.”

Spyware Eats Into Windows Files

After you have Windows updated and you have reinstalled the program that was causing problems, it is still possible you have not eliminated the error. This is because there are a couple more things that could be behind the problem. One potential problem would be malicious software or, spyware as it is more commonly known. Because spyware uses files in Windows it can cause incompatibility problems between Windows and the program you are running.

The Registry Files Also Need To Be Maintained

However, more and more in recent times, I am finding just about all runtime errors are caused by corruption in the Windows registry. It appears the quickest way to go about eliminating any error that is popping up onto your screen is to run a trustworthy registry cleaner. Because the registry is actually the directory Windows goes to in order to find its next operation, anything corrupted inside the registry might give Windows the wrong information and cause an error.

Therefore, I still believe reinstalling the program that is running when a runtime error is committed is the right thing to do. Also, I feel you should keep your Windows operating system up to date. Still, registry corruption accumulates very easily In modern-day computers and so it is always wise to clean the registry regularly with a decent registry cleaner. If you follow these rules, it will probably be very unusual for your computer to pop out a runtime error in the future.