Runtime errors tutorial

Cause:
The runtime or run-time error message can be caused by:

Confliction with TSR or other running program

Software issue
Computer Virus
Memory issue
Solution:

Before following the below recommendations for troubleshooting your runtime error
if you're getting a runtime error with a runtime error code and error message such
as "Runtime error 75 path/file access error",

Confliction with TSR or other running program

If you are encountering a runtime error message while in Windows or above ensure
that the issue is not being caused by a third-party program or TSR by end tasking
all open programs.

If, after end tasking all TSRs, you continue to experience the same issue and are
running Windows 95 or Windows 98, verify that no utility or program is being
loaded in the autoexec.bat / config.sys that is causing your issue by temporally
renaming the files. To do this, follow the below instructions.

Boot to a MS-DOS prompt.

for Windows NT, XP, 2000 users:

Click Start.
Click Run.
Type cmd or command and press enter.

If you're attempting to get into a MS-DOS prompt to troubleshoot the computer boot
the computer into Safe Mode.

Windows 2000 and XP users who are unable to boot the computer into Normal Windows
mode or Safe mode can also enter the recovery console to manage their computer
from a prompt.

Finally, if you are experiencing issues getting into Windows NT, 2000, or XP it
may be necessary to run troubleshooting steps from a MS-DOS prompt. It is
recommended that the Network Administrator get into the MS-DOS prompt by using
either a standard MS-DOS boot diskette (note: will not be able to access data
using a standard MS-DOS bootable diskette) or the ERD diskettes created after the
installation of Windows NT, or boot from the Windows XP CD.

For Windows vista users:

Click Start.
Type cmd and press enter.

If you're attempting to get into a MS-DOS prompt to troubleshoot the computer boot
the computer into Safe Mode.

For Windows 95, 98, ME users:

If you are able to get into Windows 95, 98 or ME, you can get to a MS-DOS prompt
by following the below steps.

Click Start
Click Run
Type "command" and press enter.
This will open a MS-DOS shell. However, if you are attempting to troubleshoot an
issue with the computer and are using Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98we suggest
you restart the computer into MS-DOS. To do this follow the below steps.

Click Start
Click Shutdown

Choose the option to restart the computer into a MS-DOS prompt.

If you are unable to get into Windows 95 or Windows 98 to get into a MS-DOS
prompt, follow the below instructions (Windows ME does not have this option).

Reboot the computer

As the computer is booting, press the F8 key when you hear a beep or when you see
"Starting Windows 95" or "Starting Windows 98". Windows 98 users sometimes may
find it easier to press and hold the left CTRL key as the computer is booting.

Select the option for Safe mode command prompt only.

MS-DOS users

If you are running MS-DOS with no other operating systems, the computer should be
booting into a MS-DOS prompt automatically unless you have a shell or other
program loading automatically.

If the computer is not getting you to a MS-DOS prompt, reboot the computer and as
the computer is booting, press the F5 key when you see the message "Starting MS-
DOS" or the MS-DOS version. This will load the default standard MS-DOS.

If you successfully get to a MS-DOS prompt and would like to prevent the computer
from loading the program that is preventing you from getting to a MS-DOS prompt,
or if you would like to fix possible error messages you may be receiving when
booting the computer, edit the autoexec.bat and/or the config.sys files.

Windows 3.x users

If you are running Windows 3.x it is likely that the computer is booting into
Windows automatically and bypassing the MS-DOS prompt. If Windows loads
successfully into Windows, to exit to a MS-DOS prompt, from Program Manager, click
the File menu and then Exit.

If the computer is trying to load into Windows but is encountering errors while it
is booting, reboot the computer and press F5 key when you see the message
"Starting MS-DOS" or the MS-DOS version. This will load the default standard MS-
DOS.

If you do not want Windows 3.x to load automatically into Windows 3.x, you will
need to edit the autoexec.bat file and remove the "win" line.

Other operating system users

If you are using another Operating System such as OS/2, Linux variants, or Unix
variants and you need to get to a MS-DOS prompt, it is recommended that you use a
MS-DOS boot diskette unless you are dual booting the computer. Keep in mind that
booting from a MS-DOS diskette is not going to allow you to have access to the
files used with other operating systems. However, if you're erasing everything and
starting over this would allow you to delete all pre-existing information and
start over.

Once at the MS-DOS prompt, type:

cd\ <press enter>

ren autoexec.bat autoexec.ch <press enter>
ren config.sys config.ch <press enter>

Once completed, reboot the computer.

Software issue

If your issue persists it is possible that the program, utility or game causing
the runtime error may have issues. Verify through the developer's web site that
all updates or patches that may be available have been downloaded and applied.

If no patches or updates are available, attempt to uninstall and/or reinstall the

program that is causing the issue. If you are having a runtime error in your
operating system, reinstall the operating system.

Add-on, plug-in, or other extra software

Many runtime errors are also caused by other add-ons, plug-ins, or other extra
software that has been installed onto the computer and is associated with the
program generating the error. If you have any extra software installed that is
associated with the program generating the error make sure there are no available
updates for the programs and/or try uninstalling each of them to verify they're
not the cause of your issue.

Computer virus

Because computer viruses are capable of tampering with the system settings /
memory it is possible for a computer virus to generate a runtime error. If you are
currently running a virus protection program on your computer ensure it has the
latest updated patch or .dat file.

If you do not have a computer virus protection program it is recommended one be

purchased or that a demo be temporarily downloaded to scan your computer hard disk
drive for viruses.

Memory issue

Finally, if you have followed all of the above recommendations, it is possible

that you may be encountering a hardware / memory related issue. We recommend that
you first contact the developer of the program causing the issue for any possible
solutions. If no solutions are found, we recommend you contact the computer or
motherboard manufacturer for additional recommendations and/or service.

Created by BobbyR1234 uploaded on scribd 3/12/08