What is a Runtime Error?

Errors that Happen When a Program Has Trouble Running

The bottom line on a runtime error is simply an error that happens when a program is trying to run, or execute. The error tells you that the system has run into something it doesn’t know how to handle, so it’s shutting things down. Most of the time the software will close or it will freeze up.

There are a variety of runtime error numbers, the different numbers referring to a different problem, and they can happen in various programs from various manufacturers. The first thing to do if you hit a runtime error is to copy down the number and do a Web search for it. You will find many hits for that particular error and you should be able to find a fix for it.

A number of issues can cause these problems. Among them are:

• Software issues, usually in the program itself, or

• A conflict between programs, or

• Memory problems, or

• Computer viruses

It helps if you know how to use the Task Manager in Windows. Right click on the gray taskbar area and select Task Manager.” The task manager will show you all of the currently running applications under one tab and all of the individual processes running under another tab. If you see a program that says “Not Responding” out beside it, click on “End Task.”

What to do when you get a Runtime Error

1.  If the error re-occurs after you restart the software, you need to visit the software’s website and download any updates or patches. If that doesn’t solve it, then you need to completely uninstall it and reinstall it. (For a complete uninstall, use a dedicated uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller; that’s the only way to get the entire program off of your system.)

2.  For memory issues, sometimes just rebooting is enough to re-allocate your memory usage and do away with the problem. If that doesn’t do it, you need to get a diagnostic program, like SiSoft Sandra, and use it to pinpoint any possible RAM problems. If you’re not comfortable replacing memory, take it to a PC tech; it’s usually relatively inexpensive to replace or add memory.

3.  Computer viruses can wreak havoc on any system in any number of ways. You should always be running a current anti-virus program that you keep updated. You should run it at the very least weekly, if not more often. Any time you have any kind of problem, it pays to run your anti-virus; the results will often surprise you–and not in a nice way.

Overall, runtime errors are usually easy to solve and are not serious, they just need some special attention in regards to the programs on your PC.