Error Codes and How to Use Them

Error Codes: Overview

On Windows computers, error codes are used to provide users with detailed information about the cause of the error. For instance, error codes help you identify whether the error has occurred due to faulty hardware, damaged software files, or invalid user inputs.

Quite often, when code errors occur on your Windows PC, your system performs a physical dump of the memory, and displays a blue screen, also known as the Blue Screen of Death or BSOD. This blue screen comprises an error code and an error message. If your system shows the blue screen, it is recommended that you note down the error code and the error message displayed. You can use this collected information to look for the cause and the possible resolution of the problem. One of the best resources to look for code error resolution is the Microsoft Support Web site.

Code Errors: Examples

Let’s have a look at a few code error messages for better understanding.

“Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)”

Code 39 errors may occur due to a missing driver, a corrupt binary file, problems with file Input/Output process and referencing problems in a device driver.

To fix error code 39, you first need to uninstall the current driver, scan your PC for any hardware changes, and then reinstall or upgrade the driver of the faulty device. To do this, perform the following steps:

• Click the Start button, select Run, type sysdm.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.

• On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.

• Locate faulty device and double-click on it.

• On the Driver tab, select the Uninstall button to remove the current driver.

• On the General tab, click the Troubleshoot button to launch the Troubleshooting wizard that helps you scan the system for hardware changes and then, upgrade the driver accordingly.

“This device is either not present, not working properly, or does not have all the drivers installed. (Code 10)”

Code 10 error messages such as the one given above are displayed when the driver of the hardware device you are trying to use is missing, damaged or incomplete. This code 10 error message may also be displayed if there is a problem with the hardware device you are trying to use. If the error is due to a problematic driver, you can repair it by updating the driver from the Device Manager. You may also use the Troubleshooting wizard to locate the exact cause of the problem and fix it.

Runtime Error 217

This error may occur when one or more of the following happens:

• One or more DLL files fail to register correctly when you install an application.

• There is a problem with the regional settings of your computer.

• Msvcrt.Dll and MS DCOM files on your system are obsolete.

• Virus or spyware infections.

• Corrupt or damaged Windows registry.

You can fix runtime error 217 by updating your computer to replace outdated and missing files.

In addition to the resolution steps listed above, you can use a reliable Windows registry cleaner tool to scan and repair registry errors and use efficient antispyware and antivirus tools to perform a thorough scan of your computer and ensure that it is free from any infected or dubious malware file.