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General discussion

''Keywords'' not numbers, (Q117552) are important.

May 16, 2004 9:56PM PDT

1. Since we cannot see a members computer from here to ascertain what exactly is or has been installed on their computer, we must rely on the question content to attempt a qualifying response. Many unclear or questions void of useful information may get skipped.

2. In order for us to analyze a potential problem and offer tips, a question should state the exact system error(s) - spelled, spaced and capitalized just as it is shown on the display -- used to inform a user of a problem.

a. Please! Do not paraphrase an error message. Report errors verbatim. Most errors: 1) usually list and describe standard default error messages - written within the program code and generally recognized by most "Window Gurus" and 2) the troubleshooting techniques may be published and explained in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (MSKB) library for the Windows operating systems, and anybody can search for them with accurately reported information.

b. If an error message is displayed -- besides that which may be listed in the Details section (when provided) are not verbatim, -- misspelling, incorrectly listed or not listed at all or is incomplete, anyone trying to make sense of or use it to search the Internet for a possible solution isn't going to come up with useful material -- for YOU. Believe me. Correct and complete information is vital if informative help and answers are what you seek.

c. When an error is not displayed, please give information in full details of what was being done, how the system was responding - if at all, and the program/application being used at the time. Note also this could mean a particular device in use or one recently installed. Sometime the program/application version information is important.

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