Computer errors can be unexpected, cause havoc, take you off schedule and at times, drastically disrupt the flow of work you are trying to accomplish. There are several different types of errors that you can encounter on a Windows computer. Some of the common ones are discussed below. Also discussed here are some of the common tasks that you can perform to fix and most of all prevent these errors.

• Stop Errors: Stop errors can occur any time your PC is operational. There are several causes of these errors—incompatible device drivers, program conflicts, obsolete or incompatible system BIOS, faulty software applications, damaged hardware, overheating computer components, virus infections, a corrupt Windows registry or corrupt system files. Usually when a stop error occurs, your system may stop functioning, a physical memory dump is performed, and a stop error message along with its error code is displayed on a blue screen, commonly referred to as blue screen of death.

• Dll Errors: Dynamic Link Libraries or DLL files comprise one or more executable codes that can be called by various programs installed on your Windows system to perform various tasks. There are several DLL files on your Windows computer and there are many reasons for DLL errors. Some of the common causes of DLL errors are missing, incompatible or damaged device drivers, faulty hardware and software, a damaged Windows registry, and virus and spyware infections. If you are frequented by DLL errors, you are said to have entered DLL hell.

• Runtime Errors: Another large category of computer errors is runtime errors. Runtime errors usually occur when a software program currently running on your computer fails due to a bug that was not discovered and rectified during the program development. For example, runtime error 217 occurs due to missing, corrupt, or outdated MS DCOM, Msvcrt.dll and stdole32.tlb files, incorrect regional settings, virus infections, or a damaged or corrupt Windows registry.

Some of the tasks that you can perform when these errors occur on your system are:

1. Try to search for a resolution method for the error by searching for the error codes included in the error message. Microsoft knowledgebase and support forums are a good place to look for error resolutions.
2. Perform a full system scan using antivirus and antispyware tools.
3. Update your operating system, programs, and device drivers.
4. Check if an update for the BIOS of your system is available. If you find one, update the system BIOS.
5. Clean boot your system with the help of the System configuration utility (msconfig) to check if there are any program conflicts. If you find a conflicting program, take the appropriate measures to prevent them from occuring.
6. Repair the Windows registry with the help of a reliable Windows registry repair tool.
7. Open the case of your PC and check that all components are properly seated in their slots.
8. Vacuum clean the system to remove dust from the components to prevent overheating.

Computers have become an essential commodity for people in all walks of life. This is the reason why the health of your computer is of utmost importance. Be a vigilant user, be careful about what you download and install on it, keep it updated and well maintained to enjoy an error-free computing experience for a long time to come.