Capture Error Messages

Many computer problems involve error messages, and it's essential to record the precise wording of these messages. In Windows 2000 and XP, pressing Ctrl+C will copy most error messages to the Clipboard. Launch Notepad, paste the copied message and save it. Under Windows 98 or Me, or when Ctrl+C will not work, type the exact text of the message into Notepad for reference. You can also take a screenshot of the error message by pressing Alt+PrintScreen, which copies the screen image to the Clipboard. You can then open Paint and copy the image into a new file and save it. You now have a picture of the error message.