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Question:

What is a Fatal Exception error?

Answer:

When a computer's processor is unable to perform an operation, Windows sends an exception message to the software program that was using the processor. If the software program does not handle the exception, a fatal exception error occurs.

Typical fatal exception errors appear as:

• A Fatal Exception 06 has occurred at xxxxxxxxxxx

This Program Has Caused a Fatal Exception xx at xxxxxxxxxxxxxx and Will Be Terminated 

Preventing or reducing fatal exception errors

When a fatal exception error appears while working from a software program, perform the following steps, in order, until the error is resolved:

Temporarily turn off virus scanning. If an error consistently occurs when an operation is performed, like saving a file, turn the virus scanning software off while performing the operation. Click Start, (All) Programs, and then click the name of the virus scanning software. 

Increase the computer's system resources, such as memory, hard drive space, and processing power. 

Uninstall and reinstall the HD Client program that was being used when the error occurred: 

In Windows XP, click Start, and then Control Panel.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel. 

Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 

Select the desired program from the list and click the Change/Remove or Add/Remove button. 

Click OK (Windows 98, Me) or Close (Windows XP) and restart the computer when finished. Answer any questions if any pop-up screens appear when uninstalling. 

Verify that Windows is managing the virtual memory: 

In Windows XP, click Start, and then Control Panel.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel. 

In Windows XP, click Performance and Maintenance, and then double-click the System icon.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, double-click the System icon. 

In Windows XP, click the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click the Performance tab. 

In Windows XP, click the Advanced tab and then click the Change button.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Virtual Memory. 

In Windows XP, select System managed Size if it is not already selected and click OK.

In Windows 95, 98, and Me, select Let Windows Manage My Virtual Memory if it is not already selected, and click OK. 

Close all open windows and restart the computer. Test for errors. 

Prevent other programs that are not useful from starting up with Windows. 

Perform a virus scan with updated virus definitions. 

Check the software manufacturer's Web site for updates or compatibility information. 

Back up important files and perform a full system recovery. This should be done as a last resort because you will need to manually reinstall any software that didn't come with your system. Depending on the version of Windows that came with your system, consult your O/S manual.

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