When Windows XP encounters a severe error that has the potential to crash the operating system, it immediately halts the offending program and displays an error message that says the application has encountered a problem and needs to close.

The operating system then prompts you to send an error report to Microsoft. In most cases you would want to do this. These reports is how Microsoft fixes “bugs” in the system or supposedly sends on information to the software makers on what is happening and conflicts with Windows operating systems.

There are some instances when you don’t want to send these messages, such as when you use proprietary programs or you know the programs you regularly use have sensitive customer or personal data in the database (such as Medical records, Social Security numbers et al).

Even though none of your data is supposed to be sent, you might (and should) play things on the safe side. You can avoid having to click the Don’t Send button by disabling Error Reporting.

Here’s how:
Press the “Windows” and “Pause/Break” keys on your keyboard, at the same time, to display the “System Properties” dialog box.

You can also right-click on the “My Computer” icon and select “Properties”, just one of at least 4 fun ways to get to your “System Properties” in Windows XP.

Select the “Advanced” tab and then click on the “Error Reporting” button.

When you see the “Error Reporting” dialog box, select the “Disable Error Reporting” option.

If you don’t want to see any type of error message, clear the “But Notify Me When Critical Errors Occur” check box as well.

Click “OK” twice, to close the open windows.

That is all there is to it, oh, by the way, this tip is for both Windows XP Home and Professional.

Until we meet again, have a virus free week!