Users often think that Microsoft's runtime error alerts communicate useful information, that we'll be able to diagnose the issue when they say, "I clicked on 'Go' and got a runtime error XXX. What's wrong?" Unfortunately, about all we know from that message is that Word is probably having a difficulty locating a file or performing a command. Not much help there at all.

So, if you should receive a runtime error message, realize it is nearly useless, that it is merely explaining that Word isn't working.

That's your clue to take action that is actually constructive and helpful: Go to our Diagnostics Portal and step through its process. Doing that solves more than 85% of all issues. Even more, if after doing that you need free personalized service, you'll have generated the information that our Service Desk needs to diagnose and fix your issue when you request its help.

This is the fastest, least patience-testing way of getting you going again. It's a terrific means of leveraging our ten years of solving customer issues.

tags: runtime, rt, r/t, error, 4605, 13, 20088, 3952