Microsoft Windows DOS (Error Screens)

Windows 1.0; Windows 2.x

Screen (May 8, 1985-July 27, 1989)

Visuals: On a blue background, a Microsoft Windows DOS bootscreen from the period is shown animating. Afterwards, random corrupted characters start typing in, rapidly filling up the screen and causing the Windows bootscreen to move upward.

Technique: Computer effects.

Audio: A held-out beeping noise from the computer's built-in buzzer.

Availability: Seen every time an incorrect version of DOS is booted.

Windows 3.1x

Screen (December 4, 1991-November 10, 1994)

Visuals: On a blue background, a grey bar is shown above with a word "Windows" in it. The white text

Although you can use CTRL+ALT+DEL to quit an application that has stopped responding to the system, there is no application in this state.

To quit an application, use the application's quit or exit command, or choose the Close command from the Command menu.

Press any key to return to Windows.
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL again to restart your computer. You will lose any unsaved information in all applications.

Press any key to continue _

is shown also.

Variants:

When you press Ctrl+Alt+Del and an app error occurs, the "Windows" word is replaced by the app name and the following text

This Windows application has stopped responding to the system.

Press ESC to cancel and return to Windows.
Press ENTER to close this application that is not responding. You will lose any unsaved information in this application.
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL again to restart your computer. You will lose any unsaved information in all applications.

Press ENTER for OK or ESC to Cancel: OK

is shown.

An exception error has the text

An exception 00 has occurred at 0028:C18580AE in UxD HSFLOP(03) 0000156E. This was called from 0028:C1858AED in UxD HSFLOP(03) + 00001FAD. It may be possible to continue normally.

When the system is unstable or busy, the "Windows" word is replaced by the word "WARNING!" and there is the text

The system is either busy or has become unstable. You can wait and see if the system becomes available again and continue working or you can restart your computer.

Press any key to return to Windows and wait.
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL again to restart your computer. You will lose any unsaved information in all applications.

Press any key to continue

Instead of blue screen, a black screen may occur.

Technique: A still, computerized graphic.

Audio: None or same as before.

Availability:

The original screen appears when you press Ctrl+Alt+Del to quit an application.
The exception error appears when the high load of the service occurs.