In the days before Windows, Microsoft error messages were often just plain wrong. Since then, they have got more varied, more reliable but sometimes also stranger. I think that there is an uncertainty horizon in every complex computer system; and these messages mean it is pretty easy to encounter it in Microsoft.
Several of those error messages seem to be catching "Can't Happen" exceptions. I wrap everything in a try/catch/finally so that I can catch the "can't happen" errors. Usually have a bizarre message popped up so that whoever sees it will actually report it.
Forget about that! We are facing a crisis of unimaginable proportions! And Congress is doing nothing!
I'm just on pins and needles wondering who the Yglesias Award Nominee will be.
In the days before Windows, Microsoft error messages were often just plain wrong. Since then, they have got more varied, more reliable but sometimes also stranger. I think that there is an uncertainty horizon in every complex computer system; and these messages mean it is pretty easy to encounter it in Microsoft.
Several of those error messages seem to be catching "Can't Happen" exceptions. I wrap everything in a try/catch/finally so that I can catch the "can't happen" errors. Usually have a bizarre message popped up so that whoever sees it will actually report it.
From a Burroughs 1700 series:
"There is an incongruency between your intent and mine".
From an IBM mainframe:
"IBMBEER"
I think it was a Unix system:
"Wrong error"
The Unix make program:
"Don't know how to make love".
From the *nix program screen:
Suddenly the Dungeon collapses!! - You die...
Here's the KB article for the "Your password must be at least 18770 characters" error:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/276304