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A fatal error is a computer problem that causes a program to stop working and close. It does not usually mean permanent damage, but data loss can occur. Causes include illegal instructions and corrupted code. The error can be corrected by analyzing the message or seeking professional help.
A fatal error is a type of computer problem in which some type of activity causes a currently running program to stop working and close. In most cases, the occurrence of a fatal error displays a message that partially explains the nature of the error, then returns the user to the operating system. Despite the ominous sound of the name, the occurrence of this type of computer error does not usually mean that the hardware is permanently disabled or damaged, although you may need the assistance of a computer system specialist to correct the problem.
While the reasons for a fatal error vary, there are certain scenarios that account for the majority of incidents. One of the most common is receiving an illegal instruction, i.e. instructions not in harmony with the programming code. When this occurs, the program usually closes, as there are no protocols within the programming to allow it to proceed.
If an invalid type of code or data is accessed while the program is executing a specific instruction, a fatal error could occur. The underlying cause of the problem could be code or data that has been corrupted in some way or is no longer present on the hard drive for use. Again, the program is unable to process the order and closes instead of attempting to proceed.
Once a program has been terminated due to a fatal error, there is a good chance that any data that the program was processing at the time of the error will be lost. For this reason it is important to constantly take the time to save data during the session. This means that if someone uses a word processing program, it’s not enough to depend on an autosave feature. Stopping every few minutes to initiate a manual save will at least mean that data loss is minimized and the specific file can always be copied and loaded onto a different system if needed.
While the term can inspire fear of major problems, a fatal error is usually a serious but short-term problem that can be successfully identified and corrected. By analyzing the error message that appears and using that data to isolate the problem, it is often possible to correct the source of the error and allow system performance to continue without further incidents. While some users may have the background to accurately diagnose and fix errors of this type, others will require the attention of a professional such as a computer programmer.
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