I understand that many computer users find it a trouble to manually type error messages and paste it in forums to get help. For short error message, It’s not too bad. But there are some really long error messages with random error code numbers, location, file names UGH! I’d go mad if I had to type the error messages below.
Why don’t Windows error messages has a button for you to copy all the error messages? Why can’t I simply use my mouse to highlight the error messages in command prompt? Actually there are ways to let you copy the text in windows error message and also in command prompt.
Actually there is! You can easily copy Windows error messages by using the copy shortcut key CTRL+C. Don’t believe? Go to Start > Run, simply type anything at the run box and hit enter. You’ll get an error message that says “Windows cannot find ‘xxxxxxxx’. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.” Now press CTRL+C simultaneously. Then open up a notepad or any text editor and hit CTRL+V. You should see this being pasted at your text editor.
—————————
xxxxxxx
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Windows cannot find ‘xxxxxxx’. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.
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OK
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Unfortunately this method doesn’t copy ALL error messages. Only windows error messages.
As for how to copy and paste in command prompt or DOS window, there are 2 ways to do it.
1. Right click at anywhere at the command prompt, and select Mark.
You can now use your mouse left click to mark the area that you want to copy. Once you have selected the text you want to copy, then use the right mouse button or the Enter key to copy the selected text to the clipboard. To paste, right click and select Paste.
2. Right click at command prompt titlebar and select Properties.
At options tab, check or enable QuickEdit Mode.
Click OK. You can now easily mark the text that you want in command prompt and then to copy the text, right click your mouse OR hit the enter key. To paste, right click your mouse.
Now you know how to copy error messages from windows and command prompt. Please make sure you include the exact error messages that you get from your computer in forum when posting a problem. It enables us to understand better what is the problem with your computer.
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I have a good one i use often for copying text from windows(error or otherwise)
Getwindowtext(same person did Qdir,processKO,don’tsleep,colourconsole plus loads other useful progs)
Has a thing u drag over what u want to copy,then it will appear in program window to do what u want with.Doesn’t work with all,but most windows i’ve tried.Can also use Nirsoft’s sysexporter which lists windows and contents.I luv these tools along with regfromapp another fav for saving registrations and changes.
Thanx for info
It doesn’t always work.
that is very useful
@link
IPConfig /all > C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/Desktop/IP.dat
Go ray!
15 months after you posted this set of tips I come across it in the supplementary menu under another posting – and “voila” – more questions answered !
Yup – the recent award was well deserved my friend !
Thanks! I work in Linux and Windows. Not being able to copy&paste from the Windows command window like in *nix was driving me nuts. This is great.
that is my problem lately. now i know how to do it.
your awesome Ray
I used to be able to do this but now I have to do a middle click to mark it. I have the quick edit setting already set too. My right click doesn’t even pop up a menu anymore either.
I don’t know what happened but I miss this option.
Sir I want to known How i can copy the text of message box given by vb.net desktop application Please reply me asap
very useful man
thnks for the info man! but i got one problem. Suppose in cmd prompt..tht is say c:\>. Now if i type ipconfig then hit [ENTER] button, then it will print or write my ipconfig in the command promt itself. Now my question is there way so dat before i hit enter button is there a comand so dat the resultant output is print in text or doc file. For example like c:\>ipconfig copy d:\a.txt then hit [enter] so dat i get the ipconfig value in text form in [D] drive. Is there a way? Advance thnks.
Hmm.. Great find.
Keep it up.
Cheers!!!
Thank you thank you, this is a BIG help!
Really this is a great tip for an average computer user, being an IT prof myself, I really didnt know and even believed that just by pressing control+c we can copy error messages in generated in windows( although I knew how to copy texts from command prompt).
Really this is great.
lol, using windooze for so long and never knew this, thanks mate
Nice. Thanks Ray.
wow, new information for me ! until now, im using the printscreen button too.. thanks for your tips raymond ! =)
superbbbb
Wow that kind of error message sure make the user pulling his hairs!
Thnx
i need it very much
I didn’t knew this. For all these years, I\’m just using PrintScrn button & save as image. Thanx for info, really appreciate it d-_-b
nice tutorial ray,
keep it up!
excellent work. Some things you post way out of my skill level but most are easy to follow and use.Your tips saved my sanity a number of times. Thanks ray
I cant see device manager icon in my control panel/system. Would you please let me know why this has happened?
Great tip, thanks !!
Raymond rocks.
Thanks for the info. It has been a pain copying down any error messages.
hey looks like i am about to open a computer school with your tricks ray.. keep the frame burning man.thanks…
yeah !
Where you find this tricks ?
Thanks you dude !
Thats great!
Thank you very much for this tipp!