How to Create Fake Error Messages in Windows
Windows can give some pretty creative error messages, but why not create some yourself? Whether it’s to trick your friends or just for fun, here’s how to create fake error messages in Windows.
1. How to Create a Fake Error With the Windows Error Message Creator
The easiest way to create a comprehensive and believable error message is to use the Windows Error Message Creator freeware. You can find this app available for download at theMajorGeeks download page.
Download the app and extract it. We explainhow to extract common archive filesif you’re unsure on how to do this.
Windows Error Message Creator includes lots of options to fine-tune your error message. Let’s look at creating a very basic one. Let’s use the top section labeledCreate A Standard Message Box.
Select what type of error message you want to display with theMessage Box Typefield. This changes what the window looks like, as well as the options a user is given.
Message Line OneandMessage Line Twoare self-explanatory. Input the text you’d like to have displayed in the error message.
Finally,Message Box Titlewill title the window of your error.
Input all the information and then hitCreate.The fake error message will instantly display on your screen.
Windows Error Message Creator has a lot more options to create more complicated error messages. Try fiddling around with all the options, such as setting a custom icon or even custom button text.
2. How to Create a Fake Windows Error Message With VB Script
This is a way to make an error message using nothing but what Windows provides. We’ve written before about theuseful things VB script can do, but creating error messages on the fly is one of its lesser appreciated functions.
To write this script, we’ll be using theMsgBoxfunction.
Writing scripts, especially free hand, can get confusing quickly. So to make this process easier, we’ll use a script generator available online. Head on over toMessage Box Generator on ayra.ch to follow along.
After using the script generator a few times, you’ll get the hang of how the script works, and might even be able to create one yourself!
The Message Box Generator has options very similar to the Windows Error Message Creator.
You’ll start by filling in theTitlefield, and then inputting text into theBody.This is completely free hand, and not restricted by a certain number of lines.
Change whatButtonsappear and switch theDefault Buttonto change which button appears highlighted in the error message.
Scroll down further to reveal some more options. You can set anIconwith the appropriate field and even change theModalsetting. This will control how much control the error message has over your desktop, allowing you to freeze the desktop entirely until the script has been closed.
When you’re done setting the script up, copy the text available in theCommand (VBA/VB Script)field.
This is the actual script that we’ve created. Time to put it into a .vbs file.
Create a new TXT document anywhere on your system. In this text document, paste in the script you copied earlier.
HitSave ason this text file, and make sure you switch theSave as typetoAll files.
Name your file whatever you’d like, followed by aVBSfile extension. It should look similar to the above image.
HitOkwhen Windows advises you of changing file types. Now, run your newly created .vbs file.
It’s as easy as that. Well, this method might actually be a bit more complicated than the previous one, but this one allows a more accurate error message and can be done completely on the fly.
Play around with this website long enough, and you might even catch yourself learning a thing or two about scripting.
Fake Error Messages for Fun and Games
There’s a lot it’s possible to do with a fake error message. While none of it is particuarly useful, it can be a lot of fun. Whether you show your friends some nonsensical error messages or give IT at work a heart attack with a scary error message, make sure it’s all in good fun.
If you’re looking to prank your friends with some online tech or hacking pranks, here are eight geeky sites to help you do just that!
You’re conveying the wrong meaning when you send these emojis.
Goodbye sending links via other apps.
Lose your laptop without this feature, and you’ll wish you had turned it on.
OneDrive is one of the best, but it has a catch.
Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.
