How to Enable or Disable Error Reporting in Windows XP

While working on your computer, have you ever been asked if you would like to send an error report to Microsoft? Error reporting is included in Windows XP to help Microsoft make Windows a better and more stable operating system. Looking at the error reports sent in by the millions of users around the world can help Microsoft determine what bugs and issues they should fix. These error reports can also help the user determine what went wrong with an application and why the program had to close.

However, many users find the error reports irritating. This registry tweak for Windows XP can remove error reporting. Users will have to backup their registries first before attempting to make any edits, as there are risks associated with registry modification.

There are two ways to remove error reporting. The first way is through registry modification. This will be presented first. The second, non-registry method will be presented last.

Registry Method

  1. Click on Start. Go to Run. Enter regedit. This will bring up your registry editor.
  2. Look for the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder on the left side of your registry editor. Click on the little cross on the left to expand the folder.
  3. Go to SOFTWARE and expand.
  4. Look for Microsoft and expand.
  5. Locate the PCHealth folder. Expand the folder to get to ErrorReporting.
  6. Now look at the right hand side of the registry editor. You should be able to find DoReport. If you can find the value, go to step seven. If you can’t find DoReport, create the value using the steps below.
    • Right click on the right hand side of the registry editor.
    • Select New and then select DWORD.
    • Rename the value DoReport or right click on the new DWORD value and select Rename.
  7. Double click on DoReport. A new box will open up.
  8. Enter 0 if you don’t want to send reports. Enter 1 if you would like to send error reports to Microsoft.
  9. Exit registry and reboot.

If you would rather not tinker with your registry because of the risks involved, there is an alternate method you can use.

Non-Registry Method

  1. Go to Control Panel and open.
  2. Click on Performance and Maintenance.
  3. Next, click on System.
  4. Go to the Advanced tab.
  5. There is an error reporting button at the bottom. Click the button.
  6. Select Disable Error Reporting.
  7. Click OK and then OK again to exit.