fatal error

[¦fād·əl ′er·ər]

(computer science)

An error in a computer program which causes running of the program to be terminated.

fatal error

(programming, operating system)

Any error which causes abrupt termination of the program. The program may be terminated either by itself or by the operating system (a "fatal exception"). In the former instance, the program contains code which catches the error and, as a result, returns to the operating system or calls an operating system service to terminate the program.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

fatal error

A condition that halts processing due to faulty hardware, program bugs, read errors or other anomalies. If you get a fatal error, you generally cannot recover from it, because the operating system has encountered a condition it cannot resolve. Typically, buggy applications cause fatal errors (fatal exception errors), and the computer locks up. In most cases, all data that you have changed that has not yet been saved to disk is lost.

There is no rule of thumb with fatal errors. You may never get one again, or it may manifest until you fix the problem. If you get a fatal error after just adding a new peripheral or installing a new software package, remove or uninstall it and try again.

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References in periodicals archive ?

He didn't call the PJA or seek legal representation and i'd be fairly certain that was a fatal error.

Ahern's fatal error was not contacting us - PJA

Schuh says the underlying theme of Fatal Error centres around accepting responsibility for the results of one's choices.

Author Reaches Out to Alternate Education Students

A pulsating first half with chances for both sides fell away after the break as with extra time and possibly penalties looming the two European heavyweights curbed their attacking instincts for fear of committing a fatal error.

Bayern oust Real after dramatic shootout

Mitchell was out-muscled by Katsidis and made the fatal error of being drawn into a brawl with the ferocious Australian, who retained the interim WBO lightweight title.

Out-boxed Mitchell reveals personal issues

Players have to stick to the tactical plans we make; then it depends on which team makes the fatal error."

Chelsea go for broke

Bush sought in his final address to justify his disastrous two-term administration to a disillusioned and disgusted world, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband put his finger on a fatal error that has defined Bush's gun-slinging incumbency.

War on terror: The bitter truth

The President's main political opponent, Prime Minister Victor Yanukovich, has declared opposition to the request calling the move to dissolve Parliament a "fatal error".

Ukraine: President Victor Yushenko dissolved Parliament and called for early elections

After examining the officer's behavior in the first situation, some may conclude that he made what could have been a fatal error. But, looking at the incident on three levels--the officer's view, the offender's impressions, and the context in which they came together--can reveal critical implications.

The deadly mix: officers, offenders, and the circumstances that bring them together

Got another release from the Seattle area that harkens back to the days before the hype: Jack Endino's Permanent Fatal Error. It's heavy and dark in places, reminiscent of his old band Skin Yard, but also straight ahead, guitars up front, blasting, and his vocals sound kind of hoarse and raspy like Lemmy.

Notes from the underground

THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE Microsoft Windows' "blue screen of death" or a "fatal error" message flash across your monitor, don't get angry; reboot and then point your browser toward the DistroWatch Web site, where you can learn everything you need to know about the newest distributions (called "distros") of the Linux operating system.

A site to see

That would prove to be a fatal error. When her back was turned, Chapman approached her from behind and put a knife to her throat.