What Does Abnormal Program Termination on Microsoft Mean?

Abnormal program termination refers to a runtime error where an unexpected or unusual fault occurs and Windows must close the program. In most cases, a specific set of circumstances is the cause of an abnormal termination. Analyzing what was happening at the time of the error is key to diagnosing the root of the problem.

Many abnormal terminations are the result of two or more pieces of software conflicting with one another. Although not all software utilize the same data resources, multiple programs trying to make use of the same resources or drivers can potentially block one another or inhibit functionality. These conflicts can cause serious errors in the software's operation, causing Windows to forcibly terminate them.

Not all abnormal terminations are because of resource errors on your computer. Sometimes, the resource in question is external. For example, visiting a Web page requires your browser to contact the page's server and call up data which is then displayed. If an error occurs while calling up the server's resources, the browser session may have to be terminated and restarted. Other unexpected resource errors may be responsible for the program's abrupt termination.

An abnormal program termination may also occur if there is a glitch or error in the software itself. A corrupted file, tampered line of code or other glitch could easily create a fatal error in a program, making Windows terminate the program. Recurring abnormal terminations that have no other readily apparent factors may be the result of these errors and may require more in-depth analysis to remedy.

Solutions to abnormal program terminations vary based on the source of the error. If a software conflict is at fault, identifying the two pieces of software and avoiding running them simultaneously is the best course of action. A good way to identify if a software or driver conflict is at fault is to perform a clean boot, which will start your computer with minimal drivers and auto-launching applications. Instructions for performing a clean boot are included in the Resources section. If other resource errors are at fault, you may need to consult your company's IT professional for a case-specific plan. If you suspect a software glitch, consider uninstalling the software and performing a clean re-install. This may remedy issues with corrupted files and other faults that have occurred over time. Software that is inherently defective will likely need to be replaced with a comparable program.