How to Make a Fake Error Message in Windows

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Last Updated: April 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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Single Error Dialog

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Sequence of Error Dialogs

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Do you want to create a custom Windows error message? Whether you're an application developer or someone who wants to prank their coworker, knowing how to create a custom error message is an essential ability. To learn how to create a custom Windows error message, follow this guide.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Single Error Dialog

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1
Open the Notepad app.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source}
- Press the ⊞ Win+R keys simultaneously.
- Type notepad into the Run dialog.
- Hit ↵ Enter or click OK.
2
Copy and paste the following code into Notepad:
- x=msgbox("Your Message Here", Button+Icon, "Your Title Here")
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3
Customize the button(s) of your error message. Replace Button in the code you pasted into Notepad with one of the following:
- 0 - OK
- 1 - OK and Cancel
- 2 - Abort, Retry and Ignore
- 3 - Yes, No and Cancel
- 4 - Yes and No
- 5 - Retry and Cancel
4
Customize the icon of your error message. Replace Icon in the code that you pasted into Notepad with one of the following:
- 0 = No Icon
- 16 = Critical Icon (a.k.a. "X" icon)
- 32 = Question Icon (a.k.a. "?" icon)
- 48 = Warning Icon (a.k.a. "!" icon)
- 64 = Info Icon (a.k.a. "i" icon)
Replace Your Title Here in the code you pasted into Notepad with what you want the title of the error message to be.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Replace Your Message Here in the code you pasted into Notepad with what you want the error message to say.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Press Ctrl+S on your keyboard.
^{[4]
X
Research source}
Click Save.
Double-click the file that was created.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sequence of Error Dialogs

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Create a sequence of error messages. Messages will display one at a time, and closing a message will display the following one.

1
Open the Notepad app.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

Go to source}
- Press the ⊞ Win+R keys simultaneously.
- Type notepad into the Run dialog.
- Hit ↵ Enter or click OK.
2
Copy and paste the following code into Notepad:
- x=msgbox("Your Message Here", Button+Icon, "Your Title Here")
3
Customize the button(s) of your error message. Replace Button in the code you pasted into Notepad with one of the following:
- 0 - OK
- 1 - OK and Cancel
- 2 - Abort, Retry and Ignore
- 3 - Yes, No and Cancel
- 4 - Yes and No
- 5 - Retry and Cancel
4
Customize the icon of your error message. Replace Icon in the code that you pasted into Notepad with one of the following:
- 0 - No Icon
- 16 - Critical Icon (a.k.a. "❌" icon)
- 32 - Question Icon (a.k.a. "❓" icon)
- 48 - Warning Icon (a.k.a. "❗" icon)
- 64 - Info Icon (a.k.a. "ℹ️" icon)
Replace Your Title Here in the code you pasted into Notepad with what you want the title of the error message to be.
Replace Your Message Here in the code you pasted into Notepad with what you want the error message to say.^{[6]
X
Research source}
8
Create another error message (if desired). Repeat these steps, starting from Step 3.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- This error message will display after the previously created one has been closed.
Press Ctrl+S on your keyboard.
Click Save.
Double-click the file that was created.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is there a way to make a custom icon for the error?

Community Answer

No, you can try using different numbers, but most likely a real error will pop up.

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Yes No

Not Helpful 32 Helpful 143
Question

How do I make it do actions to my computer?

Community Answer

You can't do that. It's a fake error, meaning it won't do anything to your computer.

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Not Helpful 84 Helpful 103
Question

How do I create an input text box in the message?

Community Answer

Do this: InputVariableName=InputBox("Prompt","Title","Value which is optional")

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Thank you for your feedback.
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Yes No

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Put +4096 after the icon number. Then you'll get a system modal (all apps will stop working until you respond).
To go to the next line, use +vbnewline+.

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