When you view the event logs, you see error numbers ( codes ) with little or no error text explanation. To get a start on the source of the error code, you can use NET HELPMSG at the command-line to display the associated error text. If you have the Windows NT Resource Kit installed, you can use the commandline utility TRANSLATE to do the same function.

Translates a Win32 error code into an error string.

NET HELPMSG code
TRANSLATE code

  code          Message code to translate.

Examples:
  translate 112   -or-   net helpmsg 112

  Displays 'There is not enough room on the disk' message.

  Translate 5     -or-   net helpmsg 5
  
  Displays 'Access is denied.' message.

The error text should be helpful. Unless a light flicks on, the next step is to search the Microsoft kb for more information.

I have used net helpmsg and translate for years and never added their use to these tips. It was assumed background information. But when I started seeing questions in the Windows NT newsgroups revealing a lack of knowledge of their existence, I added this tip. I will review my own practices and if I have other "universal" information that I haven't imparted, I will add them to these tips as time permits. -Wayne

Must have for NT administrators