About Script Errors

You probably weren't a PC owner for long before running into your first script error. These malfunctions can be particularly frustrating because the problems exist under the surface and can fluster the casual computer user. But many script errors are actually the result of your computer's or internet browser's settings and can be remedied easily once the problem is identified.

Function

Script errors are a consequence of your computer's failure to understand or utilize the application or website trying to be interacted with. An error message pops up, often letting you know the page is displayed with errors, meaning that the website was unable to fully load. Much of the time, you are still able to interact with the website, but certain aspects of it may be unavailable to you.

Causes

Script errors can occur in two different ways. There could be a problem with the source code of the page or application, or there could be an issue with your operating system and/or its settings. Older computers tend to encounter more script errors than newer ones because the websites they are visiting are more advanced than the ones that existed when the computers were engineered.

Adjusting Settings

Identifying where the error lies is easy for most computers. Older computers will probably encounter script errors in a variety of ways, rather than in one instance. In addition to age, or instead of it, the computer could have settings that prevent various applications or files from running or interacting with the computer that prevent a process from running. You may have adjusted your computer to block Active X or Java Applets. In some cases, allowing these to come through your computer's firewall may improve the frequency of script errors. If you think the error lies with the website, you could contact the webmaster, which would either solve the problem or confirm that the issue rests in your computer.

Fixing Problems

It could be a technical error in your computer forcing script errors to appear. You can guard against these and try to fix the problem yourself by using anti-virus software to scan the downloaded program files and temporary internet files on your computer (you might as well run a full system scan while you're at it). This could reveal a virus or other malware inhibiting your computer. On video-oriented websites, it could be that your video card and/or its drivers is corrupt or outdated. You may need to purchase a new video card to enjoy the full experience of some websites. You can also try uninstalling and re-installing DirectX, which can cause script errors on websites when it stops working.

Prevention

In order to keep your computer up to date and avoid script errors, make sure you keep current on your PC's automatic updates. Also download the newest versions of the applications you use. These updated versions are designed to help an old application and/or computer keep pace with a quickly-changing technological landscape. But if none of this works and you still receive script errors frequently, there's only one thing to do: bite the bullet and upgrade to a newer model, or learn to live with an incomplete experience.