Disable error reporting in Windows Server 2003

by Scott Lowe MCSE | Mar 27, 2007 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Servers, Scott Lowe MCSE, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Windows, Windows Server 2003 Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: Don't leak your data—even if your Windows Server 2003 runs into trouble. If even sending Microsoft an error report is against your shop's data privacy rules, Scott Lowe can help you avoid admin accidents by disabling error reporting in Windows Server 2003.

Whenever your Windows Server 2003 encounters a major error, it offers to send a message to Microsoft with details on what caused the error. This type of error reporting may be undesirable—particularly in environments that must adhere to very strict data privacy regulations. In these kinds of environments, you might want to completely disable this feature so that an admin doesn't accidentally choose to send an error report to Microsoft and possibly land you in hot water.

To disable error reporting:

1. Go to Start | Control Panel.
2. Open the System control panel applet.
3. From the System applet, choose the Advanced tab.
4. Click the Error Reporting button.
5. Choose the Disable Error Reporting option. (If you want to disable error reporting but still be notified about errors, select the check box next to But Notify Me When Critical Errors Occur.)
6. Click OK.

Figure A shows you the error reporting options in Windows Server 2003.

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