Generally speaking, Macintosh error codes are reported as either positive or negative codes. Positive error codes are always accompanied by either unexpected quits or complete system crashes. Negative error codes are mainly the results of less destructive problems, such as failure to find a file, or open a file, etc. Following is a short listing of both positive and negative error codes, their most probable source and some suggestions to get over them.

• If problem is specific to one program, you can remedy the problem by allocating more memory to the program, adding more RAM to the system, or simply restarting your Mac so the RAM available is in contiguous chunks.
• If it occurs immediately at startup, possibly an incompatibility problem with an externally connected device exists. Otherwise, call manufacturer to find out about a possible bug.
• If it occurs while the extensions are loading, probably an extension conflict is responsible.
• If the error happens while in the Finder or in many applications probably system software are corrupted. Replace system software.
• If the error persists in a specific application after doing the above procedures, there might be a bug in the application, contact manufacturer to find out about a possible bug.

Error Code: 03, "Illegal instruction"
Macintosh is trying to execute an instruction that is not in its standard processor's vocabulary. Most likely this error is due to a software bug or an out-of-date extension or hard disk driver.
Typically problem is specific to a single application. Contact manufacturer for information about a bug in the software and if so ask for a bug-fixed upgrade.

Error Code: 04, "Division by zero error"
This error is the result of an attempt to divide a number by zero, which is impossible. Most often there is a mistake in the program codes.
Contact manufacturer to find out about a possible bug, and if so ask for information about a bug-fixed upgrade.

Error Codes 05 - 07
The main source of these errors is presence of a bug in an application. However, damaged system file can also generate these problems.

Error Code: 08, "Trace Mode Error"
A debugger is not responding when the processor is accidentally placed in Trace mode. Normally, programmers use this mode when debugging their programs.
Most often this software bug could be fixed by reinstalling MacsBug .

Error Code: 09, "Line trap (A-line) error",
Error Code: 10, "F-line instruction error" and
Error Code: 12 "Unimplemented trap of core routine (operating system)"
Most often these errors are due to a software bug or an extension conflict.
If the problem happens with a specific software, contact manufacturer for information about a possible bug and if so ask for a bug-fixed upgrade.
If the error occurs with many software, make sure that the FPU (floating point unit, math coprocessor) is installed and functions properly.

Error Code: 11, "Miscellaneous hardware exception error"
Don't search for specifics regarding this error. Simply, this is a processor-generated error, which did not covered and identified by Error Codes 01 to 10. The exact cause of this common error is not identified.
On a Power Mac, a Type 11 error can mean almost anything. It simply refers to an error that occurred in reading native PowerPC code. Usually it means a bus error, an address error, or an illegal instruction.
If the problem is specific to a single application (most of the time), contact manufacturer for information about a possible bug and if so ask for a bug-fixed upgrade.
If the problem occurs with many software, make sure that the FPU (floating point unit, math coprocessor)is installed and works properly.
If the error only happens with a specific software browser when you are connected online to Internet, increasing the memory of the application may help.
If the error occurs while you are in the Finder or very often no matter of what application you use, contact Apple for a service, as there might be a hardware problem.

Error Code: 15, "Segment Loader Error"
For optimization purposes on RAM usage, if necessary, computer programs are broken up into segments that may be loaded separately when retrieving them. The required procedure for this process is organized by Segment Loader (a system software), in conjunction with instructions from the program. A bug in the software program and/or the system software can lead to this error.
If you think an extension is the cause, disabling the extension may help. Otherwise reinstall and/or upgrade the program or system software.

Error Code: 16
Imply either a bug in on application or a damaged file, particularly the system file.

Error Codes 17 to 24.
These errors indicate that the Mac tried to access one of the standard routines in the system file and couldn't find it. In all probability, that means you have a corrupted system file. Try installing a new system file to replace the damaged one.

Error Code: 25, "Out of memory",
Error Code: 28, "Stack ran into heap" and
Error Code: -108, "Out of memory"
These errors are actually caused by an application running out of memory. However, because of some unknown reasons Macintosh thinks the system has a memory problem.
Increasing the application's memory allocation should take care of these errors.

Error Codes: 26, 27, 30 and 31
According to Apple guys, the system file are either corrupted or mangled. Simply replace the system file.

Error Code: -34, "Disk is full"
Typically this error occurs when trying to save a file to a disk and there is not enough room on the disk. Otherwise, the disk may be damaged.
Delete or transfer files on the disk to free up more room for what you are trying to do. Otherwise, try to repair the disk.

Error Code: -39, "End of file or no additional data in the format"
In general this error is an indication of a hopelessly corrupted file. It means that the Mac started to process a file but couldn't finish reading it.
If it is an application, trash the file and its preferences file (if any) and reinstall it.
If you encounter this message at startup, it could mean that the Launcher has become corrupted. Trash the Launcher control panel and reinstall it.
Otherwise, check for disk damage and/or reinstall the System and Finder files.

Error Code: -43, "File not found"
A requested file could not be located and retrieved.
If the file is not really missing, check for a possible disk damage.

Error Code: -97, "Port in use"
Most likely there is a problem with a serial port, either printer or modem, connection.
Simply turn off the serial port peripheral device and turn it back on again. Restart the computer and retry whatever caused the error at the first place. If the problem is still there, check for disk driver.

Error Code: -127, "Internal file system error"
The main cause is a corrupted Directory file.
Try repairing the disk with a repair utility. If the error persists, the disk might need a reformatting.

Error Code: -192, "Resource not found"
Most likely an application has become corrupted.
If it occurs with a specific application, trash the application and reinstall it. Otherwise check for a bug in an extension or control panel.