This example from Windows XP might be the worst error message ever. It indicates that a program couldn't launch because Windows itself is in the process of shutting down. There is nothing the user can do about this or even wants to do about this (the user chose to shut Windows down, after all). And by displaying this error message, Windows prevents itself from shutting down!
The problem: The error message itself is the problem. Aside from dismissing the error message, there is nothing for users to do.
Leading cause: Reporting all error cases, regardless of users' goals or point of view.
Recommended alternative: Don't report errors that users don't care about.
"Success" error messages