What Is a Script Error?

To fix a script error, make sure your browser isn't blocking Java or ActiveX, delete temp files, allow pop-ups, and update your software

A script error occurs when the instructions from a script can't be executed correctly for some reason. Here are some example script error messages:

  • Errors on this webpage might cause it to work incorrectly.
  • A Runtime Error has occurred. Do you wish to debug?
  • An error has occurred in the script on this page.

Script errors occur most often in web browsers when they can't execute JavaScript or VBScript (or another scripting language) instructions from a web page, but they can happen in desktop applications, too.

Causes of Script Errors

A common reason for scripting errors is that an error has occurred behind the scenes, either on the web server for errors in a web browser or on the programming end of a software program.

Incorrect code implementation or some other bad configuration on the software side isn't your problem to fix. The best thing to do in that situation is to wait for an update from the developer.

However, scripting errors can also be due to something happening on your end, like with your own software program or operating system that's unable to load the script correctly. For example, there might be a setting in your web browser that's blocking scripts, or your security software might be treating a harmless script as if it's a threat that needs to be deleted.

Script errors were most commonly seen in Internet Explorer or in an application that used it to access the internet or run local scripts. While Microsoft Edge has replaced IE, some of the same problems can crop up. The fixes are also the same or very similar.

How to Fix Script Errors

The quickest way to stop getting script errors is to simply switch browsers. Use something like Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. However, doing that doesn't actually solve the script error.

Follow these steps in order, checking after each one to see if you still get the error:

  1. Make sure your PC isn't blocking important scripting features.

    This means checking that you haven't turned off ActiveX scripting and that your browser isn't blocking Java or ActiveX. Certain security settings will prevent ActiveX and Java from running properly, which can affect the usability of the web page that's running the script.

  2. Delete temporary internet files.

    Temporary files are cached on your computer so that you can revisit websites quicker, but a cache that's too large or one that's storing corrupted data can result in script errors.

  3. Allow for pop-ups in your browser.

    A pop-up blocker is extremely useful most of the time, but might actually be causing script errors if the script isn't given enough time to run because the browser is preventing pop-ups.

    All web browsers let you control the pop-up blocker settings. If you turn off the blocker, then pop-ups will be allowed to run again.

  4. Update your software.

    Outdated software might be what's causing the specific script error that you're seeing. This might be because the website or program showing the error, has a minimum requirement that your computer doesn't meet, or because a script error was corrected through an update that you never received.

    You should always keep Windows up to date. Update your third-party programs if they're getting script errors. A free software updater tool is one easy way to do this.

  5. Check your security software.

    It's possible that your antivirus program or firewall application is blocking scripts or ActiveX controls from running normally. Temporarily turn off both to see if you still get the script error.

    Something else to look for with your antivirus scanner is whether it's configured to check for viruses in folders that your web browser uses to keep temporary files. If so, the scanner might incorrectly identify scripts as malware, and quarantine or delete them before they can run. Add a folder exclusion if your app allows it.

  6. Reset all of your browser's settings.

    There could be a number of settings or add-ons causing scripting errors in your browser. The easiest way to return all of those settings to their defaults is to reset it.

    How this works is similar between all the major browsers. We have a guide for Chrome [How to Reset Chrome] and Edge [How to Reset Microsoft Edge].

    An alternative method is to see if just a single add-on is causing the script error, which you can do through browser preferences or settings. Disable add-ons one at a time and test for the script error after each one.

How to Turn Off Scripting Errors

The average user doesn't actually need to see script errors. This is especially true if the error doesn't prevent you from using the website or program normally.

You can safely turn off script errors like this:

  1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows Key and then the key.

  2. Enter the inetcpl.cpl command to launch Internet Properties.

  3. Open the tab called Advanced.

  4. Scroll down until you find the Browsing section, and then look for these three settings (what you see will depend on the OS you're using):

    • Make sure Disable script debugging options have a check next to them.
    • Just below those options, double-check that Display a notification about every script error is not checked (so that you won't see notifications about script errors.)
    Internet Properties advanced options

    These are the default settings for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

  5. Press OK to save the changes.

FAQ
  • Why do I see script errors when printing?

    Scripting errors when printing can be caused by bad drivers, so update the drivers for your printer.

  • What is a runtime error?

    A runtime error occurs while a program is running or when you first attempt to start the application. The error sometimes goes away on its own by simply reopening the app, but if not, there are a number of things you can try to fix a runtime error.

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