Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

Messages

When explaining a message, include the situation in which the message occurs, the message text, and what the user should do to continue. Do not use special formatting (such as monospace or bold) or title capitalization to set off messages from surrounding text unless specified in your product style guide. Instead, set the text off on a separate line or enclose it in quotation marks, as appropriate.

Programs use four types of messages:

• Errors

• Warnings

• Confirmations

• Notifications

Errors

An error message alerts a user about a problem that has already occurred. Error messages can be presented by using modal dialog boxes, in-place messages, notifications, or balloons.

When referring to errors, follow these guidelines:

• In content for a general audience, ...