May 1, 2006 - Using {Ctrl-C} to Copy Error Dialog Text to the Clipboard

Did you know that you can use {Ctrl-C} to capture the text of some error dialogs to the clipboard?

Try this:

• Start Notepad
• Type some text
• Select File, Exit from the menu
• When the confirmation dialog appears, hold down the Ctrl key and press C
• Click the Cancel button to cancel the Exit
• Select Edit, Paste from the menu

You should see something like this:

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Notepad
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The text in the Untitled file has changed.

Do you want to save the changes?
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Yes   No   Cancel  
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I use this technique to easily copy error messages into my bug reports.

I also use this technique in some of my Test Automation Scripts.