US Patent 7987450 Stack-based problem identification for a software component

A solution for managing one or more problems in a software component is provided. The solution includes generating an identifier for each problem based on a call stack for the execution of the software component when the problem occurs. The identifier and a text message for the problem can be displayed to a user. The user can use the identifier to obtain information on the problem and/or one or more updates that address the problem. In one embodiment, the identifier comprises a hash value of the call stack, which is likely to result in a unique value for each possible call stack. In this manner, the identifier will likely provide a unique identifier for each problem.