30.9 Dealing with Emacs Trouble

This section describes various conditions in which Emacs fails to work normally, and how to recognize them and correct them. For a list of additional problems you might encounter, see Bugs and problems, and the file etc/PROBLEMS in the Emacs distribution. Type C-h F to read the FAQ; type C-h P to read the PROBLEMS file.

• DEL Does Not Delete: What to do if <DEL> doesn't delete.
• Stuck Recursive: `[...]' in mode line around the parentheses.
• Screen Garbled: Garbage on the screen.
• Text Garbled: Garbage in the text.
• Unasked-for Search: Spontaneous entry to incremental search.
• Memory Full: How to cope when you run out of memory.
• After a Crash: Recovering editing in an Emacs session that crashed.
• Emergency Escape: Emergency escape--- What to do if Emacs stops responding.
• Total Frustration: When you are at your wits' end.