Stupid Error Messages

We’ve all come across products with error messages that make us shake our heads in disbelief that any programmer or engineer could be so unbelievably dense. I thought that the Windows application message “An Unexpected Error Has Occurred” could be the best but this morning I found one that if not better is at least equal. I own a Motorola RAZR V3 and as usual I switched it off last night and plugged it into the charger. This morning I disconnect it, flip it open, and I’m greeted with the message “Cannot charge.” Better still the phone could not be switched off — I had to take the battery out to do that. Once I replaced the battery it started up fine. I’ve read that a bad battery can cause this problem but my phone’s doesn’t appear to be failing. I suspect that the battery was almost full and it may be that trying to charge an already charged RAZR when it is switched off is what causes the problem but the error message and the fact that the phone can’t be powered down is retarded. I’m certain that there are worse messages out there that support really bad engineering decisions … anyone care to offer up their favorites?