Could You Repeat That in English?
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/web/library/us-cranky14.html?dwzone=web

Seebach, Peter
IBM
2002

Abstract:

Frequently, error messages are totally uninformative -- or, worse, just plain wrong. Here, we look at how meaningful error messages can make it easier for users to correct problems without having to rely on technical support, and how poorly chosen messages can turn users into ex-users.