In a computer system, a method and system for allowing customization of data collection in the event of a system error is described. In one embodiment, a Program Registration Table (PRT) contains entries associating a program name with an executable file and associated parameters. Additionally, an Error Matrix (EM) includes entries specifying which program(s) in the PRT to execute in response to a particular system error. In the event of a system error, the program(s) to execute is determined by examining the entries in the EM. The program(s) is then executed. The output from the program(s) executed may then be sent offsite for analysis. Changing the behavior of the machine in the event of a system error may be accomplished by updating entries in the PRT and EM, without the need to change any code on the system.