Systems and methods for managing errors that occur in operating system and software applications are disclosed where plug-in problem relief actuators are employed. The plug-in problem relief actuators are small plug-in programs for dealing with software errors. A typical system utilizes a relief manager that loads and invokes one or more problem relief actuators from an available arsenal in response to a request. The initiating request may either be user-directed or automated through software. Operating parameters for a particular error and relief actuator are received from descriptor data storage and/or a user query. Generic problem relief actuators for signaling event completion, subtask termination, subtask resumption, resource release and reserved device release can be used in addition to other custom actuators. Employing such a modular error response system reduces down time and the likelihood of data corruption or loss for critical software and accelerates the problem resolution.