diff --git a/ompi/mca/btl/openib/btl_openib_mca.c b/ompi/mca/btl/openib/btl_openib_mca.c
index 8c10aba39e..2fd13bf413 100644
--- a/ompi/mca/btl/openib/btl_openib_mca.c
+++ b/ompi/mca/btl/openib/btl_openib_mca.c
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  *                         University of Stuttgart.  All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2004-2005 The Regents of the University of California.
  *                         All rights reserved.
- * Copyright (c) 2006-2011 Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
+ * Copyright (c) 2006-2012 Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Mellanox Technologies. All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2006-2007 Los Alamos National Security, LLC.  All rights
  *                         reserved.
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ int btl_openib_register_mca_params(void)
         orte_show_help("help-mpi-btl-openib.txt",
                        "ibv_fork requested but not supported", true,
                        orte_process_info.nodename);
-        return OMPI_ERROR;
+        return OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM;
     }
 #endif
 
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ int btl_openib_register_mca_params(void)
         orte_show_help("help-mpi-btl-openib.txt",
                        "ibv_fork requested but not supported", true,
                        orte_process_info.nodename);
-        return OMPI_ERROR;
+        return OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM;
     }
     free(str);
 
@@ -646,6 +646,7 @@ int btl_openib_register_mca_params(void)
     }
     mca_btl_openib_component.memalign_threshold = (size_t)ival;
 #endif
+
     /* Register any MCA params for the connect pseudo-components */
     if (OMPI_SUCCESS == ret) {
         ret = ompi_btl_openib_connect_base_register();
diff --git a/ompi/tools/ompi_info/components.c b/ompi/tools/ompi_info/components.c
index f078ce08fb..2a656651fd 100644
--- a/ompi/tools/ompi_info/components.c
+++ b/ompi/tools/ompi_info/components.c
@@ -68,9 +68,6 @@
 
 
 #include "ompi/tools/ompi_info/ompi_info.h"
-/*
- * Public variables
- */
 
 
 /*
@@ -90,7 +87,7 @@ static bool opened_components = false;
 int ompi_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
                                   opal_pointer_array_t *component_map)
 {
-    int i;
+    int i, rc;
     char *env, *str;
     char *target, *save, *type;
     char **env_save=NULL;
@@ -121,8 +118,11 @@ int ompi_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     }
     
     /* Register the MPI layer's MCA parameters */
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_mpi_register_params()) {
-        str = "ompi_mpi_Register_params failed";
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_mpi_register_params())) {
+        str = "ompi_mpi_register_params";
+        if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+            goto breakout;
+        }
         goto error;
     }
     
@@ -131,123 +131,205 @@ int ompi_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     map->type = strdup("base");
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
     
-    /* set default error message from here forward */
-    str = "A component framework failed to open properly.";
-    
     /* MPI frameworks */
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_allocator_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_allocator_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "allocator open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("allocator");
     map->components = &mca_allocator_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_btl_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "allocator";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_btl_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "btl open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("btl");
     map->components = &mca_btl_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_coll_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "btl";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_coll_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "coll open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("coll");
     map->components = &mca_coll_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "coll";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
 #if OPAL_ENABLE_FT_CR == 1
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_crcp_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_crcp_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "crcp open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("crcp");
     map->components = &ompi_crcp_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "crcp";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 #endif
     
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_dpm_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_dpm_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "dpm open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("dpm");
     map->components = &ompi_dpm_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_fbtl_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "dpm";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_fbtl_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "fbtl open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("fbtl");
     map->components = &mca_fbtl_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "fbtl";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_fcoll_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_fcoll_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "fcoll open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("fcoll");
     map->components = &mca_fcoll_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "fcoll";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_fs_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_fs_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "fs open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("fs");
     map->components = &mca_fs_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "fs";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_io_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_io_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "io open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("io");
     map->components = &mca_io_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "io";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_mpool_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_mpool_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "mpool open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("mpool");
     map->components = &mca_mpool_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_mtl_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "mpool";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_mtl_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "mtl open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("mtl");
     map->components = &ompi_mtl_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    ompi_op_base_open();
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "mtl";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_op_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "op open";
+        goto error;
+    }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("op");
     map->components = &ompi_op_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_osc_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "op";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_osc_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "osc open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("osc");
     map->components = &ompi_osc_base_open_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_pml_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "osc";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_pml_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "pml open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("pml");
     map->components = &mca_pml_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "pml";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
     /* No need to call the bml_base_open() because the ob1 pml calls it.
      * mca_bml_base_open();
      */
@@ -256,49 +338,80 @@ int ompi_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     map->components = &mca_bml_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
     
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != ompi_pubsub_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = ompi_pubsub_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "pubsub open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("pubsub");
     map->components = &ompi_pubsub_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_rcache_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "pubsub";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_rcache_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "rcache open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("rcache");
     map->components = &mca_rcache_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_sharedfp_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "rcache";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_sharedfp_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "sharedfp open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("sharedfp");
     map->components = &mca_sharedfp_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_topo_base_open()) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "sharedfp";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_topo_base_open()) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "topo open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("topo");
     map->components = &mca_topo_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != mca_vprotocol_base_open(NULL)) {
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "topo";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_vprotocol_base_open(NULL)) &&
+        OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "vprotocol open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("vprotocol");
     map->components = &mca_vprotocol_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "vprotocol";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
     /* flag that we need to close components */
     need_close_components = true;
 
+ breakout:
     /* Restore the environment to what it was before we started so that
      * if users setenv OMPI_MCA_<framework name> to some value, they'll
      * see that value when it is shown via --param output.
@@ -310,18 +423,17 @@ int ompi_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
         }
     }
     
-    /* All done */
-    
-    opened_components = true;
-    return OMPI_SUCCESS;
-    
-error:
-    fprintf(stderr, "%s\n", str);
-    fprintf(stderr, "ompi_info will likely not display all configuration information\n");
-    if (need_close_components) {
-        opened_components = true;
-        ompi_info_close_components();
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc) {
+        fprintf(stderr, "\nA \"bad parameter\" error was encountered when opening the OMPI %s framework\n", str);
+        fprintf(stderr, "The output received from that framework includes the following parameters:\n\n");
     }
+
+    opened_components = true;
+    return rc;
+
+ error:
+    fprintf(stderr, "ompi_info_register: %s failed\n", str);
+    fprintf(stderr, "ompi_info will likely not display all configuration information\n");
     return OMPI_ERROR;
 }
 
@@ -338,12 +450,6 @@ void ompi_info_close_components()
      * error?
      */
         
-    /* close the OPAL components */
-    (void) opal_info_close_components();
-
-    /* close the ORTE components */
-    (void) orte_info_close_components();
-
 #if OPAL_ENABLE_FT_CR == 1
     (void) ompi_crcp_base_close();
 #endif
@@ -364,4 +470,7 @@ void ompi_info_close_components()
     (void) mca_coll_base_close();
     (void) mca_allocator_base_close();
     (void) ompi_osc_base_close();
+
+    /* close the ORTE components */
+    (void) orte_info_close_components();
 }
diff --git a/ompi/tools/ompi_info/ompi_info.c b/ompi/tools/ompi_info/ompi_info.c
index 9891319b55..e04defc602 100644
--- a/ompi/tools/ompi_info/ompi_info.c
+++ b/ompi/tools/ompi_info/ompi_info.c
@@ -137,17 +137,31 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     
     /* Register OPAL's params */
     if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (ret = opal_info_register_components(&mca_types, &component_map))) {
-        exit(ret);
+        if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == ret) {
+            /* output where the error occurred */
+            opal_info_err_params(&component_map);
+        }
+        exit(1);
     }
 
     /* Register ORTE's params */
     if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (ret = orte_info_register_components(&mca_types, &component_map))) {
-        exit(ret);
+        if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == ret) {
+            /* output what we got */
+            opal_info_do_params(true, opal_cmd_line_is_taken(ompi_info_cmd_line, "internal"),
+                                &mca_types, NULL);
+        }
+        exit(1);
     }
 
     /* Register OMPI's params */
     if (OMPI_SUCCESS != (ret = ompi_info_register_components(&mca_types, &component_map))) {
-        exit(ret);
+        if (OMPI_ERR_BAD_PARAM == ret) {
+            /* output what we got */
+            opal_info_do_params(true, opal_cmd_line_is_taken(ompi_info_cmd_line, "internal"),
+                                &mca_types, NULL);
+        }
+        exit(1);
     }
 
     /* Execute the desired action(s) */    
@@ -219,6 +233,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     OBJ_DESTRUCT(&component_map);
 
     opal_info_finalize();
+
+    /* Put our own call to opal_finalize_util() here because we called
+       it up above (and it refcounts) */
+    opal_finalize_util();
     
     return 0;
 }
diff --git a/opal/mca/base/mca_base_components_open.c b/opal/mca/base/mca_base_components_open.c
index 2feca0a605..1d69b5990b 100644
--- a/opal/mca/base/mca_base_components_open.c
+++ b/opal/mca/base/mca_base_components_open.c
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  *                         University of Stuttgart.  All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2004-2005 The Regents of the University of California.
  *                         All rights reserved.
- * Copyright (c) 2008      Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
+ * Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Los Alamos National Security, LLC.
  *                         All rights reserved.
  * $COPYRIGHT$
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@ static int open_components(const char *type_name, int output_id,
                                 component->mca_component_name);
         } else {
             ret = component->mca_register_component_params();
-            if (MCA_SUCCESS == ret) {
+            if (OPAL_SUCCESS == ret) {
                 registered = true;
                 opal_output_verbose(10, output_id, 
                                     "mca: base: components_open: "
@@ -427,7 +427,7 @@ static int open_components(const char *type_name, int output_id,
         } else {
             called_open = true;
             ret = component->mca_open_component();
-            if (MCA_SUCCESS == ret) {
+            if (OPAL_SUCCESS == ret) {
                 opened = true;
                 opal_output_verbose(10, output_id, 
                                     "mca: base: components_open: "
diff --git a/opal/mca/hwloc/base/hwloc_base_open.c b/opal/mca/hwloc/base/hwloc_base_open.c
index 344e8cccca..5d7e3c0828 100644
--- a/opal/mca/hwloc/base/hwloc_base_open.c
+++ b/opal/mca/hwloc/base/hwloc_base_open.c
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 /*
- * Copyright (c) 2011      Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
+ * Copyright (c) 2011-2012 Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
  * $COPYRIGHT$
  * 
  * Additional copyrights may follow
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ int opal_hwloc_base_open(void)
                 /* error - cannot redefine the default ranking policy */
                 opal_show_help("help-opal-hwloc-base.txt", "redefining-policy", true,
                                "core", opal_hwloc_base_print_binding(opal_hwloc_binding_policy));
-                return OPAL_ERR_SILENT;
+                return OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM;
             }
             OPAL_SET_BINDING_POLICY(opal_hwloc_binding_policy, OPAL_BIND_TO_CORE);
             opal_hwloc_binding_policy |= OPAL_BIND_GIVEN;
diff --git a/opal/mca/mca.h b/opal/mca/mca.h
index 643ca5969c..0eb6c8db02 100644
--- a/opal/mca/mca.h
+++ b/opal/mca/mca.h
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  *                         University of Stuttgart.  All rights reserved.
  * Copyright (c) 2004-2005 The Regents of the University of California.
  *                         All rights reserved.
- * Copyright (c) 2008      Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
+ * Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Cisco Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
  * $COPYRIGHT$
  * 
  * Additional copyrights may follow
@@ -110,8 +110,7 @@ typedef struct mca_base_module_2_0_0_t mca_base_module_2_0_0_t;
 /**
  * MCA component open function.
  *
- * @retval MCA_SUCCESS (or OPAL_SUCCESS or ORTE_SUCCESS or
- * OMPI_SUCCESS) This component can be used in the process.
+ * @retval OPAL_SUCCESS This component can be used in the process.
  *
  * @retval OPAL_ERR_NOT_AVAILABLE Silently ignore this component for
  * the duration of the process (it may even be unloaded from the
@@ -122,19 +121,19 @@ typedef struct mca_base_module_2_0_0_t mca_base_module_2_0_0_t;
  * be unloaded from the process).
  *
  * All MCA components can have an "open" function that is invoked once
- * per process, when the component is located and loaded.  This function
- * should register any MCA parameters (using
- * mca_base_param_register_int() and mca_base_param_register_string())
- * that will be used by the component.  Parameter registrations should
- * occur in this function because the ompi_info command can be used by
- * users to display all available MCA parameters (and their default
- * values).  However, the ompi_info command \em only invokes this open
- * function on all components (i.e., no other component API methods).
+ * per process, when the component is located and loaded.  
+ *
+ * This function should avoid registering MCA parameters (use the
+ * component "register" function for that; i.e.,
+ * mca_base_register_component_params_2_0_0_fn_t for that).  Legacy
+ * components still register MCA params in their component "open"
+ * function, but their authors should update them to use the component
+ * "register" function.
  *
  * This function can also be used to allocate any resources necessary
  * for the component (e.g., heap memory).
  *
- * This function should return MCA_SUCCESS if it wishes to remain
+ * This function should return OPAL_SUCCESS if it wishes to remain
  * loaded in the process.  Any other return value will cause the MCA
  * base to unload the component.  Although most components do not use
  * this mechanism to force themselves to be unloaded (because if they
@@ -145,14 +144,14 @@ typedef struct mca_base_module_2_0_0_t mca_base_module_2_0_0_t;
  * resources to allocate, and c) can always be used in a process
  * (albiet perhaps not selected), it may provide NULL for this
  * function.  In this cause, the MCA will act as if it called the open
- * function and it returned MCA_SUCCESS.
+ * function and it returned OPAL_SUCCESS.
  */
 typedef int (*mca_base_open_component_1_0_0_fn_t)(void);
 
 /** 
  * MCA component close function.
  *
- * @retval MCA_SUCCESS The component successfully shut down.
+ * @retval OPAL_SUCCESS The component successfully shut down.
  *
  * @retval any_other_value Some error occurred, but is likely to be
  * ignored.
@@ -168,7 +167,7 @@ typedef int (*mca_base_open_component_1_0_0_fn_t)(void);
  *
  * If the component has no resources to free, it may provide NULL for
  * this function.  In this case, the MCA will act as if it called the
- * close function and it returned MCA_SUCCESS.
+ * close function and it returned OPAL_SUCCESS.
  */
 typedef int (*mca_base_close_component_1_0_0_fn_t)(void);
 
@@ -194,8 +193,10 @@ typedef int (*mca_base_query_component_2_0_0_fn_t)(mca_base_module_2_0_0_t **mod
 /**
  * MCA component parameter registration function.
  *
- * @retval MCA_SUCCESS This component successfully registered its
+ * @retval OPAL_SUCCESS This component successfully registered its
  * parameters and can be used in this process.
+ * @retval OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM Indicates that the register function
+ * failed because an MCA parameter got an invalid/incorrect value.  
  *
  * @retval anything_else The MCA will ignore this component for the
  * duration of the process.
@@ -214,18 +215,27 @@ typedef int (*mca_base_query_component_2_0_0_fn_t)(mca_base_module_2_0_0_t **mod
  * function invoked on a component; component authors should take care
  * that no resources are leaked in this case.
  *
- * This function should return MCA_SUCCESS if it wishes to remain
+ * This function should return OPAL_SUCCESS if it wishes to remain
  * loaded in the process.  Any other return value will cause the MCA
  * base to unload the component.  Although most components do not use
  * this mechanism to force themselves to be unloaded (because if they
  * are immediately unloaded, ompi_info will not display them), the
  * mechanism is available should the need arise.
  *
+ * Note that if the function returns OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM, it is
+ * possible (likely?) that the component didn't register all of its
+ * parameters.  When this happens, ompi_info (and friends) will stop
+ * execution and print out all existing registered parameters from the
+ * entire framework (since ompi_info doesn't track individual
+ * component register failures).  This allows a user to know exactly
+ * what value is incorrect, and from where it was set (e.g., via an
+ * MCA params file).
+ *
  * If the component a) has no MCA parameters to register, b) no
  * resources to allocate, and c) can always be used in a process
  * (albiet perhaps not selected), it may provide NULL for this
  * function.  In this cause, the MCA will act as if it called the
- * registration function and it returned MCA_SUCCESS.
+ * registration function and it returned OPAL_SUCCESS.
  */
 typedef int (*mca_base_register_component_params_2_0_0_fn_t)(void);
 
@@ -334,28 +344,4 @@ typedef struct mca_base_component_data_2_0_0_t mca_base_component_data_2_0_0_t;
 #define MCA_BASE_VERSION_2_0_0 MCA_BASE_VERSION_MAJOR, MCA_BASE_VERSION_MINOR, MCA_BASE_VERSION_RELEASE
 
 
-/**
- * MCA return codes.
- */
-enum {
-  MCA_SUCCESS = 0,
-  /**< Success. */
-  MCA_ERROR = -1,
-  /**< General error. */
-  MCA_ERR_OUT_OF_RESOURCE = -2,
-  /**< Out of resources; a fatal error. */
-  MCA_ERR_TEMP_OUT_OF_RESOURCE = -3,
-  /**< Out of resources; try again later. */
-  MCA_ERR_BAD_PARAM = -5,
-  /**< Equivalent to MPI_ERR_ARG error code. */
-  MCA_ERR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED = -10,
-  /**< Returned by functions or functionality that has not yet been
-     implemented */
-  MCA_ERR_NOT_SUPPORTED = -11,
-  /**< Returned by functionality that is not supported. */
-
-  MCA_MAX_ERROR = -20
-  /**< Maximum error code. */
-};
-
 #endif /* OPAL_MCA_H */
diff --git a/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.c b/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.c
index c1983cce28..700b1064f9 100644
--- a/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.c
+++ b/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.c
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
 {
     opal_info_component_map_t *map;
     char *env, *str;
-    int i;
+    int i, rc;
     char *target, *save, *type;
     char **env_save=NULL;
 
@@ -278,52 +278,77 @@ int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     }
 
     /* some components require the event library be active, so activate it */
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_event_base_open()) {
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_event_base_open())) {
+        if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+            goto breakout;
+        }
         str = "opal_event_base_open";
         goto error;
     }
     
     /* Open the DSS */
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_dss_open()) {
-        str = "Unable to initialize the DSS";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_dss_open())) {
+        if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+            str = "opal_dss";
+            goto breakout;
+        }
+        str = "dss_open";
         goto error;
     }
     
     /* Register the OPAL layer's MCA parameters */
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_register_params()) {
-        str = "opal_register_params failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_register_params())) {
+        str = "opal_register_params";
+        if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+            goto breakout;
+        }
         goto error;
     }
 
     /* OPAL frameworks */
     
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_backtrace_base_open()) {
-        str = "backtrace open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_backtrace_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "backtrace open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("backtrace");
     map->components = &opal_backtrace_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "backtrace";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
 #if OPAL_ENABLE_FT_CR == 1
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_compress_base_open()) {
-        str = "compress open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_compress_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "compress open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("compress");
     map->components = &opal_compress_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "compress";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_crs_base_open()) {
-        str = "crs open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_crs_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "crs open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("crs");
     map->components = &opal_crs_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "crs";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 #endif
 
     /* the event framework is already open - just get its components */
@@ -333,24 +358,34 @@ int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
 
 #if OPAL_HAVE_HWLOC
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_hwloc_base_open()) {
-        str = "hwloc open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_hwloc_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "hwloc open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("hwloc");
     map->components = &opal_hwloc_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "hwloc";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 #endif
 
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_if_base_open()) {
-        str = "if open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_if_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "if open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("if");
     map->components = &opal_if_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "if";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
     /* OPAL's installdirs base open has already been called as part of
      * opal_init_util() back in main().
@@ -360,51 +395,76 @@ int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
     map->components = &opal_installdirs_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
 
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_memory_base_open()) {
-        str = "memory open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_memory_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "memory open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("memory");
     map->components = &opal_memory_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "memory";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_memcpy_base_open()) {
-        str = "memcpy open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_memcpy_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "memcpy open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("memcpy");
     map->components = &opal_memcpy_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "memcpy";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_memchecker_base_open()) {
-        str = "memchecker open failed";
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_memchecker_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "memchecker open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("memchecker");
     map->components = &opal_memchecker_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_shmem_base_open()) {
-        str = "shmem open failed";
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "memchecker";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_shmem_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "shmem open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("shmem");
     map->components = &opal_shmem_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != opal_timer_base_open()) {
-        str = "timer open failed";
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "shmem";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (OPAL_SUCCESS != (rc = opal_timer_base_open()) &&
+        OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "timer open";
         goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("timer");
     map->components = &opal_timer_base_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "timer";
+    }
+
+ breakout:
     /* Restore the environment to what it was before we started so that
      * if users setenv OMPI_MCA_<framework name> to some value, they'll
      * see that value when it is shown via --param output.
@@ -416,13 +476,19 @@ int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
         }
     }
     
-    return OPAL_SUCCESS;
+    if (OPAL_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc) {
+        fprintf(stderr, "\nA \"bad parameter\" error was encountered when opening the OPAL %s framework.\n", str);
+        fprintf(stderr, "The output received from that framework includes the following parameters:\n\n");
+    }
+
+    return rc;
 
  error:
-    fprintf(stderr, "opal_info_register: %s\n", str);
+    fprintf(stderr, "opal_info_register: %s failed\n", str);
     return OPAL_ERROR;
 }
 
+
 void opal_info_close_components(void)
 {
     (void) opal_backtrace_base_close();
@@ -440,10 +506,11 @@ void opal_info_close_components(void)
     (void) opal_event_base_close();
         
     /* Do not call OPAL's installdirs close; it will be handled in
-     * opal_finalize_util().
+     * opal_finalize_util().  Ditto for opal_if_base_close().
      */
 }
 
+
 void opal_info_show_path(const char *type, const char *value)
 {
     char *pretty, *path;
@@ -573,8 +640,8 @@ void opal_info_do_params(bool want_all_in, bool want_internal,
     if (want_all_in) {
         want_all = true;
     } else {
-        /* See if the special param "all" was givin to --param; that
-         * superceeds any individual type
+        /* See if the special param "all" was given to --param; that
+         * supercedes any individual type
          */
         count = opal_cmd_line_get_ninsts(opal_info_cmd_line, p);
         for (i = 0; i < count; ++i) {
@@ -628,6 +695,27 @@ void opal_info_do_params(bool want_all_in, bool want_internal,
     mca_base_param_dump_release(info);
 }
 
+void opal_info_err_params(opal_pointer_array_t *component_map)
+{
+    opal_info_component_map_t *map, *mptr;
+    int i;
+    opal_list_t *info=NULL;
+
+    /* all we want to do is display the LAST entry in the
+     * component_map array as this is the one that generated the error
+     */
+    for (i=0; i < component_map->size; i++) {
+        if (NULL == (mptr = (opal_info_component_map_t*)opal_pointer_array_get_item(component_map, i))) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        map = mptr;
+    }
+    mca_base_param_dump(&info, true);
+    opal_info_show_mca_params(info, map->type, opal_info_component_all, true);
+    fprintf(stderr, "\n");
+    return;
+}
+
 void opal_info_show_mca_params(opal_list_t *info,
                                const char *type, const char *component, 
                                bool want_internal)
@@ -640,7 +728,7 @@ void opal_info_show_mca_params(opal_list_t *info,
     mca_base_param_source_t source;
     char *src_file;
     
-    for (i = opal_list_get_first(info); i != opal_list_get_last(info);
+    for (i = opal_list_get_first(info); i != opal_list_get_end(info);
          i = opal_list_get_next(i)) {
         p = (mca_base_param_info_t*) i;
         
diff --git a/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.h b/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.h
index 7a35ecd779..f733b2cc3d 100644
--- a/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.h
+++ b/opal/runtime/opal_info_support.h
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ OPAL_DECLSPEC int opal_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
                                                 opal_pointer_array_t *component_map);
 
 OPAL_DECLSPEC void opal_info_close_components(void);
+OPAL_DECLSPEC void opal_info_err_params(opal_pointer_array_t *component_map);
 
 OPAL_DECLSPEC void opal_info_do_params(bool want_all_in, bool want_internal,
                                        opal_pointer_array_t *mca_type,
diff --git a/orte/runtime/orte_info_support.c b/orte/runtime/orte_info_support.c
index 73011d0085..e7c2d0dfbc 100644
--- a/orte/runtime/orte_info_support.c
+++ b/orte/runtime/orte_info_support.c
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ int orte_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
 {
     opal_info_component_map_t *map;
     char *env, *str;
-    int i;
+    int i, rc;
     char *target, *save, *type;
     char **env_save=NULL;
 
@@ -113,157 +113,262 @@ int orte_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
         free(env);
     }
 
-     /* Set orte_process_info.proc_type to HNP to force all frameworks to
+    /* Set orte_process_info.proc_type to HNP to force all frameworks to
      * open components
      */
     orte_process_info.proc_type = ORTE_PROC_HNP;
 
     /* Register the ORTE layer's MCA parameters */
     
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_register_params()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_register_params()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "orte_register_params";
+        goto error;
     }
     
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_db_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_db_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "db_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("db");
     map->components = &orte_db_base.available_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_errmgr_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "db";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_errmgr_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "errmgr_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("errmgr");
     map->components = &orte_errmgr_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_ess_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "errmgr";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_ess_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "ess_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("ess");
     map->components = &orte_ess_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_filem_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "ess";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_filem_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "filem_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("filem");
     map->components = &orte_filem_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "filem";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_grpcomm_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_grpcomm_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "grpcomm_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("grpcomm");
     map->components = &orte_grpcomm_base.components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_iof_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "grpcomm";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_iof_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "iof_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("iof");
     map->components = &orte_iof_base.iof_components_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_odls_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "iof";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_odls_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "odls_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("odls");
     map->components = &orte_odls_base.available_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != mca_oob_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "odls";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = mca_oob_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "oob_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("oob");
     map->components = &mca_oob_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_plm_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "oob";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_plm_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "plm_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("plm");
     map->components = &orte_plm_base.available_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "plm";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_ras_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_ras_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "ras_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("ras");
     map->components = &orte_ras_base.ras_opened;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_rmaps_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "ras";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_rmaps_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "rmaps_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("rmaps");
     map->components = &orte_rmaps_base.available_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_routed_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "rmaps";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_routed_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "routed_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("routed");
     map->components = &orte_routed_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_rml_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "routed";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_rml_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "rml_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("rml");
     map->components = &orte_rml_base_components;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
-    
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "rml";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
+
 #if ORTE_ENABLE_SENSORS
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_sensor_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_sensor_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "sensor_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("sensor");
     map->components = &mca_sensor_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "sensor";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 #endif
     
 #if OPAL_ENABLE_FT_CR == 1
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_snapc_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_snapc_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "snapc_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("snapc");
     map->components = &orte_snapc_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "snapc";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_sstore_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_sstore_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "sstore_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("sstore");
     map->components = &orte_sstore_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "sstore";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 #endif
     
-    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != orte_state_base_open()) {
-        return ORTE_ERROR;
+    if (ORTE_SUCCESS != (rc = orte_state_base_open()) &&
+        ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM != rc) {
+        str = "state_base_open";
+        goto error;
     }
     map = OBJ_NEW(opal_info_component_map_t);
     map->type = strdup("state");
     map->components = &orte_state_base_components_available;
     opal_pointer_array_add(component_map, map);
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc)  {
+        str = "state";
+        goto breakout;
+    }
 
+ breakout:
     /* Restore the environment to what it was before we started so that
      * if users setenv OMPI_MCA_<framework name> to some value, they'll
      * see that value when it is shown via --param output.
@@ -274,7 +379,17 @@ int orte_info_register_components(opal_pointer_array_t *mca_types,
             putenv(env_save[i]);
         }
     }
-    return ORTE_SUCCESS;
+
+    if (ORTE_ERR_BAD_PARAM == rc) {
+        fprintf(stderr, "\nA \"bad parameter\" error was encountered when opening the ORTE %s framework\n", str);
+        fprintf(stderr, "The output received from that framework includes the following parameters:\n\n");
+    }
+
+    return rc;
+
+ error:
+    fprintf(stderr, "orte_info_register: %s failed\n", str);
+    return ORTE_ERROR;
 }
 
 void orte_info_close_components(void)
diff --git a/orte/tools/orte-info/components.c b/orte/tools/orte-info/components.c
index 6f857787db..a09a5ad8fc 100644
--- a/orte/tools/orte-info/components.c
+++ b/orte/tools/orte-info/components.c
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 #include "orte/runtime/runtime.h"
 
 #include "opal/util/argv.h"
-
+#include "opal/runtime/opal_info_support.h"
 #include "opal/mca/event/base/base.h"
 #include "opal/util/output.h"
 #include "opal/mca/base/base.h"
@@ -528,6 +528,9 @@ void orte_info_close_components()
             }
         }
         OBJ_DESTRUCT(&component_map);
+
+        /* close the OPAL components */
+        (void) opal_info_close_components();
     }
     
     opened_components = false;