If the System is not starting up so that you can access the minidump file, you will need to use a Bootable Recovery CD, to be able to gain access to the minidump files.
You will need to copy the minidump files from a non functioning System, to a System that has WinDBG installed to enable you to debug the information.
Follow the instructions below to create the CD.
This Recovery CD will work for Windows XP and Windows Vista:
Creating a Windows Vista Recovery CD
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=622You can then use the command console to copy the files to a USB drive or memory stick.
Boot from the Vista CD and on the first screen click Next, click Repair your computer, click Next and select Command Prompt. Type in the text below and press enter:
copy C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\*.dmp (drive letter)f: or (drive letter)f:\folder name
Tip! the USB device that you are writing to will have to be formatted as FAT32.
